How to Change a Car Registration Address in Arkansas
Vehicle owners need to change car registration address in Arkansas immediately after they move from one residential address to another. The address change on car registration must be performed through the state Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). The process of changing car registration address must be also performed by out-of-state residents who have recently moved to Arkansas.
Therefore, new or current residents need to update their information by using one of the offered update methods within a given period of time from their move to another residency. For more information, continue reading the following sections.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Arkansas Car Registration
Before learning how to change car registration address in Arkansas, vehicle owners should know when this process is necessary. Motorists need to perform an Arkansas address change on vehicle registration upon their move to a new residential address within the state. Changing car registration address is a procedure that must be performed by all vehicle owners who have recently changed their place of residence for a new one within Arkansas, regardless of whether they have moved from an in-state or from an out-of-state address.
Therefore, motorists need to change auto registration address after their move so that the AR DFA can have their most current addresses in order to mail them car registration renewal notices in the future. In addition to updating your personal information, you must obtain a replacement registration.
Arkansas Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration
Vehicle owners who are wondering how to change car registration address in Arkansas are generally expected to update their AR DFA records within a given timeframe. The time limit for changing car registration address is usually several weeks after the move to a new residential address. Failure to change car registration address on time may result in certain penalties or even fines.
The consequences for forgetting to update auto registration address include missing the renewal date of your car registration card due to failure to receive a renewal notice at your new mailing address. Moreover, failing to perform an address update on car registration within the given timeframe may bring you a traffic citation if pulled over by a law enforcement official and found driving without a valid registration card.
How to Change Your Address on Your Arkansas Car Registration Online
The most convenient method for updating car registration address in Arkansas allows vehicle owners to perform an address change through the online service offered through the AR DFA website. To begin the online address change on auto registration, applicants need to provide the following information:
- Last four digits of Vehicle ID Number (VIN)
- License plate number
- State zip code
How to Change Your Address on Your Arkansas Car Registration by Mail
Motorists who are unable to perform an online address change on car registration in Arkansas may be given the opportunity to perform the procedure by using other methods offered by the AR DFA. Vehicle owners who want to change auto registration address by mail may be required to provide a completed Change of Address Form for Arkansas Motor Vehicle and Driver’s License.
When changing car registration address by mail, applicants need to provide their vehicle license number, name, driver’s license number and new street number, city and zip code on the form. However, drivers may also have the option to change car registration address personally at a local AR DFA branch.
When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Arkansas
When considering updating car registration address in Arkansas, vehicle owners need to know if they should renew their registration or update their registration credential. Vehicle owners need to change car registration address in AR as soon as they change their place of residence within the state.
However, a vehicle registration renewal procedure must be performed when drivers approach the expiration date of their registration cards. Therefore, vehicle owners who move to another residential address when their registration is about to expire are encouraged to renew their credentials and update their DFA records at the same time.
Arkansas DMV Address Change Fees
The fees for an address change on car registration in Arkansas may vary based on whether motorists want to get a duplicate credential at the same time or not. For instance, when vehicle owners want to change car registration address and get a replacement credential, they may be required to pay certain fees.
However, the AR DFA may not impose fees for changing car registration address on DFA records without getting a duplicate registration card.
Sources
- Change of Address from Arkansas.gov