How To Do an Arkansas DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Arkansas then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Arkansas DMV change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Arkansas requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 30 days of establishing residency, there really isn’t too much time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know to complete your Arkansas DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to an Arkansas revenue office (part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration) to get started.

If You’re Moving to Arkansas from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if you’re moving to Arkansas from another state?

Yes, unless you are a student who will not be permanently moving to the state or an active member of the U.S. military (or a dependent of either).

How do you get a new driver’s license in Arkansas?

To get an Arkansas driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to an Arkansas revenue office location in person, since unfortunately you can’t do an Arkansas DMV change of address online or over the phone.

Per the rules in most states, expect that an Arkansas driver’s license for a new resident to the state is only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the AR DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit an Arkansas revenue office:

• • Your out of state driver’s license
  • One proof of social security number
  • One document showing proof of legal presence in the U.S. (examples: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certification of naturalization, certification of citizenship)
  • Two documents showing proof of identity (examples: U.S. birth certificate, vehicle registration card, photo driver’s license)

  Note that if your name on your primary proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license then you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.

  Is there a fee?

  Yes. The fee for a new non-commercial driver’s license in Arkansas is $40, so make sure to bring a form of payment along with you as well when you visit your local revenue office.

  Does an Arkansas DMV change of address require a driving test?

  No, you will not be required to take any tests provided that your out of state driver’s license has not been expired for 31 days or more. If it has been expired for 31+ days, you’ll need to take a vision and written test, and if it has been expired for a year or more you will need to take a vision test, written test, and driving test.

  How long do you have to get an Arkansas driver’s license or ID card?

  As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to get your new driver’s license as soon as possible once you know that you will be a resident, however Arkansas gives you 30 days to complete your Arkansas DMV change of address information after establishing residency in the state.

  So how do you know if you’re officially a resident of Arkansas? Head to an Arkansas revenue office if you plan to:

  • • Live in Arkansas for at least six months out of the year
    • Register to vote in Arkansas
    • Work in Arkansas
    • Run a business out of Arkansas
    • Send your children to school in Arkansas

    Do you need to register your out-of-state vehicle?

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Just like with your driver’s license, Arkansas requires that you register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Arkansas?

    Arkansas vehicle registration services are available online, so there’s no need to take time out of your day to do this in person.

    You’ll need to have the following documents handy when you register your vehicle as a new resident of Arkansas:

    • • Your out of state vehicle registration
      • Proof of title
      • Proof of insurance (must be valid in Arkansas)
      • Bill of sale and odometer disclosure statement

      You may also be asked to provide information on your Personal Property Tax Number (PPAN) which is assigned by your county assessor, as well as a lien contract/security agreement, a current year county tax assessment, and proof of paid tax receipt.

      What is the registration fee?

      Fees vary based on the weight of your vehicle. Check out the vehicle registration fees page to find out what you’ll owe.

      If You’re Moving Within Arkansas

      Arkansas doesn’t have a set deadline on when you need to change your address on your state driver’s license, however it’s a good idea to get this done sooner rather than later (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it).

      How do you do an Arkansas change of address?

      You’ve got a few different options for completing your Arkansas DMV change of address:

      1. Change your address online. Head to the online portal to easily change your address right from your computer.

      2. Email or snail mail a request. Send a completed change of address application via email to [email protected] or via snail mail to Driver’s License Issuance, Room 2120, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203.

      3. Go in person. Visit a revenue office and complete your Arkansas DMV change of address forms there.

      Whichever option you choose, be ready to supply information on your driver’s license number, your new address, and your date of birth.

      Will Arkansas issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

      No, not unless you want one.

      How much does an Arkansas change of address cost?

      An Arkansas DMV change of address is free, but you’ll need to pay a $10 fee if you would like a duplicate license with your new address on it.

      Do you need to update your address on your vehicle registration?

      Yes, but it’s easy to do online.

      How long do you have to update your vehicle registration with your new address?

      There’s no deadline, but again, it’s better to do this early. If your vehicle registration is up for renewal soon however, you could just wait to enter in your new address when you renew.

      If You’re Moving From Arkansas to Another State

      Do you need to notify the state of Arkansas if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

      No. When you receive a driver’s license in your new state of residency Arkansas will automatically cancel your state driver’s license, meaning there’s nothing specific for you to do on your end.

      Do you need to notify the state of Arkansas if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

      Do you need to return your Arkansas license plates?

      No, you can hold on to your Arkansas license plates.

      Have any questions?

      If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Arkansas, contact the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Office at (501) 682-4692, or reach out via email at either [email protected] or [email protected].

      If you are reaching out by phone, you are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready when you call.

      Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Arkansas?

      We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Arkansas move will cost, and happy moving.