In Arkansas, seniors face several important requirements and procedures when renewing their driver’s license, particularly in light of recent updates and the nationwide shift towards tiered renewal systems for drivers over the age of 70. As of 2025, Arkansas law offers a mix of general renewal rules and those tailored for seniors, shaped both by federal recommendations and state-specific policy.
Most drivers in Arkansas must renew their license every four years. However, for drivers age 70 and above, the renewal term can be either four years or eight years, according to the individual’s preference; many seniors choose the four-year renewal to maintain closer check-ins on their driving abilities. Whether a senior chooses the four- or eight-year term, an in-person visit is required, as online renewals are not permitted for senior citizens. Each renewal for drivers age 70 and above requires a vision test. The minimum acceptable visual acuity is typically 20/40 for an unrestricted license and 20/60 for a license restricted to daytime driving only. If a senior cannot pass the vision screening at the DMV, they may be directed to provide a report from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
A national rule introduced in August 2025 affects all states, including Arkansas, by encouraging tiered renewal intervals for seniors: drivers aged 70–79 are required to renew every four years and must pass a vision screening (which may, in the future, sometimes be completed remotely via telehealth); those aged 80–86 must renew every two years and add a cognitive/reaction time screening to the requirements; drivers age 87 and older must renew annually and undergo a full in-person driving assessment. Though implementation details can vary by state, Arkansas currently maintains its practice of requiring a vision test but may soon add other assessments aligned with the new federal guidelines.
To renew, seniors in Arkansas must bring their current driver’s license and any corrective eyewear needed for vision testing. The renewal fee is $40 for a standard license. An enhanced (REAL ID) license, expiring every eight years, requires additional documentation if changes to personal information have occurred. If a senior is temporarily residing out of state or overseas, renewal by mail is possible after contacting the Arkansas Office of Driver Services, but this is generally not the route for those living in Arkansas due to the necessity of vision and possible physical testing.
It is important for senior drivers to note that Arkansas, like many states, permits concerned family members or medical professionals to report cases of potentially unsafe driving to the DMV. A report may result in a required medical or driving assessment. The primary intent of these rules and reporting mechanisms is not punitive but focused on safety and helping older adults stay mobile as long as possible while recognizing and addressing significant health-related driving risks.
Arkansas seniors seeking to renew their license in 2025 must expect a vision test at every renewal, with shorter renewal intervals possible—especially for drivers in their 80s or older. In-person renewal is mandatory, and the state may incorporate more medical and cognition-based testing for the oldest drivers as new federal guidelines are adopted. These increasingly individualized rules are designed to balance safety concerns with preserving independence for older drivers within Arkansas.
Sources
[1] https://zutobi.com/us/ar-car/driver-guides/arkansas-drivers-license-renewal
[2] https://alliancegpw.org/new-u-s-driving-license-rule-for-seniors-begins-august-2025/
[3] https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
[4] https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/driver-services/licenses-ids-permits/
[5] https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/6-tips-elderly-drivers-license-renewals
