All vehicle owners in the state must request an Arkansas car registration renewal on a yearly basis. Overall, these requests are processed through the state Department of Finance and Administration’s Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV). The motor vehicle registration renewal process is designed specifically to make sure that all car owners in the state are up-to-date with their tax payments.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Arkansas

An Arkansas DMV car registration renewal is an important procedure for motorists in the state to maintain their privileges of operating the vehicle they own. To do so, car owners must meet certain eligibility guidelines, which may have changed since their initial registration.

Some of these AR registration renewal requirements include maintaining a minimum liability insurance coverage, having all of the proper Arkansas property taxes paid and being in possession of a state-issued drivers license and title. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be able to apply for an online renewal.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Arkansas?

Aside from paying all the applicable Arkansas DMV registration renewal fees, you will need to meet other requirements and collect certain paperwork in order to become an eligible applicant. These documents include:

  • Proof of your existing state-issued title, registration and auto insurance policy.
  • A receipt from your county tax collector, or other proof of tax payments.
  • Any lien or loan information that is relevant to the vehicle being registered.
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN) and the license plate number.
  • Information about your purchase of the vehicle, including its bill of sale and odometer reading.

Arkansas Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

An Arkansas vehicle registration renewal notice is an important document that allows you to become aware that your credentials are reaching their expiration dates. In general, you will need to renew a car registration on a predetermined basis, so receiving a reminder from the OMV can help you keep your valid status. If you provide the Office of Motor Vehicles with an email address, you will receive renewal information electronically at least 90 days before your registration is set to expire.

Before you can renew a car registration online in Arkansas, you may also choose to get notified of your impending expiration date by text message. If you choose to set up this notification service, you will still receive a renewal reminder in the mail, as well as a text message a few months before your registration is set to expire.

If you are getting emailed about this expiration, you will only receive a physical notice in the mail within one week of your expiration date. Generally, this notice will inform you of many things, such as:

  • How to renew a car registration in Arkansas
  • When your current registration is set to expire
  • How much you will be expected to pay for your renewal

Arkansas Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

Having a lost registration renewal notice in Arkansas can seem troubling, as you will only be sent one physical copy of this document depending on your method of choice. However, be mindful that you are not required to have this notice in order to qualify for a renewal in AR.

Instead, the main purpose of this document is to remind you of where and when you will need to fulfill your responsibilities. You can also contact your nearest OMV office in order to get a new copy of your notice in physical or digital formats.

Arkansas Car Registration Renewal Options

If you need to renew an auto registration in Arkansas, there are many different ways for you to do so. These application methods can be different in scope, processing times and even convenience, but they all rely on applicants having the information and documents detailed in previous sections.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

Submitting your Arkansas vehicle registration renewal online is one of the most popular and convenient methods in the state. While visiting the official state portal, you can input the “Renewal Identification Number and Verification Code” found on your renewal notice, or the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number and ZIP code.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Certain motorists are able to renew an expired vehicle registration in Arkansas via mail. This can be done by sending all of the required information and include an acceptable payment method to the following OMV address:

    Office of Motor Vehicle
    P.O. Box 3153
    Little Rock, AR 72203-3153

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

In order to learn where to renew an auto registration in person, you may bring your completed application, along with all of the other required materials, to the nearest OMV office in your Arkansas city. Performing this procedure in person also serves as a great way for AR drivers to get their specific registration questions answered by an OMV customer service representative right away.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Phone

You may opt to renew a car registration over the phone, which is possible by calling the Arkansas OMV at 1-800-941-2580. However, be mindful that this application method may take the longest to complete, as you will be required to read out the details of all of your application materials, as well as provide your payment information over the phone.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Arkansas

If you need to renew a vehicle registration as an Arkansas driver who is in the military, there are a few different details to keep in mind. If you are an Arkansas native who is stationed elsewhere, you can simply use one of the non-personal renewal methods listed above. If you are not an AR resident but are currently stationed in the state, you may choose whether to keep your home state’s registration or to get a new one that was issued by the OMV.

Arkansas residents may complete an owned or leased car registration renewal while outside of the state by sending a renewal request to the OMV and including the best address for their new registration to be sent. If you are moving from another state, you have up to 30 days after becoming a resident to get your new AR registration. However, if you are moving out of Arkansas, you will need to get a new registration in your new state.

Arkansas Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

The final auto registration renewal cost in Arkansas that you will be responsible for includes a variety of different factors. These include:

  • Fees for the weight of your vehicle. If you have a normal passenger car or motorhome that weighs no more than 3,000 pounds, the base fee is $17. However, heavier weight categories include additional fees of $8 to $13.
  • Specialized vehicle fees. While 250 c.c. motorcycles have a base fee of $7, ATVs have a base fee of $5.
  • Validation decal fees. These are $2.50, if you choose to get one.
Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.