How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Arkansas?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Arkansas residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while State Revenue Offices handle registration services throughout the state.
Arkansas Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Arkansas vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Liability Insurance: Proof of current insurance coverage meeting Arkansas minimum requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
- Vehicle Assessment: Current year county assessor assessment showing vehicle has been assessed or listed for assessment
- Property Tax Compliance: Proof that all personal property taxes due by the previous October 15th have been paid
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Current Arkansas driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Registration Documents: Previous registration certificate or renewal notice (if renewing by mail or in person)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Annual Registration System: Arkansas requires annual vehicle registration renewal for most vehicles
- Registration Deadlines: Motor vehicles and commercial trucks must be registered within 60 calendar days of purchase or lien release
- Trailer and Mobile Home Deadlines: Trailers, mobile homes, ATVs, and motorboats must be registered within 30 calendar days
- New Residents: Must register vehicles within 60 calendar days of establishing Arkansas residency
- No Grace Period: Arkansas imposes immediate penalties for late registration without grace period allowances
Arkansas Registration Renewal Schedule
Arkansas vehicle registrations operate on an annual renewal cycle that begins from the month you initially registered your vehicle. Vehicle owners will renew their registration one year from the month they obtained their plates, and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration sends renewal notices as a courtesy reminder to motorists before their expiration date.
Vehicle owners can renew their registration up to 90 days before the expiration date through multiple convenient methods, including the ARSTAR online portal, by telephone, by mail, or in person at any State Revenue Office.
Automated Compliance Verification: Arkansas uses computerized systems to verify insurance coverage, property tax payments, and vehicle assessments before allowing renewal completion.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Arkansas in 2025
2025 Arkansas Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the registration fees established by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration:
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars and motor homes | 3,000 pounds or less | $17.00 |
| Passenger cars and motor homes | 3,001 – 4,500 pounds | $25.00 |
| Passenger cars and motor homes | 4,501 pounds and over | $30.00 |
| Personal trucks and vans | ½ ton and ¾ ton rated | $21.00 |
| One-ton personal trucks/vans | For personal transportation only | $21.00 |
| Motorcycles | 250 CC or more | $7.00 |
| Motorcycles | Less than 250 CC | $3.00 |
Specialty Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle side cars | $2.00 |
| All-terrain vehicles | $5.00 |
| Motorized bicycles (standard transmission) | $3.00 |
| Motorized bicycles (automatic transmission) | Exempt from registration |
| Mobile/manufactured homes | $26.00 |
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Additional Fees
Arkansas imposes additional annual fees for alternative fuel vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Additional Fee | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Electric vehicles (EV) | $200.00 | Current |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $100.00 | Current |
| Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) | $50.00 | Current |
Additional Mandatory Fees
Registration transactions comprise multiple fee components:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Validation decal fee | $2.50 | Required for all registrations |
| Postage fee | $0.50 | Standard mailing costs |
| Title fee | $10.00 | When title processing required |
| Tag transfer fee | $1.00 | Transferring plates to different vehicle |
| Lien filing fee | $0.50 | Recording lienholder information |
| Special plate mailing | Additional $1.00 | When license plate mailed from Little Rock |
Weight Class Transfer Adjustments: When transferring current license plates to higher weight class vehicles, the difference between registration fees is charged plus the $1.00 transfer fee. No refunds are provided for transfers to lower weight classes.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Arkansas
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available through the Official Arkansas Vehicle Registration Renewal (ARSTAR) system. This secure platform provides 24/7 access to renewal services and is integrated with Arkansas government databases for automated compliance verification.
Online Renewal Eligibility
Vehicle owners qualify for online renewal when:
- No changes are needed except mailing address updates
- Vehicle assessment is current and recorded with county assessor
- All personal property taxes due by previous October 15th are paid
- Current liability insurance coverage is maintained and verified
- Computer verification systems reflect compliance status as "YES" for all requirements
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Access ARSTAR Portal
- Visit Official Arkansas Vehicle Registration Renewal
- Select "Registration Renewal" from available services
- Review system requirements and acceptable payment methods
Step 2: Enter Vehicle Information
- Provide renewal ID number and verification code from renewal notice, OR
- Enter last four digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number
- System retrieves vehicle record and displays registration details
Step 3: Verify Compliance Requirements
- System automatically checks vehicle assessment status with county assessor
- Verifies property tax payment compliance through state databases
- Confirms current liability insurance coverage through integrated verification system
Step 4: Update Information and Calculate Fees
- Update mailing address if necessary through online interface
- Review calculated registration fees, validation decal fee, and postage charges
- Set up automatic renewal reminders for future registration periods
Step 5: Complete Payment and Confirmation
- Process payment using secure credit card or electronic check systems
- Receive electronic confirmation with transaction details
- Print temporary receipt for records until validation decals arrive by mail
Alternative Renewal Methods
Telephone Renewal
Call the toll-free automated system at 1-800-941-2580:
- Available for vehicles meeting automated compliance verification
- Requires renewal notice information or VIN and license plate numbers
- Credit card payment processing available 24 hours daily
- Confirmation numbers provided for transaction records
Mail-In Renewal
Submit renewal documentation to:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Office of Motor Vehicle
P.O. Box 3153, Little Rock, AR 72203-3153
- Include completed renewal notice or previous registration certificate
- Provide written proof of compliance for any "NO" status items
- Submit check or money order payable to appropriate revenue office
In-Person Renewal
Visit any Arkansas State Revenue Office:
- Complete service available for all registration requirements
- Bring current registration documents and compliance documentation
- Cash, check, or credit card payment options accepted
- Immediate issuance of validation decals and registration documents
Customer Assistance: For renewal questions and technical support, contact the toll-free helpline at 1-888-389-8336.
Contact Information
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
1900 W 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-1100
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Arkansas DFA maintains State Revenue Offices in all 75 counties to provide comprehensive motor vehicle services. Locate your nearest office using the Office Locations Directory. For online technical support, visit the ARSTAR Help Center.
