How to Replace Your Drivers License in Arkansas
In the event of a damaged, stolen or lost driver’s license in Arkansas, motorists must replace their credentials as soon as possible. Furthermore, AR DMV duplicate license services are offered in two main ways. As a general rule, the majority of applicants requesting these replacement credentials will be required do so in person. However, certain individuals may qualify to replace a driver’s license by mail, particularly if they are currently living out-of-state.
In any case, it is important for motorists to apply for a replacement driver’s license in a timely manner in order to avoid receiving a traffic citation for driving without a license. Additionally, obtaining these duplicate credentials may help residents complete daily tasks that require them to submit a state-issued form of identification. Thus, drivers may continue reading below to learn more about the Arkansas driver’s license replacement methods that are available through the state Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
When is a replacement driver’s license required in Arkansas?
You must promptly obtain a replacement driver’s license in AR any time that you lose or damage your driving credentials. Replacing a driver’s license as soon as possible allows you to maintain legal driving privileges and avoid traffic citations from law enforcement. If you must replace a lost driving license because it was stolen, you may want to report the crime to the authorities in order to prevent any fraudulent use of your document.
While you do not need to file a report, it may help you in the future. If you replace a lost driver’s license but later find the credential that you thought was gone, be mindful that the old license will no longer be valid, and you cannot use it to drive or prove your identity in any official capacity.
Furthermore, you are encouraged to replace driver’s license cards that are broken, burned, faded or otherwise mutilated enough to render parts of the document unreadable. If the photo displayed on your credential is damaged beyond recognition, you may also benefit from requesting a duplicate copy. In addition, you should replace the current copy of your driver’s license any time you change your legal name or permanent address, so that the document can reflect your correct information.
Despite the fact that a replacement driving license is not required after an address change, it may be necessary due to your personal needs. That is because replacing your driver license credentials after having altered your personal details will help you provide an accurate proof of identity in various scenarios.
How to Replace Your Arkansas Driver’s License in Person
In order to replace a lost driving license in person, you must visit a local DMV office with your fee payment, and one form of primary identification or two forms of secondary ID from the state’s approved list. Examples of approved primary documents needed to get a duplicate AR driver’s license include a passport, birth certificate or photo ID document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Some of the secondary documents that will help you get a DMV duplicate license include an out-of-state license, a state-issued photo identification card, a work or school photo ID and a military or military dependent ID with photo. Overall, the DFA website offers a lengthy list of accepted ID documents for your reference.
Before requesting driving license replacement credentials in person, you must make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation for the procedure. Failing to bring the proper paperwork may delay your request.
How to Replace Your Driver’s License by Mail in Arkansas
If you are not living in Arkansas and your driving credentials have gone missing, you may wonder, “Where can I get a copy of my driver’s license?” Despite the fact that the state offers driver’s license replacement services by mail, this method is only available to applicants who are temporarily out-of-state when their license became lost, stolen or damaged. This includes motorists who need to replace their credentials while going to school, working or being stationed out-of-state.
Full instructions on how to replace a driving license by mail are outlined in the section below. On the other hand, if you have permanently relocated to another state, do not try to get a copy of your driver’s license from Arkansas. Rather, you must apply for a license in your new state of residence.
Out-of-State Driver’s License Replacement in Arkansas
You may submit an application request for a driver’s license replacement by mail if you meet certain requirements established by the Arkansas DMV. As a general rule, the applicants who are eligible to replace driver’s licenses by mail include active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in other states or countries, and AR residents attending school or working out-of-state. Currently, you may not request a driver’s license copy online.
After submitting your request for a duplicate credential, your local clerk will mail you an application with instructions that detail all of the supporting documents and fees that you will need to take into consideration in order to process your request. Then, your completed duplicate driver’s license application form and acceptable payment method must be sent to the appropriate DMV mailing address listed within your instructions.
Arkansas Driver’s License Replacement Fees
Each time you request a duplicate driving license in AR, you must pay the $10 replacement fee to receive your new document. However, these fees may vary due to different factors. Thus, be mindful of which fees are applicable to your request before submitting a payment method along with your request.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions from Arkansas.gov