How to Renew Your Arkansas Driver's License

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 option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only available if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address, name, or medical status. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days from submission to receive your new license by mail. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is when ready if you're renewing a standard license; you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — because your documents have to travel to the office and back.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, you haven't moved, and your name and medical information haven't changed.
In-person renewal at any Driver Services office gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and proof of residency, and takes 2 to 3 weeks total.
Your Arkansas license is valid for 4 years if you're under 65, and 2 years if you're 65 or older.
You'll need to pass a vision test if you renew in person, but not if you renew online or by mail.

Online renewal: fastest option if your information hasn't changed

To renew online, go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and select the Driver Services section. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $20 for a 4-year license if you're under 65, or $10 for a 2-year license if you're 65 or older.

Online renewal is only available if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you haven't changed your address since it was issued, your name hasn't changed, and you haven't reported any new medical conditions to the state. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, the system will tell you to renew in person instead. You cannot renew online if you need a Real ID-compliant license for the first time — that requires an in-person visit.

After you submit your information online, the state mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep using it during that time.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

To renew in person, visit any Arkansas Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your name has changed since your last license.

At the office, you'll complete a DL-43 form (process for Driver License or Instruction Permit), pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you fail, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may need to see an eye doctor before the state will issue your license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20 for a 4-year license (under 65) or $10 for a 2-year license (65 and older). If you need a Real ID-compliant license, the fee is $25 for 4 years or $12.50 for 2 years, and you'll need to bring additional documents proving your identity and residency.

Mail renewal: when to use it and what documents you need

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address, name, or medical status — the same restrictions as online renewal. To renew by mail, request a renewal packet from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration by calling 501-682-7060 or visiting a Driver Services office in person. You can also read the DL-43 form from the state website and mail it yourself with your current license and payment.

Include your current license, a completed DL-43 form, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and a check or money order for $20 (4-year license, under 65) or $10 (2-year license, 65 and older). Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the renewal form or provided by the office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your packet. Your old license remains valid during this time. If you don't receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the Driver Services office to check the status. Mail renewal does not include a vision test, so if your vision has changed significantly, renewing in person is safer.

Real ID compliance: what you need to know

Arkansas offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you currently have a standard license and want to switch to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person.

For Real ID renewal in person, bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance policy, all dated within 60 days). The fee is $25 for a 4-year license or $12.50 for a 2-year license. You cannot convert to Real ID by mail or online.

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the standard process and fee. The gold star will appear on your new license automatically.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Arkansas licenses are valid for 4 years if you're under 65, and 2 years if you're 65 or older. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires, which gives you time to plan ahead. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arkansas, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you've applied for renewal (such as a temporary paper license from an in-person visit), but that doesn't may provide you won't be cited. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.

Finding a Driver Services office and office hours

Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you, visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and use their office locator tool, or call 501-682-7060. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations may have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Hours vary by location, so check before you visit.

Offices are busiest on Mondays and mid-month. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the week or late in the month. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online through the state website. Check your local office's policy before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You'll complete the same process as a standard renewal, including a vision test.

What if I've moved since my last license was issued?

If you've changed your address, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Do I need to take a written test to renew my license?

No. Renewal does not include a written driving test. You only need to pass a vision test if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals do not include a vision test.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 4 weeks, contact the Driver Services office to check the status.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person and bring a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number as well.

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.