Arkansas Driver's License
Requirements
In Arkansas, driver's licenses are issued by the Office of Driver Services — part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). The standard non-commercial credential is a Class D Driver's License. Arkansas operates a three-stage Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: a Learner's Permit at 14 (with parental consent), an Intermediate License at 16 with strict night-driving and passenger restrictions, and a full Class D License at 18 (or 16.5 if no convictions occur on the Intermediate License). Arkansas does NOT require Driver Education for any age — but completion of a state-approved program qualifies for an insurance discount. The state's minimum supervised driving requirement is informal: a parent affidavit confirming reasonable practice. Arkansas issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Driver Services operates over 130 State Revenue Offices statewide, and most renewals can be completed online at mydmv.arkansas.gov.
Requirements Overview
Must be an Arkansas resident. The Office of Driver Services requires two documents proving Arkansas residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency. Arkansas does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Arkansas DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Arkansas residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current AR vehicle registration)
- Parental/guardian consent signed in person at a State Revenue Office — required for applicants under 18
- Vehicle for road test with valid AR registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Arkansas DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Arkansas driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide
Download the current Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide from dfa.arkansas.gov. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering AR traffic laws, road signs, severe-weather (tornado) safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (20 correct) to pass.
Apply for a Learner's Permit at 14
Visit any Arkansas State Revenue Office with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $5 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Learner's Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat. The minimum permit age (14) is among the lowest in the U.S.
Pro tip: Use the Arkansas DMV online portal at mydmv.arkansas.gov for appointments — small-town State Revenue Offices typically have appointments within 1 week.
Hold Permit for at Least 6 Months
Arkansas requires a 6-month Learner's Permit period for under-18 applicants. There is no state-mandated minimum number of supervised driving hours, but a parent affidavit confirming reasonable practice is required at the road test. Most Arkansas parents log 30–50 informal hours.
Pass the Skills (Drive) Test at 16
Schedule the drive test through mydmv.arkansas.gov. Bring your Learner's Permit, parent consent, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city driving.
Receive the Intermediate License at 16
Pay the $40 Intermediate License fee. The Arkansas Intermediate License has restrictions: no driving 11pm–4am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or going to/from work. No more than ONE non-family passenger under 21 at any time. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited.
Hold Intermediate License for 6 Months Without Convictions
Arkansas requires applicants to hold the Intermediate License for at least 6 months without traffic convictions. Any moving violation during this period resets the 6-month clock and may result in additional restrictions.
Upgrade to Full Class D at 16.5 or 18
After 6 months on the Intermediate License with no convictions, applicants 16.5+ can upgrade to a full Class D Driver's License. Applicants who incur convictions during the Intermediate period must wait until age 18. Pay the $40 (8-year) license fee at any State Revenue Office.
Renew Class D License Every 8 Years
Standard Class D renewal cycle is 8 years for drivers under 70. Drivers 70+ renew every 4 years for $20. Online renewal is available for some cycles via mydmv.arkansas.gov; every other cycle requires an in-person visit and new photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Arkansas is one of only a few U.S. states that allows applicants to apply for a Learner's Permit at 14. The Learner's Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat. The early age was retained from Arkansas's historically rural-driving culture; it's most useful for teens whose parents want them to start logging supervised practice well before age 16.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Arkansas DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.