An Arkansas drivers license renewal is required once every four years, allowing the state to ensure that the information on all driving credentials are up-to-date. It is important to note that this procedure is different from requesting a replacement license, despite the fact that these two processes are often confused. While renewing a driver’s license is required by the government every few years, you only need to replace a valid credential if it lost or damaged significantly.

In this article, you will learn how to renew your driver’s license in AR, such as what the eligibility requirements are, which DMV offices process these requests and how much a renewal costs. Despite the fact that the state does not offer the option to renew a drivers license online, there are a number of other methods you may choose from. To explore these alternative methods, read the sections below.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Arkansas

Any motorist who holds a valid drivers license can visit an Arkansas drivers license office in person and renew their credential. On the other hand, be mindful that there are certain restrictions placed on drivers who are between 14 and 16 years of age and wish to renew their licenses.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Arkansas

If your driving credential has been suspended, canceled or revoked, you will not be able to request a DMV license renewal in Arkansas. Instead, you will need to get it reinstated first. Furthermore, this restriction applies whether you lost your driving privileges in AR or in any other state.

In the event that you cannot find your license or that the card has been damaged to the point of becoming illegible, you will not be able to renew your driver’s license until it is within one year of its expiration date. Instead, you will need to replace that card.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Arkansas?

You can renew your driving license in Arkansas as early as one year prior to the credential’s date of expiration. Because licenses expire every four years in AR, be mindful that you will not be able to renew these documents for three years from their issuance date.

Arkansas DMV License Renewal Options

If you are wondering where to renew your drivers license in Arkansas, be mindful that these procedures can take place in virtually any Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) office. If you find yourself out the state when your AR driving credential expires, you are encouraged to either call or send a letter to the DFA explaining your absence. It is important to note that the state does not offer an online option for renewing driver’s licenses.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

If you are in Arkansas, you may visit a DFA office in person in order to renew your DMV license. Moreover, because application forms are not provided online, you will need to fill out all of the required documents in person.

When renewing your driving license in person, be mindful that DFA office hours will vary across the state. Thus, it is best that you check ahead of time which hours you are able to visit your office of choice. As a general rule, DFA offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, the official DFA online portal does not allow you to schedule an appointment in advance.

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

Out-of-state residents often ask, “Where can I renew my Arkansas drivers license if I am not in the state?” Despite the fact that the state DFA does not allow applicants to request a driver’s license renewal online, they may do so by requesting the proper form and sending it to the following address:

Driver’s License Issuance
Room 2120
P.O. Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203

In order to obtain the drivers license renewal form, you may call (501) 682-7059. You will need to provide your address so that the application package can be delivered to you. Then, you can choose to mail the form to the address above, or you can call the number again to receive further instructions.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Arkansas

Arkansas residents who are not currently located in the state due to military service, college enrollment or another documentable reason are encouraged to file for a DMV license renewal by mail. However, be mindful that there are no extensions offered to licensed AR motorists who are out of state. Therefore, these applicants must learn how to renew a drivers license from out of state before their credentials expire.

Arkansas REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

When renewing a driver’s license in Arkansas, you may be required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential, which is designed to increase security and prevent fraudulent activities. For most U.S. citizens, the most practical impact of this change is that they will need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card in order to board a domestic flight. You will need to prove the following factors in order to renew your AR drivers license and have it be REAL ID compliant:

• Your residency status
• Your identity
• Your Social Security Number (SSN)

In order to prove your residency status when requesting a DMV license renewal, you will need to provide two official documents displaying your full name and address. Generally, you may use utility bills, bank correspondence or credit card statements containing your mailing address. Moreover, in order to prove your identity, you can use either a birth certificate or passport. Furthermore, Social Security cards and W-2 forms are the most commonly used documents to verify your SSN.

If you cannot meet the REAL ID drivers license renewal requirements in Arkansas, you may be able to renew a regular driving credential. However, you will not be able to use this identification document to board domestic flights after September 2020. Thus, before this deadline, every motorist in AR will need to renew their DMV licenses and upgrade to a REAL ID. If you choose to get a REAL ID, you will find a star in the upper right corner of your credential. If you choose to renew your driving license without getting it REAL ID-approved, it will include a “Not for Federal Identification” message.

If you want a REAL ID but are not yet eligible for a DMV license renewal in Arkansas, you can get a replacement credential that is REAL ID-compliant.

Arkansas Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much is it to renew a drivers license in Arkansas? The answer will vary based on whether or not you already have a REAL ID. Consider the following costs:

• The driving license renewal fee in Arkansas for a REAL ID is $5.
• The fee to convert your state ID to a REAL ID is $5.
• If you want to replace your drivers license with a REAL ID credential but are not up for renewal yet, the fee is $10.

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