Renewing your Arkansas driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Arkansas driver's license through three routes: online at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver services office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, suspensions, or medical restrictions added since your last renewal. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Your license must be renewed before it expires, though Arkansas gives you a grace period: you can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after the expiration date. However, you cannot legally drive after that 30-day window closes, so plan ahead. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website takes 10 minutes and costs $24.50 or $36.75 depending on the license term you choose.
- Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have no new medical restrictions or suspensions.
- In-person renewal at a driver services office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready; find your nearest office on the state website.
- You have a 30-day grace period to drive after your license expires, but you cannot legally operate a vehicle after that window closes.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
Renewing online through the state website
Go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current Arkansas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address; if anything has changed, you cannot complete the online process and must renew in person instead.
After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to verify your renewal status, you can return to the state website and enter your confirmation number.
Renewing by mail if you are not expired and have no changes
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no trip to an office. You can use this method only if all of the following are true: your current license is not yet expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, you have no new medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, and you have not had any name changes. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or online.
To renew by mail, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to request a renewal form, or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, include a check or money order for $24.50 or $36.75 (made payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration), and mail both to the address listed on the form. Your renewed license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, you can drive on your current license.
Renewing in person at a driver services office
Find your nearest driver services office on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website by entering your city or zip code. Offices are located in most counties and are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; some locations have extended hours on certain days. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer online appointment booking to reduce wait times.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, collect your payment, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The in-person visit typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot legally drive and must renew before operating a vehicle. You cannot use mail renewal — you must renew online or in person. Online renewal works the same way as described above and takes 10 minutes. In-person renewal at a driver services office is also available and gives you a temporary license when ready.
If you were driving on an expired license within the 30-day grace period and were stopped by law enforcement, you were not breaking the law. However, once that 30-day window closes, driving on an expired license is a violation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this situation.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
When you renew, you will choose how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $24.50 and an eight-year license costs $36.75. The eight-year option saves you money over time because you renew less often, but it requires you to pay more upfront. If you expect your address, name, or medical information to change in the next few years, a four-year license may be more practical.
Your choice does not affect how you renew — the process is the same either way. You straightforward select your preferred term when you fill out the renewal form or answer the question during your online or in-person transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Outstanding traffic fines do not prevent renewal in Arkansas. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If your address has changed, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew online or in person. Online renewal allows you to update your address during the process. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals both result in a license mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, except if your current license has already expired by more than 30 days.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo as part of the process. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your renewed license. You do not get a new photo unless you renew in person.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. You must renew in person at a driver services office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number, and the office will look up your information and issue a new license with a new photo.