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Drivers can use this ranking feature to narrow down policy options and find the cheapest car insurance in Gosnell, AR, and make sure that they get the best policies to fit their individual needs. It's a good idea to check car insurance rates in Gosnell, AR again every couple months, because these rates can and do change.
Getting a New Driver's License in Arkansas
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.
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:
Expired for more than 31 days OR you don't have the physical license to surrender, you must take the state's vision and written exams.
Expired for more than 1 year, you must take the vision, written, AND road tests.
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.
Class D Driver's License (Under 21):
Class D Driver's License (Over 21): This is a regular passenger vehicle driver's license for drivers 21 years old and older.
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:
Teen Drivers:
Learn about the state's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, including the driver permits and provisional licenses you must obtain before getting a regular driver license.
Motorcycle License:
Find out how to study for and pass your motorcycle exams to earn a Class M motorcycle license in Arkansas.
Commercial Driver License:
Learn about testing for your Arkansas commercial driver's license and the different endorsements available.
AR Driver's License Eligibility Requirements
You DO NOT need an Arkansas driver's license if:
You're a member of the military or military spouse and hold a valid driver's license from another state.
You're a student attending a school, college, or university and you have a valid out-of-state license.
You ARE NOT eligible for an AR driver's license if:
You're a teen and need to work through the GDL program.
Your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or canceled.
You've already had an AR license but it is suspended, revoked, or canceled, OR you have pending moving violation judgments.
You've been deemed unsafe due to mental health problems or habitual alcohol or drug use.
You've been found at fault for a serious traffic accident or been convicted of a serious traffic violation within the past 12 months.
You cannot provide the required ID documents.
See “Apply for Your AR Driver's License' below for the documents all applicants must bring.
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:
Show proof of legal residency (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport).
If you’re applying for an Enhanced Security Driver’s License, you must show 2 documents proving your residency. These proofs must be original, show your name, and show your physical addresses (no P.O. Box). Examples include utility bills, pay stubs, and personal property tax receipts.
Provide verifiable proof of your Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card) OR sign an affidavit stating you aren't eligible for an SSN.
Provide proof of identity,* which can be EITHER:
2 documents from the primary list.
Primary list documents must include your full name and birth date (e.g., original or certified birth certificate, military ID, or INS documents).
OR
1 document from the primary list and 1 document from the secondary list (vehicle registration, health insurance card, employment ID, etc.).
Provide proof of legal presence (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. visa, military ID, etc.).
Pay the $5 testing fee.
Pass the vision exam.
Pass the written permit test.
To help you pass the written test you can study the state's driver handbook. If you want to ensure passing the exam on your first try, we suggest taking an online practice test beforehand.
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
Contact your nearest state police troop office for testing times.
You do not have to make an appointment, but because testing times change, the ASP recommends calling ahead.
Pay the $40 fee.
Pass your 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.
Featured ResourceAre You Overpaying for Car Insurance?
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:
Report an accident.
Apply for commercial vehicle permits.
Renew your license plate.
Report incorrect use of a state vehicle.
Order vanity license plates.
Search for a specific state vehicle.
Look up the status of your title, registration, or lien.
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:
Find motorcycle insurance.
A private insurance company can ensure you're getting the best coverage for your bike at a reasonable price.
Get auto insurance.
Protect your vehicle with an insurance company that can offer optimal coverage for a realistic cost.
Order a vehicle history report (VHR).
Make sure you order a vehicle history report and/or VIN check on any vehicle you are thinking about buying. This information will let you know if the car is reliable and legally available for purchase.
Extend your vehicle's warranty.
When your vehicle's original warranty ends, consider investing in an extended warranty, just in case.
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:
Access the CDL drug and alcohol testing database.
Reinstate your driver's license.
Request driving records.
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:
Requesting driving records.
Whether it's for personal or professional reasons, a private company can provide you with quick access to the driving records you need.
Officially changing your name.
A third party company can ensure your name is officially changed across multiple government agencies.
Ordering background checks.
When hiring new employees, give yourself some peace of mind by using a private vendor to quickly and easily order background checks.
Requesting court records.
To avoid the bureaucratic hassles of government agencies, use a third-party company to order court records for past cases.
Ordering vital records.
From birth certificates to death certificates, marriage records to divorce records, a private company can take care of all your vital record requests.
Applying for an International Driver Permit (IDP).
If you make a decision to drive abroad, make sure to request your IDP through a company that works professionally and quickly.
Requesting an expedited passport.
When you need a passport ASAP, a private company is your best bet for getting your credentials in time to vacation in peace.
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:
Study guides.
Practice tests.
CDL study guides and practice tests.
Motorcycle license practice tests and study guides.
Online driver's license prep courses for teens.
Adult driver's license prep courses.
Defensive driving and traffic school courses.
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:
Make attorney payments.
Pay traffic tickets.
Search for an Arkansas attorney.
Private Vendor Online Services
You can use a trusted third party company to complete the following legal and traffic ticket-related tasks:
Find a DUI lawyer.
When you need to find a qualified DUI lawyer, consider using a private company to vet and compare all of your options.
Hire a traffic ticket attorney.
Instead of having to learn all the ins and outs of Arkansas traffic laws, consider hiring a traffic ticket attorney to do the legal legwork for you.
Pay traffic tickets.
Save yourself some time by making your traffic ticket payments online through a trusted private vendor.
Protect your identity.
Protecting your personal information is one of the most valuable and worthwhile services you can invest in.