Arkansas lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Arkansas driver's license online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website if your current license is still valid (not yet expired) and you have not had any major changes to your information since it was issued. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as renewing in person, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online renewal system — you will need to visit a driver services office in person. The same applies if you have changed your name, address, or other key details that require verification, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid and your personal information has not changed since it was issued.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address in person or by mail before renewing if you have moved.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or at a driver services office, and your new license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Arkansas driver's license, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card before you begin. You will also need access to an email address where you can receive a confirmation message. Have your license in front of you so you can enter your license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on the card.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, do not start the online renewal yet. You must update your address through the mail or in person first, because your new license will be sent to the address currently on file with the state. Updating your address online is not possible during the renewal process itself.
Steps to renew online through the Arkansas DFA website
Go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and locate the driver services section. Look for the online renewal option, which is usually labeled as "Renew Your Driver's License Online" or similar. You will be taken to a find form where you enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the system pulls up — your name, address, and license details. If anything is incorrect, stop and contact a driver services office before completing the renewal, because submitting incorrect information will delay your new license. Once you confirm everything is correct, you will pay the renewal fee using your credit or debit card. You should receive a confirmation email when ready after payment.
Print or save your confirmation number. Your new 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.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system and must visit a driver services office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The same applies if you want to change your gender marker or add a REAL ID designation to your license.
If you have received a traffic conviction or suspension notice since your last renewal, contact a driver services office before attempting to renew, because your license status may be affected.
How much the renewal costs and how long your new license lasts
The renewal fee depends on your age and the type of license. As of the most recent update, the cost ranges from around $20 to $30 for a standard driver's license renewal, but fees can change. Check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website for the current fee before you pay, or call a driver services office to confirm.
Your new license will be valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date will be printed on your new license when it arrives. Mark your calendar a few months before that date so you can renew again before it expires.
What to do if your confirmation email does not arrive or something goes wrong
Check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If you still cannot find it after 15 minutes, note the confirmation number you received on screen when you completed the payment. That number is proof your renewal was processed.
If you did not receive a confirmation number on screen and did not get an email, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration driver services section by phone or visit a local driver services office with your payment receipt. They can verify whether your renewal went through and resend your confirmation if needed. Do not attempt to renew again online, because doing so may result in duplicate charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person at a driver services office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your number. You will also need to pass a vision test.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Update your address before you renew online. Contact a driver services office by phone or mail to change your address on file, then wait for confirmation before starting the online renewal. Your new license will be mailed to whatever address is currently in the system, so getting this right first saves time.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the driver services office with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if I want to add REAL ID to my license?
No. REAL ID upgrades require an in-person visit to a driver services office so staff can verify your identity documents. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency.
What happens if I pay for online renewal but then decide I want to renew in person instead?
Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration driver services section right away with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the online renewal can be cancelled before processing. If it has already been processed, you may be able to request a refund, but this depends on how far along the renewal is in the system.