|
| < Back to Driver Services Overview |
|
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| |
|
|
| Driver's License Issuance and Renewal |
| |
| I have changed my name, what do I need to bring with me? |
| The cost of a duplicate license with a name change is $10.00. You will need to bring your current driver's license along with either a marriage license, divorce decree, specifically stating you may change your name, or court order for a name change. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| I have lost my Arkansas driver's license/identification card. What do I need to get a replacement? |
| To obtain a duplicate driver's license or identification card, you may go to any State Revenue Office. It is recommended that you go to the office in your local area. A list of the Revenue Offices and their hours of operation is located on this page or you may use this map. There is a $10.00 fee for replacement of a driver's license/$5.00 for identification card. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| Where can I obtain a driver's license or identification card? |
Arkansas driver's licenses can be obtained at any local revenue office. A list of the revenue offices and their hours of operation is available below.
| |
If you are requesting a "Valid Without Photo" drivers license, that can only be obtained from the Driver's License Issuance office in Little Rock, which is located in the Ragland Building Rm 2120. Additional information for this type of license can be obtained by calling 501-682-7054. |
|
| |
|
| |
| What documentation does Arkansas accept as proof of identity for the issuance of a driver's license or identification card? |
All new applicants for an Arkansas driver's license or identification card are required to provide proof of legal presence in the United States as well as proof of identity.
To prove legal presence in the United States One of the following documents must be shown:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- U.S. Visa
- Photo Document from DHS-(Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration)-(No Border Crosser)
- Photo Military/Military Dependent ID
- Armed Forces Discharge Papers
If name is different from what is on the Birth Certificate, applicant will need to bring document which changes name, Marriage License, Divorce Decree, specifically stating that you may change your name, or court order for name change.
For identification, each applicant must show either:
- An Arkansas Photo DL/ID, or
- Two (2) primary documents, or
- One (1) primary document and one (1) secondary document.
|
| |
Primary Documents
- Photo Out-of-State DL/ID
- Certificate of Birth (US Only)
- Photo INS Documents-(Immigration and Naturalization Services)- (No Border Crosser)
- Valid Passport (if foreign, INS card or US Visa required)
- Naturalization Certificate
- Court Order - must contain full name, DOB, court seal. Includes adoption name changes, gender change.
- Photo Military/Military Dependent ID
- Armed Forces Discharge Papers
|
| |
Secondary Documents
- Photo Work/School ID
- Vehicle Registration/Title
- Bureau of Indian Affairs Card/Indian Treaty Card (No Tribal Card)
- Marriage License
- Health Insurance Card
Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Kaiser, HMO, etc. (Medicaid card NOT acceptable.)
- IRS/State Tax Forms (W-2 NOT acceptable)
- Court Order (Date of Birth not present)
- Medical Records (from Doctor/Hospital)
- Concealed Handgun License
- Cert. School Transcript
- Pilot's License
- Parent/Guardian Affidavit
Parent/guardian must appear in person, prove his/her identity and submit a certified/notarized affidavit regarding the child's identity. Applies only to minors.
- Court Records
- Prison Release Document
|
| |
LEGAL PRESENCE AND IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS MAY BE COMBINED
Proof of legal presence documents may also serve as proof of identification. If a person shows a U.S. Birth Certificate as proof of legal presence, that will also serve as a primary identification document leaving only a secondary ID document requirement. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| What is the cost for a drivers license, a renewal, a duplicate, etc.? |
The fees are:
- Class D license (original or renewal) - $20.00
- Commercial drivers license (original or renewal) - $42.00
- Duplicate drivers license or identification card - $10.00
- Commercial drivers license test fee - $50.00
- Limited use commercial drivers license test fee
(restricted to church or school buses only) - $20.00
- Noncommercial drivers license test - $5.00 per test (up to a maximum $15.00)
All first time Arkansas licenses are issued for four years to expire on date of birth. This applicable fee is prorated for the first license to birth date. A noncommercial drivers license is $2.00 plus $.37 per month for the proration. A commercial drivers license is $2.00 plus $.83 per month for the proration. If a licensee is transferring from another state with a valid license, there is a $5.00 transfer fee in addition to the first time license cost. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| I am moving to Arkansas from another state. How can I exchange my out of state license for an Arkansas license? |
The requirements for obtaining an Arkansas drivers license or Identification Card will depend on the license you are bringing with you from the other state. At any local revenue office an out-of-state license (not expired over 31 days, suspended, or revoked) may be surrendered in exchange for an Arkansas drivers license. If the out-of-state license is expired over 31 days but less than one year, you will be required to take the written and vision examination, but will not be required to take the road examination. If the out-of-state license is expired over one year, you will be required to take the written, vision, and road examination.
If you do not have the actual out-of-state license to surrender and can not obtain one, you will be required to take both written and road tests. There is no waiting period between written and driving examinations for persons transferring from out of state.
Also, Arkansas law requires persons obtaining a license for the first time to show proof of legal presence in the United States Acceptable documents are: a U.S. birth certificate, photo military/military dependent ID, Naturalization certificate, a U.S. passport or Visa, an Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) photo document. (Border Crosser documents are not acceptable.) You must also show two forms of identification. List of Primary and Secondary Documents
If name is different from what is on the Birth Certificate, applicant will need to bring document which changes name, Marriage License, Divorce Decree, specifically stating that you may change your name, or court order for name change. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
I am 14-18 years old and want to get my license for the first time.
What do I do? |
If under 18 you will need to take a birth certificate, proof of enrollment in school, proof of grade point average of at least 2.0 and a parent or legal guardian to the testing site. If you are under 18 but have graduated from high school, you will need to show proof of your graduation (diploma) at the testing site. (For the location of testing sites, call the Arkansas State Police at 501-618-8251.)
All persons 14 to 18 years of age must hold an A restriction (adult in car) for a minimum of 6 months before driving unrestricted. The six month time period begins on the date the person passes the written exam (the date the learners permit is issued by the state police examiner).
Any person applying for a driver's license is required to show proof of legal presence and submit ONE Primary Document and ONE Secondary Document or TWO Primary Documents from the list. A primary document must contain the full name and date of birth and must be verifiable, i.e., you must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine authenticity of the document. List of Primary and Secondary Documents |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| I am 14-18 years old and I want to drive on my job for my employer. May I? |
| Check out this website http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/Teen_Driving.pdf or contact the Department of Labor for more information. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
I am over the age of 18 and have never had a driver's license.
What do I do? |
If you are over 18, the Arkansas State Police requires proof of age and identification before any portion of the exam is given.
Any person applying for a driver's license is required to show proof of legal presence and ONE Primary Document and ONE Secondary Document or TWO Primary Documents from the list. A primary document must contain the full name and date of birth and must be verifiable, i.e., you must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine authenticity of the document. List of Primary and Secondary Documents |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| How do I get a license verification letter or a clearance letter from Arkansas? |
Call (501) 682-7059
or write:
Office of Driver Service
Driver's License Issuance
Room 2120
P.O. Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203
You must furnish full name, date of birth, license number and an
address to send the letter to or a fax number. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| What are the minimum requirements for passing the vision exam? |
| Act 193 of 1989 provides that a person must have a minimum uncorrected (no glasses or contacts) visual acuity of 20/40 to qualify for an unrestricted driver's license. A person must have a minimum corrected (with glasses or contacts) visual acuity of 20/50 to qualify for a restricted licenses (drive with corrective lenses). A person with two functional eyes must have a field vision of 140 degrees. A person with one functional eye must have a field vision of 105 degrees. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| What type of license do I need to drive? |
Class A - Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Minimum age of 18.
Class B - Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more and any vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Minimum age of 18.
Class C - Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 or any such vehicles towing a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating not in excess of 10,000 pounds comprising: (1) vehicles designed to transport 16 passengers or more, including driver; (2) vehicles used in the transport of hazardous materials which are placarded. Minimum age of 18.
Class D - Any vehicle which is not a commercial vehicle as described above. Minimum age 14 restricted/16 unrestricted.
Class M - Any motorcycle with displaces more than 250 cc's. Minimum age 16.
Class MD - Any motor driven cycle, excluding motorized bicycles, which displaces 250 cc's or less. Minimum age 14. Expires on 16th birthday. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| I am currently in the military; or going to school out of state; or working out of state and have lost my license or need to renew. How do I do it? |
You may need to renew or obtain a replacement license via mail. Driver's License Issuance will take your request for the license over the phone. Upon receiving your application with instructions detailing your fee and any documents that you need to include for the license to be processed. Turnaround time is usually no more than 2 days.
Call (501) 682-7059
or write:
Office of Driver Service
Driver's License Issuance
Room 2120
P.O. Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203
Email: Gayle Boliou
Driver's License Issuance - Room 2120 PO Box 1272 |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| During periods when school is out, where can a person get a letter of enrollment & proof of grade point average? |
| You need to contact your school, your school district office or the state Education Department. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| I home school my children. Where can I get the letters needed in order for them to get a driver's license? |
You need to contact the Department of Education at one of the following numbers:
(501) 682-1874 |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| I have heard of a new law that requires selective service registration in order to obtain, replace or renew a drivers license. Is this true? |
| Yes. Act 78 of 2001 requires (effective 01/01/2002) that any United States male citizen or immigrant who is at least 18 years of age, but less than 26 years of age, shall be registered for the United States Selective Service when applying for a regular drivers license, a commercial drivers license or an Identification Card. This registration is in compliance with section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act, 50 U.S.C. et seq. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| What is the graduated license program for young drivers? |
Effective July 1, 2002, any person between the ages of 14 and 18 who has not been issued An Arkansas Drivers License will be issued a drivers license under the Arkansas Graduated Licensing Law (Act 1694 of 2001). The new law provides a progressive driver's licensing program for young drivers. Drivers are required to adhere to the restrictions at each level before they can move on to the next level.
The three levels of licensing are learners (must be at least 14 years of age), intermediate (must be at least 16 years of age) and regular licenses (must be at least 16 years of age). |
| |
|
| |
LEARNERS LICENSE
The learners license is the beginning drivers license issued to a person at least 14 years of age and will expire on the licensee's 16th birth date. Applicants may qualify for a learners license by passing the written and road tests given by the Arkansas State Police, passing the vision exam and having no serious accidents or traffic convictions in the most recent six months. (Serious accidents and traffic convictions are defined below)
Restrictions on a learners license are, all passengers must have seats belts attached at all times, and the driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. Upon the expiration of a learner's license (the person's 16th birthday), the person may apply for an intermediate drivers license.
INTERMEDIATE LICENSE
The intermediate license is issued to persons ages 16 to 18, and expires on the person's 18th birthday. Applicants who have a learners license may move up to the intermediate license only if they have no serious accidents or serious traffic convictions within the most recent six months.
Passengers in a vehicle driven by a person with an intermediate license must have seat belts attached at all times. If the applicant for an intermediate license has an accident or serious traffic conviction within the most recent six months, he/she must retain the learners license until such time that their record is clear of such accidents or traffic convictions for a six-month period. In this case, the re-issued learners license will have an expiration date equal to the end of six months from the conviction or accident date. If, on that expiration date, no further accidents or serious violations have occurred, an intermediate license will be issued.
NOTE: Any person under the age 18 must hold a restriction of an adult in the car for a minimum of six months. Therefore, if a person obtains his/her first license at age 17, (intermediate license) the license must have the adult restriction for a six-month period or until age 18. If the licensee has satisfied the six-month adult restriction, the intermediate license allows the licensee to drive alone.
REGULAR LICENSE
A regular license is issued to a person at age 18 when the intermediate license expires. Applicants for a regular license must have a record without any serious accidents or serious traffic convictions within the most recent 12 months. If the applicant has such accident or conviction within the, most recent 12 months, he/she must retain the Intermediate license until such time that the record is free of these accidents/convictions for a period of 12 months.
The age restrictions in this program do not apply to a person 16 years of age or older if such person is (A) married, (B) possesses a high school diploma, (C) has successfully completed a General Education Development test, or (D) is enlisted in the United States Military.
A serious accident means a reportable accident in which the driver is found at fault and the accident is placed on the driver's record by the Office of Driver Services.
A serious traffic conviction means any conviction where the driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle has, by court order or by administrative action been withdrawn OR any violation in which a driver has been found guilty of:
- Any alcohol related moving traffic violation
- Any seat belt violation
- Any Commercial motor vehicle violation
- Driving fifteen (15) or more miles per hour over the speed limit
- Reckless driving
- Negligent homicide
- Using a vehicle to commit a felony
- Failure to carry liability insurance
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Evading arrest
- Fleeing by use of an automobile
- Unsafe driving
- Hazardous driving
- Prohibited passing
- Passing stopped school bus
- Careless or negligent driving
- Failure to obey a traffic signal or device
- Failure to obey a railroad-crossing barrier
- Racing on the highway
- Driving with a suspended, revoked or cancelled license
- Driving the wrong way down a one way street
|
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| Driver's License Suspension |
| |
| My driving privilege is showing suspended in another state. How can I get that suspension taken care of? |
| You will need to contact the state where you are suspended and ask them what you will need to provide them to have the situation resolved. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| How many points do I have to have on my driving record before my license is suspended? |
| Arkansas' Administrative Point System is used to identify problem drivers. Points are assigned for various traffic violations ranging from failure to obey a traffic signal (3 points), reckless driving (8 points) and speeding 0-10 (3 points). A computer program searches all the driver records weekly and identifies the records which have fallen within a preset range for various sanctions. For example, 10-13 points a warning letter is issued telling the driver to be careful; 14 or more points a notice is sent to the licensee advising them of a proposed suspension action and advising them that they may have a hearing to discuss the proposed action. Persons with 14 to 17 points may be suspended for three months; 18 to 23 points may be suspended for six months; and 24 or more points may be suspended for one year. A hearing is automatically scheduled and they are subject to the Hearing officer's discretion, which ranges from no action, probation, restriction or suspension. If the licensee fails to attend hearing, the licensee is automatically suspended. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| Driver Records and Information |
| |
| Can I get information on another person's license? |
| No information can be released to anyone unless it is the licensee; a person who has written permission from a licensee; or a traffic court, law enforcement, or governmental agency who has a need for such information to perform their required duties. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| Where can I see/talk to a Hearing Officer about my driving record? |
| City |
Address |
Phone |
| Camden |
135 B Jackson Street |
870-836-4581 |
| Conway |
2125 Harkrider, Suite EE |
501-329-5056 |
| Fayetteville |
965 S. Razorback Rd., Suite 3 |
479-521-1431 |
| Little Rock |
7th and Battery |
501-682-1631 |
| Forrest City |
2308 N. Washington |
870-633-5971 |
| Fort Smith |
616 Garrison, #104 |
479-783-2422 |
| Hot Springs |
118 Second, Suite L |
501-623-1239 |
| Jacksonville |
619 N 1st St, Suite G-1 Stonewall Square |
501-982-1448 |
| Jonesboro |
206 Southwest Drive, Suite A |
870-935-9505 |
| Mountain Home |
511 Baker Street |
870-425-9717 |
| Paragould |
100 N Rocking Chair #10 |
870-239-9663 |
| Pine Bluff |
2801 Olive, Suite 7D |
870-536-6793 |
| Russellville |
325 South Denver |
479-968-1697 |
| Searcy |
402 West Vine |
501-268-9108 |
| Texarkana |
402 Pecan Street |
870-773-7826 |
|
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| How do I report a change of address for my Noncommercial Class D drivers license? |
You may report a change of address in person at any
|
| |
|
| |
or via email or regular mail:
Office of Driver Service
Driver's License Issuance
Room 2120
P.O. Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203
Email: Gayle Boliou
Driver's License Issuance - Room 2120 PO Box 1272
You must provide the following information:
- Name as it appears on your drivers license;
- drivers license number; date of birth;
- issue date;
- expiration date;
- old address and new address.
If name is different from what is on the Birth Certificate, applicant will need to bring document which changes name, Marriage License, Divorce Decree, specifically stating that you may change your name, or court order for name change.
You are not required by law to obtain a new Noncommercial Class D license upon an address change. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| How do I report a change of address for my Commercial drivers license? |
| If you have a Commercial license, it will be necessary for you to go to the local Revenue Office and buy a duplicate license with the new address. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| After an Accident |
| |
| I was involved in an accident. What must I furnish to the department? |
| A Safety Responsibility SR-1 accident report must be submitted within thirty (30) days when damage to the property of any one person is in excess of $1,000.00 or results in the injury or death of any person regardless of who is at fault. The SR-1 form is fillable online here , printable version here or may be obtained by contacting Safety Responsibility at 501-682-7098 |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| How do I show financial responsibility after an accident? |
- An SR-21 proof of liability insurance in force form filled out by your insurance company.
- A deposit of security as tabulated by this office.
- A written release of liability signed by the other party in the accident.
- A final civil adjudication of non-liability from a court of competent jurisdiction. Trial in traffic court over a traffic citation is not an adjudication of non-liability.
- A covenant not to sue signed by the other party which must be notarized.
- A written statement which has been accepted by the appropriate parties to the payment of damages in installments.
- A written statement by the adverse party or his liability insurance carrier that they have reimbursed you for your property damage.
- A written request to this department for a hearing to determine if there is a reasonable possibility that a judgment may be rendered against you as a result of the accident. If the hearing indicates a judgment does not seem reasonable, then the department will not require the security deposit.
- A copy of a bankruptcy petition with a list of creditors naming all parties.
|
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| If I am not ticketed in an accident, is that proof of no fault for financial responsibility purposes? |
| No. That is only an indication no ticket was issued. A possibility of a judgment being entered against you can still exist requiring that you show financial responsibility. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| Insurance Verification | Insurance status and verification procedures |
| |
| Why was my vehicle indicated as being uninsured when I renewed my automobile registration even though I have an insurance policy? |
| The "not insured" status is indicated only if the insurance carrier has not reported your insurance policy or has sent a cancellation of that vehicle policy. There may also be an error in the information provided which must be corrected before reporting. Contact your insurance carrier for clarification. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
| License Problems | DUI, DWI, Court Orders, Violations |
| |
| What can happen to my driving privilege if I get a DWI? |
| Upon arrest a police officer will give the person an Official Driver's License Receipt and Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Driving Privilege. The police officer will take the driver's license. The Notice will also allow the person to drive for the next thirty days (if they have a valid license). The Notice will inform the person that they have seven days to request an administrative hearing to determine if they were intoxicated or registered a .08% BAC or refused the BAC test. Also, the person can request a restricted permit if they have no other alcohol offenses and f the BAC is under .15 and the licensee did not refuse test. If at the hearing the person is found to have been intoxicated, then the license is suspended for 120 days on first offense, (permit allowed), two years for second offense, thirty months for third offense and four years for a fourth offense. Before the person is reinstated they must complete an approved alcohol rehabilitation program and pay a $150.00 reinstatement fee. All of this action is rescinded if the person is acquitted of the charge in court. |
| [ back to top ] |
| |
