Arkansas driver license guide

The basics for Arkansas, in plain English. Every fact links to the official page it came from, so you can confirm it yourself. Driver testing is run by the Arkansas State Police, so testing facts come from the Department of Public Safety site (dps.arkansas.gov). Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

Getting an Arkansas learner's licenseSteps and official links →Getting your first Arkansas driver licenseSteps and official links →Renewing an Arkansas driver licenseSteps and official links →Getting a REAL ID in ArkansasSteps and official links →Moving to Arkansas: transferring your licenseSteps and official links →Replacing a lost Arkansas driver licenseSteps and official links →

Facts

Arkansas at a glance

Rules and fees change. Use the source link to confirm before you go.

Learner's license age: Ages 14-15.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Learner's license supervision: You may drive only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Learner's license fee: Prorated (DFA does not list a flat amount).Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Learner's license expiration: Expires 1 month after your 16th birthday; renewable on or after the 16th birthday.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Parent or guardian responsibility: A parent or guardian must accept financial responsibility before anyone under 18 is licensed.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
If a parent cannot attend testing: Applicants under 18 whose parent cannot be present must bring the notarized ASP-33 Financial Responsibility Acceptance Form.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Clean record before the intermediate license: No serious traffic violations or at-fault accidents during the previous 6 months.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Intermediate license: Ages 16-17; allows driving a non-commercial vehicle. Expires 1 month after the 18th birthday; fee prorated.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Intermediate drivers without 6 months of experience: Must drive with a licensed adult 21+ (restriction code 3); all passengers must wear seat belts (code 5).Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Unrestricted license at 18: At 18 you can apply for a regular license if your record has been clean for the previous year.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Early unrestricted license (16-17): Possible with 6 months of driving experience if emancipated (17+), a high school graduate/GED holder, married, or enlisted in the military.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Driver study guide: Arkansas State Police link a study guide in English (dated 11/12/2026), Spanish (01/2018) and Vietnamese, plus an online practice test.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Required video: A 1-minute "What to Do During a Basic Traffic Stop" video must be watched before scheduling any driver test.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Test appointments: Arkansas State Police give tests in every county; book an appointment to guarantee your exam date and time.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Documents for testing: The examiner checks required documents before testing starts; ASP posts separate checklists for applicants under and over 18.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Birth certificates from bordering states: A birth certificate from LA, MO, MS, OK, TX or TN must be paired with proof of Arkansas residency for testing.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Vision referrals: If referred, the ASP-90 vision form must be completed by an Arkansas optometrist; out-of-state or online optometrists are not accepted.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Class D license fee (21+): $40.00 for an 8-year Class D license.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Class D for ages 18-21: Prorated fee; expires 1 month after your 21st birthday, renewable on or after it.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
License term: 8 years for drivers 21+; drivers 70+ may choose 4 years ($20) or 8 years ($40).Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
When you can renew: From 90 days before expiration.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal cost: DFA lists $40.00 for an 8-year Class D (21+); it does not show a separate renewal fee.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Drivers 70 and older: Optional 4-year license for $20 or 8-year for $40.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Expired Class D: No retest is needed to renew an expired Class D license.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal reminders: Sign up to get renewal notices by email or text.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Online pre-registration: Start a license or ID application online, then finish photo and payment at the office with your case number.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Where to get REAL ID: Available at any State Revenue Office.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID documents: Proof of legal presence, Social Security card or DD214, proof of identity, and two proofs of residency.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewing a REAL ID: No documents needed unless you are changing your name or address.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Getting an Arkansas license as a newcomer: Bring proof of legal presence, your Social Security card and your out-of-state license or ID.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Replacement card: Request a duplicate online; it arrives by mail in 3-5 business days.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Address change: Free online, but no new card is issued.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Lost learner permit: Get a duplicate at any Arkansas State Police Driver Testing Center with one form of ID.Source: dps.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Military members: An approved extension keeps the license valid until 60 days after separation or discharge.Source: dfa.arkansas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Official links

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Driver Services

Agency home pagedfa.arkansas.gov ↗Appointmentsdfa.arkansas.gov ↗Driver handbookdps.arkansas.gov ↗REAL IDdfa.arkansas.gov ↗Permit and first licensedfa.arkansas.gov ↗Replace a licensedfa.arkansas.gov ↗Feesdfa.arkansas.gov ↗

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