Applying for a DMV license plate in Arkansas is part of a vehicle’s initial registration and titling process. Regardless of whether a new or used vehicle was purchased, car owners must obtain new registration plates from the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) under the state Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

Motorists must get license plate credentials within 30 days of acquiring a vehicle in order to avoid penalty fees or possible citations from law enforcement officers. In addition to issuing car registration plates, the OMV manages the registration renewal process and the tag and registration replacement procedures. To learn more about how to obtain license plates or renew existing ones, review the sections below.

Types of License Plates in Arkansas

You must apply for car registration plates in Arkansas after you acquire a new or used vehicle from a dealership or third-party seller. Overall, the AK OMV offers a wide range of different car tags, such as:

• Standard plates for passenger vehicles, trucks, vans and motorcycles
• Standard plates for motor homes, manufactured homes, trailers or all-terrain vehicles
• College plates
• Disability plates
• Military plates
• Special interest plates
• Personalized plates
• Temporary license plates

If you need to obtain temporary OMV car tags to use until your new license plates arrive, you may request them from a car dealership or from the Office of Motor Vehicle itself. Furthermore, the cost of these new registration plates will vary according to the type and weight of a vehicle.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Arkansas

Arkansas vehicle owners must purchase new car tags in person at an OMV office during the initial process of titling and registering the cars they recently purchased. As part of the OMV license plate application process, motorists must complete the proper application form and submit it along with all of the required titling and registration paperwork, such as proof of auto insurance, vehicle ownership and completion of a vehicle inspection, if applicable.

Moreover, applicants may be requested to submit a personal property tax compliance document. When applying for new registration plates in AK, car owners must also provide an acceptable payment method for the fees related to the new plate, in addition to regular registration fees.

Keep in mind that, in Arkansas, dealerships do not apply for car registration tags on behalf of vehicle owners. Instead, drivers must apply for new car tags when they apply for a certificate of title and vehicle registration with the OMV.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Arkansas

In most cases, the Office of Motor Vehicle sends notices to remind vehicle owners to renew a license plate. Thus, these notices are sent before a vehicle’s registration certificate and license plate are set to expire. Each renewal notice includes specific instructions for renewing a license plate, as well as other vehicle registration materials. As such, drivers may request this renewal online, in person, over the phone or by mail. However, if motorists need to update their identification information at the time of renewal, they must typically visit an OMV office to renew tags in person.

When renewing car tags online, vehicle owners must use the Arkansas OMV official portal. Alternatively, if you are wondering how to renew a license plate by mail, be mindful that you must mail the vehicle’s renewal notice, proof of liability insurance and proof of personal property tax compliance to the appropriate OMV mailing address.

How to Replace License Plates in Arkansas

If you need to replace a license plate in Arkansas because yours has sustained a lot of damage or has gone missing, you must visit an OMV office to request a replacement plate or sticker in person. When replacing license plate decals or stolen license plates, you must submit your vehicle’s registration certificate, your photo identification and your vehicle’s identification number (VIN). Furthermore, when replacing AR car tags, you may need to surrender your current license plate or sticker, unless they were stolen or are not in your possession.

How to Transfer License Plates in Arkansas

When applying for new car tags in Arkansas, be mindful that you have the option to transfer your current license plate to a new vehicle. Thus, if you wish to transfer your current car registration tag to your newly-acquired vehicle, you must submit the vehicle’s current registration certificate when titling and registering the car, along with the nominal fee to transfer your plates.

Arkansas License Plate Fees

To get a car tag in Arkansas, you must pay for the car registration and the decal fees, which vary according to your vehicle’s type and weight. the standard plate fee is $25. Special plates will cost an additional $25. Moreover, motorcycles will also be evaluated according to their cubic centimeters (cc) displacement. In addition to new AR registration plate fees, you will generally be required to pay for postage fees.

In order to get car tags for motorcycles or motorized bicycles, you must pay fees per validation decal as well as per registration. Furthermore, there is a fee for transferring an OMV license plate from one vehicle to another. In addition, if you transfer a license plate to a vehicle with a higher weight class, you will need to pay an additional fee to make up for the difference in weight.

License Plate Lookups in Arkansas

When applying for new registration plates in AR, you may perform an online license plate lookup to learn more about your vehicle’s history, including ownership details, safety ratings and recall information. Additionally, an OMV license plate lookup can provide you with details about the vehicle’s manufacturer, engine type and more. Therefore, a simple license plate lookup can help you to feel more confident about your decision to purchase a new or used vehicle.

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