Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Arkansas driver's license in person at any Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver services office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Arkansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need to bring your original Social Security card or birth certificate for a standard renewal.

If you're renewing online, you'll log into your account on the DFA website, verify your information, pay the fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is current and you have no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a DFA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Arkansas driver's licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 65 and six years for drivers 65 and older.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead during busy seasons.
  • If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may face a late fee.

Renewal timelines and fees

Standard renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license (for drivers under 65) or $36.75 for a six-year license (for drivers 65 and older). If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you'll pay an additional late fee of $10. Online renewal costs $1 less than in-person renewal because there's no office visit fee.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The DFA mails renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be four or six years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

Processing times vary by location and season. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day you visit the office. Online renewals issue a temporary digital license when ready, and your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During peak times (late summer, early fall), some offices may have longer wait times, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday can reduce your wait.

DFA office locations and hours

Arkansas has driver services offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Hot Springs, plus several smaller branch locations. The main Little Rock office is at 1900 West Seventh Street. You can find the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers on the DFA website under "Driver Services Locations."

Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some variation by location. The Little Rock office is typically the busiest. If you're renewing during your lunch break or after work, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide whether to go now or return another day.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for 30 days or less, you can renew online or in person with no penalty beyond the standard renewal fee. If it's been expired for more than 30 days, you must renew in person and will pay a $10 late fee on top of the standard renewal cost.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arkansas, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or your renewal receipt (if you renewed in person), but this does not may provide you won't receive a ticket. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires.

Renewing by mail or through the mail option

Arkansas does not offer mail-in renewal for standard driver's licenses. You must renew either online or in person at a DFA office. However, if you are a member of the military stationed outside Arkansas, you may be able to renew through a military ID office or by contacting the DFA directly to discuss your options.

If you cannot visit an office in person and do not meet the requirements for online renewal, contact the DFA at the phone number listed on their website to ask about alternatives. Some situations—such as a medical condition that prevents travel—may have workarounds, but these are handled case-by-case.

Renewing a license with a different name or address

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your in-person renewal. You cannot renew online if your name has changed. The DFA will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.

If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal without any problem. For in-person renewal, straightforward provide your new address when you visit the office. The DFA will print your new address on your renewed license. If you've moved out of state and are now back in Arkansas, you'll need to renew in person and bring proof of your new Arkansas residency.

Special licenses and restrictions

If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person so the DFA can verify that your restrictions are still necessary. Bring any medical documentation your doctor has provided, though the DFA may also contact your doctor directly.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. CDL renewals require an in-person visit, a medical examination, and a written test. Contact your local DFA office for CDL renewal requirements and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I don't have proof of residency?

You need proof of residency dated within 60 days to renew. If you don't have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, contact the DFA office before you visit to ask what other documents they accept. Some offices may accept a government letter, insurance statement, or other official mail with your name and address.

What if I lost my Social Security number or don't remember it?

You'll need your Social Security number to renew. If you don't have it, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement Social Security card before you renew your license.

How long does a renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your temporary digital license appears in your account when ready after you pay the fee and can be used right away on your phone. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DFA to check the status.

Do I have to renew in person if my license is expired by more than a year?

Yes. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you must renew in person and will pay a $10 late fee. The longer your license has been expired, the more important it is to renew as soon as possible, since driving on an expired license is illegal.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Arkansas issues driver's licenses to non-citizens with valid immigration documents. Bring your current license and proof of residency, just as you would for any renewal. If your immigration status has changed, contact the DFA office to ask what additional documents you need to bring.