Arkansas requires you to contact the Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and sometimes pass a written test or vision screening before your license becomes valid again

The path to reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. Arkansas suspends licenses for reasons ranging from unpaid traffic tickets and child support arrears to DUI convictions and accumulating too many points. Each reason has different requirements, timelines, and costs. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take specific action before you can drive legally again.

The Driver Services Division, part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate your license online or by mail in most cases — you must visit a Driver Services office in person or work through an authorized third-party vendor. Knowing which office serves your county and what documents to bring saves time and prevents rejected applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Driver Services Division to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked, because each reason has different reinstatement steps and costs.
  • Most reinstatements require you to visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of residence, and payment for reinstatement fees.
  • If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, child support, or court costs, you must pay those debts or show proof of a payment plan before reinstatement.
  • Some suspensions require you to pass a written test, vision screening, or both before your license is restored.
  • Reinstatement fees in Arkansas typically range from $100 to $200 depending on the reason for suspension, plus any outstanding fines or court costs.

Why your license was suspended and what that means for reinstatement

Arkansas suspends or revokes licenses for different violations, and the reason determines what you must do to get it back. A suspension is temporary — your license becomes valid again after you meet certain conditions or after a waiting period ends. A revocation is more serious and usually requires you to reapply for a new license after a minimum period has passed.

Common suspension reasons include accumulating 12 or more points within three years, driving with a suspended license, failing to pay traffic fines or court costs, owing child support, and DUI or refusal to take a breath test. Each carries its own fee structure and additional requirements. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires payment before reinstatement, while a suspension for too many points may require you to pass a written test on traffic laws.

Contact the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 or visit a local office to confirm the exact reason your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. Having this information before you gather documents or pay fees prevents wasted trips and money.

Documents and information you need to bring

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card — and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved since your license was suspended, bring documents showing your new address.

If your suspension was for unpaid fines, bring proof of payment or a letter from the court showing you have entered a payment plan. If you owe child support, bring documentation from the Arkansas Department of Human Services showing your account is current or that you have an approved payment arrangement. If your suspension was for a DUI or refusal, bring any court documents related to that case.

Bring your Social Security number and your current driver's license if you still have it. If your license was lost or destroyed, tell the Driver Services staff when you arrive — they can issue a replacement as part of the reinstatement process.

Reinstatement fees and what they cover

Arkansas charges a reinstatement fee separate from any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support you owe. The reinstatement fee itself typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for accumulating points costs less than a suspension for DUI or driving with a suspended license.

You must pay the reinstatement fee in full at the time you explore — Driver Services does not accept payment plans for the reinstatement fee itself. However, if you owe traffic fines or court costs, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court rather than paying the full amount upfront. Contact the court that issued the fine to ask about payment plan options.

If your suspension was related to child support arrears, you may need to pay a portion of what you owe or show proof of an approved payment plan with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The exact amount depends on your case and your payment history.

Testing requirements for certain suspension types

If your license was suspended for accumulating 12 or more points, you must pass a written test on Arkansas traffic laws and safe driving practices before reinstatement. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and other topics from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide. You can read the study guide from the Driver Services website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services office.

If your suspension was for a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, you may also be required to pass a vision screening and provide proof that you have completed a DUI education program. Some DUI suspensions require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle before you can drive. The court order related to your DUI will specify whether this applies to you.

You do not need to retake the driving test (the road test) for most suspensions. However, if your license was revoked rather than suspended, you will need to pass both the written and driving tests when you reapply for a new license after the revocation period ends.

Where to go and how to schedule an appointment

The Driver Services Division operates offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, and Hot Springs. You can visit any office regardless of where you live. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours.

You do not need an appointment for most reinstatement requests, but calling ahead to confirm current hours and any temporary closures is wise. The main office in Little Rock can be reached at 501-682-7060. If you prefer not to visit an office in person, you can use an authorized third-party vendor — private businesses licensed by Arkansas to handle certain Driver Services transactions. Vendors charge a fee on top of the state reinstatement fee, typically $10 to $25.

Bring all required documents and payment in one visit. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if everything is in order. Your reinstated license will be issued on the spot in most cases, though some complex suspensions may require a few days for processing.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Arkansas is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony with a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and up to one year in prison.

If you are stopped while your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face additional towing and storage fees. These costs can exceed $500 before you even address the underlying suspension. Getting your license reinstated before you drive again protects you from these penalties and keeps you and others on the road safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take after I submit my process?

If all your documents are in order and you pay the reinstatement fee in full, your license is usually reinstated the same day you visit the Driver Services office. In some cases involving DUI suspensions or complex situations, processing may take a few business days. The staff will tell you when to expect your reinstated license.

Can I drive to the Driver Services office if my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even to reach the office to reinstate it. Arrange a ride with someone else, use a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transportation. If you are stopped while driving to the office, you will face criminal charges.

What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee and outstanding fines at the same time?

Contact the court that issued the fines to ask about a payment plan for those fines. The reinstatement fee itself must be paid in full at the time of reinstatement. Once you have a payment plan in place for the fines, you can pay the reinstatement fee and have your license restored.

Do I need to retake the driving test to reinstate my license?

No, not for most suspensions. You only need to retake the written test if your suspension was for accumulating too many points. If your license was revoked rather than suspended, you will need to pass both the written and driving tests when you reapply for a new license after the revocation period ends.

What if I moved out of state while my license was suspended?

You can still reinstate your Arkansas license by visiting a Driver Services office or using an authorized third-party vendor. You will need to provide proof of your current address, even if it is outside Arkansas. Once reinstated, your Arkansas license remains valid for driving in other states.