Moving to Arkansas, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state how soon a new resident must get an Arkansas license.
• You can explain who may drive on another state's license.
• You can name the countries whose licenses Arkansas exchanges without testing.
• You can list the documents needed for a REAL ID.
• You can state the standard Class D renewal term and fee.

What you need to know and understand

• A new resident must get an Arkansas license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• A nonresident physically present in Arkansas for six months must also get an Arkansas license.
• Active-duty military members and nonresident students may drive on a valid license from another state if they are at least 16.
• An out-of-state license used for a transfer must be a valid hard copy and not expired for more than 30 days.
• Drivers from Manitoba (Canada), Germany, France, Taiwan and South Korea can be issued a license without testing; they are referred to DFA.
• REAL ID needs one proof of legal presence, one proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of residency.
• A Class D license for drivers 21 and older costs $40 and lasts eight years, and you can renew up to 90 days before it expires.
• Drivers aged 70 may choose a four-year license for $20 or an eight-year license for $40.

New to Arkansas from another state

Your old license is the key document. It must be a valid hard copy, not expired for more than 30 days, and not suspended or revoked in any state. Check the current document list with DFA before you go.

1. Within 30 days of becoming a resident, visit a State Revenue Office.
2. Bring your out-of-state license and identity documents, plus two proofs of Arkansas address if you want a REAL ID.
3. Make sure your old license is a valid hard copy and not expired for more than 30 days, and not suspended or revoked anywhere.
4. Pass the vision screening if asked; if your eyes need correction, a B restriction is added.
5. Register any vehicle you bring; DFA lists the title, odometer statement and proof of insurance among the papers needed.

Coming from another country

Arkansas has reciprocal agreements with Manitoba, Germany, France, Taiwan and South Korea, so drivers from these places can be licensed without testing. Most other foreign drivers who become residents should expect to take the ASP knowledge, vision and skills tests. Non-citizens bring immigration documents, such as a passport with US visa and I-94 or a Permanent Resident Card, every time they visit ASP.

REAL ID and renewing

Since May 7, 2025, the TSA has required a REAL ID or another accepted document to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings. REAL ID cards are issued at any State Revenue Office. Bring proof of legal presence such as a US birth certificate or passport, a proof of identity, your Social Security card and two proofs of Arkansas address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. DFA offers an online quiz to check your list.

Teen licenses are prorated and expire one month after the 16th, 18th or 21st birthday. After 21, a standard Class D costs $40 and lasts eight years.

Common mistakes

• Waiting months after moving to change your license. The limit is 30 days for residents.
• Letting your old state's license lapse more than 30 days before transferring it.
• Bringing only one proof of address for REAL ID. Two are required.
• Assuming every foreign license can be swapped. Only a few places have reciprocal agreements.

Test yourself: Moving to Arkansas, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Arkansas Driver’s License Age Waiver Explained
• Arkansas Driving Test
• Arkansas Intermediate License