Getting a replacement Arkansas driver's license when yours is lost

To replace a lost driver's license in Arkansas, you go to your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. You cannot do this by mail or online — Arkansas requires you to appear in person and pass a vision test.

Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license and will be valid until your current expiration date. If your license has also expired, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs more and requires a written test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DFA driver services office in person with proof of identity and proof of Arkansas residency to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you will need to pass a vision test on the day you visit.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form.
  • If your license has expired, you will pay an additional renewal fee and take a written knowledge test along with the vision test.
  • Most DFA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

What documents to bring to the DFA office

Bring one form of photo identification that is currently valid. This can be a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two non-photo documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.

You also need proof that you live in Arkansas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your physical address, not just a mailing address.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you do not have your Social Security card, a recent tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form will work. You will also need to know your current address, date of birth, and the date your license was lost or when you last saw it.

Finding your nearest DFA driver services office

Arkansas has DFA driver services offices in most counties. The main office is in Little Rock, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. The DFA website lists all office locations, phone numbers, and hours.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices have walk-in hours, but others take appointments only, and hours change seasonally. A phone call takes two minutes and tells you whether you can walk in that day or need to schedule a time. This also lets you ask whether the office has a long wait or is usually quick.

If you live far from any office, some county courthouses and sheriff's offices can take your photo and process paperwork, though they still send it to the DFA for final approval. Ask your local courthouse whether they offer this service.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A replacement license costs $20 in Arkansas. You pay this fee when you visit the office. The DFA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If your license has also expired, you will pay an additional $25 renewal fee at the same time.

If you lost your license and it has not yet expired, you pay only the $20 replacement fee. If your license expired more than 180 days ago, you cannot renew it in person — you must start over with a new license process, which costs $25 and requires a written test in addition to the vision test.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and give the staff your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against state records, and ask you to sign a form confirming that your license was lost. This takes about 10 minutes.

Next, you will take a vision test. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them for the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day and will need to see an eye doctor and return with proof of correction.

Then you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for several years. The photo must show your face clearly and cannot include sunglasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons, which you can explain to staff).

After your photo is taken, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive at the address you provided within two to three weeks. Keep your temporary license with you until the plastic card arrives.

If your license has also expired

If your license expired less than 180 days ago, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. You will pay both the $20 replacement fee and the $25 renewal fee. You will also take a written knowledge test in addition to the vision test. The written test covers Arkansas traffic laws and road signs and takes about 15 minutes.

If your license expired more than 180 days ago, you must start over with a new license. This means you will take both the written test and the vision test, pay $25, and may need to provide additional documents such as proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The process is the same as getting your first license in Arkansas.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Arkansas does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DFA office or an authorized courthouse. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a medical condition or disability, call the DFA to ask about exceptions. Some offices may be able to work with you, though this is not may provide.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Arkansas to replace your license. If you have moved out of Arkansas permanently, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my temporary paper license while I wait for my plastic card?

Yes. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof that you have a current Arkansas driver's license. Keep it with you when you drive. Once your plastic card arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.

What if I lost my license and also need to update my address?

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Tell the staff at the DFA office that you need an address change, and they will update your record. Bring proof of your new address with you.

Do I need to take the written test again if I am just replacing a lost license?

No. If your license has not expired, you only take the vision test. You take the written test only if your license has also expired and you are renewing it at the same time.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?

Your plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks. If more than four weeks pass and you have not received it, call the DFA office where you applied and give them your temporary license number.

What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?

You can keep both licenses, but only one is valid at a time. If you find your original and it has not expired, you can choose to use it instead of your replacement. If your original has expired, your replacement is the only valid license.