Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Arkansas driver’s license costs $10, and in most cases you can order a duplicate online through the state’s myDMV portal and have it mailed to you within three to five business days.1Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Drivers The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) handles all driver’s license services. Whether you can finish the Arkansas driver’s license replacement online or need to visit a Revenue Office depends on what, if anything, is changing on your card.
Replace It Online Through myDMV
The fastest route is the DFA’s myDMV portal. Look for the “Replace My License or ID” link under the myDMV section of the DFA website.2Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. MyDMV You confirm your information, pay with a credit or debit card, and submit. The whole thing takes a few minutes. A convenience fee applies on top of the $10 replacement cost.
Online works only for a straight duplicate: same name, same address, same photo. You cannot use the portal if your license is suspended or revoked, if your photo needs updating, if you need a vision screening, or if you want to upgrade to REAL ID for the first time.
When You Have to Visit a Revenue Office
An in-person visit is required if you need to update your photo, change your name or address, deal with a license that has been expired for more than 31 days, or upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card for the first time. Revenue Offices handle everything the online system can’t, including photographs and vision tests.
You can schedule an appointment through the DFA’s online appointment system to cut the wait.3Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Online Services Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders get priority. You fill out the application, hand over your documents, pay the fee, and leave with a temporary paper license while the permanent card is produced and mailed.
One thing to know before you book a trip: the TSA does not accept temporary driver’s licenses as valid identification.4Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint If you have a flight before your permanent card arrives, bring a passport or another federally accepted ID.
Documents to Bring
Ordering a simple duplicate online pulls your existing record, so you won’t need paperwork. In person is a different story, especially for a REAL ID-compliant license. The DFA sorts its document requirements into four categories.5Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Arkansas Real ID
- Legal presence, one document: a U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.
- Identity, one document: your current or expired driver’s license, a school ID, a vehicle registration or title, a marriage certificate, or a military ID.
- Social Security number: your physical Social Security card. If you’ve lost it, request a replacement through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-325-0778.
- Residency, two documents: a gas, water, or electric bill in your name; a paycheck stub from the last six months; a bank statement from the last six months; a current tax return; or a current homeowners, renters, or motor vehicle insurance policy.
The two-document residency requirement applies specifically to REAL ID. If you’re replacing a standard license and not changing anything, the documentation at the Revenue Office is lighter, but bringing your Social Security card and a proof of identity is still a good idea to avoid a wasted trip.
REAL ID When You Replace
Federal REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025.6Transportation Security Administration. TSA Publishes Final Rule on REAL ID Enforcement Beginning May 7, 2025 A standard Arkansas license, meaning one without the gold star in the upper corner, no longer works for boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, or accessing military bases. If the license you’re replacing was already REAL ID-compliant, your replacement will carry the same designation. If it wasn’t, a replacement is a natural chance to upgrade, which requires visiting a Revenue Office in person with the full document set above. You cannot upgrade through the online portal.
If you don’t need the card for air travel or federal facilities, a standard replacement is still fine for everyday driving and identification.
Fees and How Long It Takes
The duplicate fee for a non-commercial license is $10. Revenue Offices take cash, checks, and credit cards. The online portal takes credit and debit cards and adds a small convenience fee.
Online orders arrive by mail within three to five business days.1Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Drivers In-person replacements take longer, because the permanent card is produced centrally and mailed; expect roughly two to three weeks. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving in Arkansas during that wait.
If Your License Was Stolen
A stolen license carries your name, date of birth, address, and sometimes your signature, which is enough for someone to attempt identity fraud. The replacement process is the same as for a lost card, but take a few extra steps.
File a police report to create a paper trail. The Social Security Administration recommends creating a personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov to watch for suspicious activity tied to your number.7Social Security Administration. Fraud Prevention and Reporting You can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze through the three major credit bureaus to block new accounts in your name.
If you later find your information has been misused, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan and an FTC Identity Theft Report.7Social Security Administration. Fraud Prevention and Reporting Act quickly; don’t wait for a charge to show up on a statement.
Commercial Licenses Are Different
Everything above covers standard non-commercial (Class D) licenses. Commercial drivers face different requirements and fees, and should contact the DFA directly. If a commercial driver has lost or damaged a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, a copy can be requested from the medical examiner who performed the exam or pulled from the motor carrier’s records.8Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. What Is the Protocol if the Medical Examiners Certificate Gets Damaged, Lost or Unreadable