Getting a New Driver's License in Arkansas
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Whether you've just moved to Arkansas, or you've lived here all your life, you must have a valid driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state.
The Arkansas Driver Services (ODS), a division of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), handles driver's license testing and issuance.
NOTE: This page provides instructions for adult drivers. Visit our Teen Drivers section if you're a minor applying for a new driver's license.
New to Arkansas?Just Moved?
Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
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If you're new to AR, you need to transfer your out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency.
To transfer your out-of-state license for an Arkansas driver's license, visit your nearest revenue office and hand over your valid out-of-state license for a new AR driver license.
Be prepared to present the same ID requirements and fees as listed below, under “Apply for Your AR Driver's License.'
Understand that if your out-of-state license is:
For out-of-state transfers, there's no waiting period between the written test and driving test.
NOTE: If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you must take the proper steps to restore it, as outlined by your former state. See our Suspended License section and choose your state for details.
Types of AR Driver Licenses
On this page, you'll learn how to apply for a new Class D driver's license in Arkansas.
These licenses have no real functional difference, except the minor license is vertical and makes it easier for establishments to recognize your age.
If you need another type of license, check out one of the following pages:
AR Driver's License Eligibility Requirements
You DO NOT need an Arkansas driver's license if:
You ARE NOT eligible for an AR driver's license if:
If you are eligible for a new Arkansas driver's license, read below to learn how how to apply.
Apply for Your New Arkansas Driver's License
Where—and how—you apply depends on whether you want a basic driver’s license or an Arkansas Voluntary Enhanced Security Driver’s License.
You can apply for a basic AR driver’s license at your local revenue office; you must apply at an Enhanced Security Driver’s License at an—you guessed it—Enhanced Security DL/ID Office.
At the appropriate office, be ready to:
If you fail, the Arkansas ODS might require you to wait a certain amount of time before retesting; ask your examiner for details.
Once you pass your vision and written tests, you'll be issued a learner's permit.
Every applicant, regardless of age, must hold a learner's permit before getting a driver's license in Arkansas. The only exception is for new residents with a valid out-of-state license (see above).
You'll keep this license for a period of time determined by the examiner; generally, the time period is approximately a month.
*If your proof of ID shows a different name (e.g., if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order), you must provide proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage license or divorce decree.
Taking Your Arkansas Driving Test
Once you pass your driving test, you'll visit your local Arkansas ODS office to receive your physical driver's license. Until then, you still have only your learner's permit, so a licensed driver must drive you to the office.
Non-Citizens and AR Driver's Licenses
Non-citizens will apply for their new Arkansas driver's license the same way as citizens (see “ Apply for Your AR Driver's License' above), making sure to bring the correct documents to prove legal presence in the U.S.
NOTE: Arkansas might allow you to drive with your valid foreign driver's license for a certain period of time before you must apply for an Arkansas driver's license. Please contact your local ODS for details.
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The Natural State of Arkansas maintains a number of useful online driver and vehicle services. Naturally, when you use these services, you can save yourself some time.
Online Vehicle Services in Arkansas
Renewing your registration, searching for auto insurance, and other vehicle-related services are easily accessible via the Internet. Online vehicle services are handled either through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) or through third-party vendors.
Arkansas DFA Vehicle Services
You can complete the following vehicle-related tasks using the DFA's online services:
Private Vendor Vehicle Services
There are a few vehicle-related services the Arkansas DFA doesn't offer, though private vendors do. Consider going through a third-party company if you need to:
AR License & Record Services
You can now fulfill most of your Arkansas driver's license and record-related needs online. The AR Department of Finance and Administration and several private companies provide convenient online solutions.
DFA Online Services
You can complete the following record and license-related tasks using Arkansas agencies' online services:
Services Through Third-Party Vendors
If the DFA doesn't provide the services you need, or if you're pressed for time, consider using a third party for things like:
Online Driver Education Services in AR
The Arkansas DFA doesn't offer Driver's Ed services directly—luckily, you still have many options if you choose to go through a private company. Whether you're studying for a driving test or need to get points off of your record, you can take advantage of the following driver education products with a third-party vendor:
Arkansas Traffic Ticket & Legal Services
Thanks to the Internet, taking care of AR traffic tickets and other legal matters has never been easier. You can choose either to go directly through the Arkansas Judiciary or through a third party's online services.
Arkansas Judiciary Online Services
The Arkansas Judiciary offers the following traffic ticket and legal services online:
Private Vendor Online Services
You can use a trusted third party company to complete the following legal and traffic ticket-related tasks:
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