NOTES FOR NEWCOMERS
DRIVERS LICENSE (State
of Arkansas website)
All residents must possess a valid Arkansas driver's license to
operate a motor vehicle within the state. A new resident must obtain
an Arkansas driver's license at a local revenue office within sixty
(60) days after locating in the state. Arkansas issues a four-year
driver's license for $14. An eyesight examination is also required
for the issuance and renewal of a license.
A license for a motor-driven cycle of more than 50cc and up to
and including 250cc may be obtained at 14 years of age (with expiration
at 16 years of age) for $1. A motorcycle license is required at
16 years of age for any motor driven cycle of 50cc or more and is
issued for four years. A motorcycle endorsement to a drivers license
is also available for $2.
A photo identification card is also issued by Arkansas to anyone
14 years or older who is not a licensed driver. This four-year license
costs $5. If a person is 60 years or older, the ID card is valid
for life.
To obtain an Arkansas drivers license, a new resident must surrender
a valid license issued by another state or the military, pay the
license fee, pass the eyesight test, and successfully complete the
written highway traffic law test portions of the licensing examination.
Members of the Arkansas State Police Department administer the written
highway traffic law test. A $5 fee is charged for the administration
of the test.
Persons under 18 years of age must provide proof of school enrollment,
high school graduation, or completion of a General Equivalency Degree
(GED) prior to taking any drivers license examination. Persons still
enrolled in school must show proof that they have at least a "C"
grade point average. The individual's school provides the specified
form proving enrollment and grade point average.
MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE
All passenger motor vehicles operated on Arkansas highways must
be registered and licensed with the Department of Finance and Administration's
Revenue Division. Registration is renewed annually.
When requesting a motor vehicle license, the following must be
provided:
Proof of the current year's personal property assessment for new
residents, or proof of payment of any personal taxes that were due
by October 10 of the previous calendar year. Act 1261 of 1993 requires
county assessors to assess personal property by phone and mail the
assessment papers within five days. This eliminates the need for
a taxpayer to visit the assessor's office.
Proof of motor vehicle liability insurance of self-insurance in
the amount of not less than $25,000 for bodily injury or death of
one person in any one accident, not less than $50,000 for bodily
injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and
coverage of $15,000 property damage.
When renewing a motor vehicle license registration, residents may
mail in the above information along with the renewal notice before
the tenth day of the month the registration expire and receive a
$2 discount. The additional $2 must be paid if the registration
is renewed in person at the revenue office.
Automobile registration fees are based upon the vehicle's unladen
weight.
The weights and registration fees are:
3,000 pounds or less $17.00
3,001 to 4,500 pounds $25.00
4,501 or more $30.00
New residents may operate automobiles with tags registered in another
state on Arkansas highways for ninety (90) days before Arkansas
registration is required.
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