How to get an Arkansas Driver's License
Find out how to get a new AR driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Arkansas DMV guide.
Arkansas DFA Driver's License Rules
Under AR DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for an Arkansas Intermediate Driver's License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Arkansas Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for an Arkansas learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an AR drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months before taking the road skills test.
New AR Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Arkansas driver's license upon establishing a permanent residence in AR. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an AR driver's license, however you may need to pass the vision test.
If your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for more than 31 days, 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 expired over one year, you will be required to take the written, vision, and road examination.
International Drivers
Arkansas honors the International Driving Permit as long as it is accompanied by a valid license from the resident country. Licensees have 30 days after becoming a resident of the State to convert to an Arkansas license.
Arkansas law requires persons obtaining a license for the first time or moving to Arkansas 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 / U.S. passport card or Visa, an Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) photo document. (Border Crosser documents are not acceptable.) You must also show two forms of identification.
All applicants for an Arkansas driver's license or identification card must provide a verifiable Social Security Number (SSN) when making application. Applicants who are not eligible for a SSN must sign an affidavit stating they do not have a SSN. The name you request for the driver's license or ID card must match your name with the Social Security Administration.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Arkansas DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class D Driver's License will be valid for 4 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Arkansas Driver's Manual |
