How to reinstate your Arkansas driver's license
To reinstate your Arkansas driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, and pay the reinstatement fee — currently $100 for most suspensions. You will also need to resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place, whether that is paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying a child support obligation. The process takes about two weeks once you have met all requirements and submitted payment.
The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets requires different action than a suspension for a DUI conviction or for failure to maintain car insurance. Before you contact Driver Services, find out the reason for your suspension so you know what to fix first.
Key Takeaways
- You must pay a $100 reinstatement fee to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, plus resolve the underlying reason for suspension.
- The reason for suspension — unpaid fines, insurance lapse, DUI, child support — determines what you must do before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, or by calling Driver Services directly.
- Reinstatement usually takes about two weeks after you meet all requirements and submit payment, but you cannot drive legally until your license is officially reinstated.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Arkansas suspends licenses for several reasons, and you need to know which one applies to you before you can move forward. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to maintain liability insurance, DUI or DWI conviction, failure to pay child support, and failure to appear in court for a traffic violation.
You can check your suspension status online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. If you prefer to speak with someone, call the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060. Have your license number ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
Resolving the underlying cause of suspension
You cannot reinstate your license until the reason for suspension is resolved. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket and ask what you owe. Payment can usually be made by phone, online, or in person.
If suspension was due to a lapsed insurance policy, you must obtain a new liability insurance policy and provide proof to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Insurance companies can file proof of coverage electronically, so ask your agent to do that rather than handling it yourself — it is faster and more reliable.
For DUI or DWI suspensions, you may be required to complete a substance abuse treatment program or a DUI education course before reinstatement is possible. The court that handled your case will specify what is required. Some suspensions also include a mandatory waiting period that must pass before you can reinstate, even after other requirements are met.
If suspension was for failure to pay child support, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once you have made an arrangement or paid in full, notify Driver Services that the issue has been resolved.
Submitting your reinstatement request and fee
Once you have resolved the underlying cause, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to submit your reinstatement request. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person at a Driver Services office. The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions, though some administrative suspensions may have different fees — ask when you call.
If you are mailing your request, send it to the Driver Services Division at P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and proof that you have resolved the cause of suspension — such as a receipt showing fines paid, proof of insurance, or a letter from the child support office confirming payment. Include a check or money order for $100 payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
If you prefer to handle this in person, visit a Driver Services office in your area. Locations are listed on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Bring your driver's license, proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and payment. Processing is usually faster in person.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, Driver Services will review your file to confirm that all requirements have been met. This review typically takes about two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot drive legally, even if you have paid the fee.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive written confirmation by mail. Your license will be reinstated on the date shown in that letter. You do not need to take a new photo or retake a test unless your license has expired for other reasons.
If your reinstatement is denied, the letter will explain why and what additional steps you need to take. Common reasons for denial include incomplete proof that the underlying issue was resolved or discovery of another reason for suspension that you were not aware of. Contact Driver Services to clarify what is needed.
Reinstating a license suspended for multiple reasons
If your license was suspended for more than one reason — for example, unpaid fines and a lapsed insurance policy — you must resolve all of them before reinstatement is possible. Check with Driver Services about each reason and what proof is needed for each one. Submit all proof together with your reinstatement request to avoid delays.
Some suspensions stack, meaning one suspension is lifted but another remains in effect. This is common when someone has both a court-ordered suspension and an administrative suspension from the Department of Finance and Administration. Ask Driver Services whether your suspension is single or multiple so you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until Driver Services officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the $100 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Driver Services Division to ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices may work with you, though this is not may provide. The fee must be paid before reinstatement can occur, so if a plan is not possible, you will need to save the money before you can proceed.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No, unless your license has expired for reasons unrelated to the suspension. Reinstatement restores your existing license. If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it, which may include a new photo and written test depending on how long it has been expired.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Suspension records remain on your driving record permanently, but they do not prevent you from reinstating your license once requirements are met. Insurance companies and employers may see the suspension history, so it can affect your rates or job prospects even after reinstatement.
What if I moved out of state — can I still reinstate my Arkansas license?
Yes. You can handle reinstatement by mail or phone from anywhere. Send your request and proof of resolution to the Driver Services Division address, or call 501-682-7060 to submit your request over the phone. You do not need to be in Arkansas to reinstate your license.