What happens when you reinstate your license in Arkansas
Reinstating your Arkansas driver's license means getting it back after the state has suspended or revoked it. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DWI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has different steps, different fees, and different waiting periods.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division (which handles driver's licenses) does not automatically restore your license once a suspension ends. You have to request reinstatement, and you often have to prove you have fixed the underlying problem — paid the ticket, completed a DWI program, or settled the child support debt. Until you do, your license stays suspended.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Arkansas Revenue Division to find out the specific reason your license was suspended, because the reinstatement process is different for each reason.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150) plus any fines or restitution related to the original violation.
- DWI suspensions require completion of an alcohol education program and an SR-22 insurance certificate before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your suspension status and reason online through the Arkansas Revenue Division website or by calling their driver services line.
- Reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks after you submit all required documents and fees, but you cannot drive legally until the state confirms your license is active.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. Arkansas suspends licenses for different violations, and each one has its own reinstatement path. Common reasons include accumulating 12 or more points within three years, failing to pay a traffic fine or court costs, a DWI or DUI conviction, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support.
Contact the Arkansas Revenue Division driver services line at 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, and what you must do to reinstate. You can also check your status online at the Arkansas Revenue Division website by logging into your account or searching your license status.
Write down or take a screenshot of the reason and any specific requirements the representative gives you. This information determines what documents you need to gather and what fees you will owe.
Pay fines, restitution, and court costs
If your suspension is tied to an unpaid traffic ticket, unpaid court costs, or a fine, you must pay the full amount before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine — the Revenue Division representative can tell you which court — and ask for the exact balance owed. Some courts accept payment by phone or online; others require you to pay in person or by mail.
Keep a receipt or confirmation number showing the payment was received. The court may take several business days to report the payment to the Arkansas Revenue Division, so do not expect your license to be reinstated the same day you pay. Once the court notifies the state, the suspension will be lifted, but you still need to request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts will work with you on a schedule, though your license will remain suspended until the entire balance is paid.
Complete DWI requirements if applicable
If your suspension is due to a DWI or DUI conviction, reinstatement requires two things: completion of an alcohol education program and proof of SR-22 insurance. You cannot skip either step.
First, you must complete an alcohol education program approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The program is usually a classroom course that runs 8 to 12 hours, though some are online. You pay for the program directly (cost varies by provider, typically $100 to $300). Once you finish, the program provider sends a certificate of completion to you and to the Arkansas Revenue Division.
Second, you must obtain an SR-22 certificate from your auto insurance company. This is proof that you carry the minimum required liability insurance. Call your current insurance company or contact a new one and ask for an SR-22. The company files it directly with the Arkansas Revenue Division. There is usually a small fee ($15 to $25) for the SR-22 filing, though some companies include it at no extra charge.
You cannot reinstate your license until both the alcohol education certificate and the SR-22 are on file with the state. Once both are received, you can proceed with paying the reinstatement fee.
Submit the reinstatement request and fee
After you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, completed the DWI program, or settled the child support debt — you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee in Arkansas is typically $100 to $150, depending on the suspension reason. Some suspensions have a lower fee; others are higher.
You can request reinstatement by mail, in person, or online. To request by mail, send a letter to the Arkansas Revenue Division, Driver Services Section, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the issue (court receipt, program certificate, or insurance documentation), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee payable to the Arkansas Revenue Division.
To request in person, visit a Revenue Division office. The main office is at 1900 West Seventh Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Bring your ID, proof of resolution, and payment. To request online, visit the Arkansas Revenue Division website and follow the reinstatement portal if your suspension type allows online processing. Not all suspension types can be handled online, so check first or call the driver services line.
Wait for confirmation and check your status
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the Arkansas Revenue Division typically processes it within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail showing your new license status. Do not assume your license is active until you receive this letter or confirm it online.
You can check your status online at the Arkansas Revenue Division website or by calling 501-682-7060. Once your license shows as active, you can legally drive. If you need a physical replacement license card (because your old one expired or was damaged), you can request one at the same time as reinstatement or afterward at any Revenue Division office.
If your reinstatement request is denied, the state will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, unpaid balances still on file, or failure to meet a requirement (such as not completing the DWI program). Contact the Revenue Division to find out what is missing and resubmit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Arkansas Revenue Division confirms reinstatement in writing or online. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for official confirmation before you drive.
What if I have multiple reasons for suspension?
You must resolve all of them before reinstatement. Call the Revenue Division and ask for a complete list of every suspension on your record. Pay all fines, complete all programs, and submit all required documents. The state will not reinstate until every issue is cleared.
Do I have to take a new driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. Reinstatement typically requires only payment and proof of resolution. However, if your license was suspended for a medical reason or if you have been without a license for an extended period, the state may require a new written or road test. The Revenue Division will tell you if this applies to you.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension is lifted and you can drive legally again. However, the suspension and the reason for it remain part of your driving record. Insurance companies and employers may see it. Points from traffic violations typically fall off your record after three years, but a DWI conviction stays on your record much longer.
What if I move out of Arkansas after my suspension?
You can still reinstate your Arkansas license from another state by mail. Send your request, proof of resolution, and fee to the address listed above. If you want to get a license in your new state instead, you will need to surrender your Arkansas license and follow that state's process. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for details.