How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration on Arkansas's ARSTAR Website

Renewing your vehicle registration through ARSTAR

Arkansas's online vehicle registration system, ARSTAR (Arkansas State Tax and Registration), lets you renew your registration without visiting a county clerk's office. You can renew online if your vehicle is registered in Arkansas, your license plate has not been lost or stolen, and your registration is not suspended. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by credit or debit card.

ARSTAR handles renewals for most standard passenger vehicles. If your vehicle has a commercial plate, a specialty plate, or an out-of-state lien, you will need to renew in person at your county clerk's office instead.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through ARSTAR if your registration is current and your plate has not been lost or stolen.
You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or your driver's license number.
ARSTAR accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover; the fee varies by vehicle weight and type.
Your new registration sticker arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete payment.
If your registration has lapsed or your plate is suspended, you must renew in person at your county clerk's office.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you log into ARSTAR. You will enter them during the renewal process, and having them ready prevents you from getting stuck halfway through.

You need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the dashboard of your vehicle on the driver's side. You also need your current license plate number. If you do not have your registration card in front of you, the plate number is on the plate itself.

ARSTAR will ask you to verify your identity using either the last four digits of your Social Security number or your driver's license number. Have whichever one you prefer ready before you begin. You will also need a valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) to pay the renewal fee.

Steps to renew on ARSTAR

Step 1: Go to arstar.arkansas.gov. On the home page, look for the option to renew your vehicle registration. This is usually labeled "Vehicle Registration Renewal" or "Renew My Registration." Click on it.

Step 2: Enter your vehicle information. Type in your VIN and your current license plate number. ARSTAR will pull up your registration record. If the information does not match what is on file, the system will stop and tell you to renew in person at your county clerk's office.

Step 3: Verify your identity. ARSTAR will ask you to enter either the last four digits of your Social Security number or your driver's license number. This confirms you are the registered owner or an authorized user of the vehicle.

Step 4: Review the renewal details. The system shows you the renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Read through the information to make sure everything is correct. If you spot an error, stop and contact your county clerk's office before paying.

Step 5: Pay by card. Enter your credit or debit card information. ARSTAR processes the payment when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.

Step 6: Print or save your confirmation. After payment goes through, ARSTAR gives you a confirmation page. Print it or save it as a PDF. This is your proof of renewal until your sticker arrives.

When your new sticker arrives

Arkansas mails your new registration sticker within 7 to 10 business days after you complete payment. The sticker comes to the address on file with your registration. Once it arrives, peel off the backing and stick it in the upper right corner of your vehicle's windshield, covering the old sticker.

You can legally drive your vehicle during the wait for the sticker if you have your confirmation number from ARSTAR. If a police officer stops you, show them the confirmation page on your phone or the printed copy. This proves your registration is current.

When you cannot renew online

Some situations require you to renew in person at your county clerk's office. You cannot use ARSTAR if your registration has lapsed (expired more than 30 days ago), your license plate has been lost or stolen, your vehicle has a commercial plate, your vehicle has a specialty plate (such as a veteran or disabled person plate), or your registration is under suspension.

If any of these explore to you, find your county clerk's office online and call ahead to ask about hours and required documents. Bring your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. The clerk will process your renewal and issue your sticker on the spot.

Troubleshooting common problems

ARSTAR says your VIN or plate number does not match. This usually means you typed something incorrectly. Go back and check both the VIN and plate number character by character — the system is exact. If you are certain the information is correct, your registration may have an error on file. Call your county clerk's office to verify before trying again.

Your payment is declined. Make sure your card has not expired and that you have entered the number, expiration date, and security code correctly. If the card is valid, contact your bank to ask whether they are blocking the transaction. Some banks flag online government payments as suspicious. Once your bank approves it, try ARSTAR again.

You do not receive your sticker after 10 business days. Check your mailbox and any outbuildings where mail might be delivered. If it truly has not arrived, contact your county clerk's office with your confirmation number from ARSTAR. They can reissue the sticker or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?

If your registration expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can renew online through ARSTAR. If it expired more than 30 days ago, you must renew in person at your county clerk's office. They may charge a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.

What if I just bought a used vehicle and have not registered it yet?

ARSTAR is for renewing existing registrations only. To register a newly purchased vehicle, you must go to your county clerk's office in person with your title, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. Once the vehicle is registered, you can renew online in future years.

Do I need to have my vehicle inspected before I renew?

Arkansas does not require a vehicle inspection for registration renewal. You only need to renew through ARSTAR or your county clerk's office. However, if your vehicle fails an emissions test in a county that requires emissions testing, you will need to fix the issue before you can renew.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

ARSTAR requires you to verify your identity during renewal, so you must do it yourself. If you cannot access the internet, a family member can help you navigate the website, but you will need to provide your Social Security number or driver's license number to complete the process.

What happens if I lose my registration sticker before it arrives?

Your confirmation number from ARSTAR is proof of renewal. Keep it with you or on your phone. If a police officer stops you before the sticker arrives, show them the confirmation. If you need a replacement sticker after it arrives, contact your county clerk's office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.