What to Bring to the Arkansas DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Check the specific office hours; some close early on Wednesdays
- →Call ahead to see if an appointment is needed or if walk-ins are accepted
- →Have your parent/guardian ready to go with you
- →Bring your study guide or practice tests to review while waiting
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to handle paperwork
- →Double-check that all documents are originals, not copies
- →Make sure your parent has their own ID and proof of residency
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp
You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted. For a REAL ID, your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a raised seal or stamp.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Paystub with full name and SSN
If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or paystub. If you have never been issued an SSN, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible.
Proof of Arkansas Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement with current address
- ✓School transcript or report card
- ✓Lease or mortgage statement
- ✓Parent's affidavit of residency (if teen has no bills)
Arkansas generally requires two documents to prove residency for a REAL ID. If the teen's name isn't on the bills, a parent's affidavit plus one other document usually works.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must appear in person with the teen
- ✓Parent must sign the application form in front of the examiner
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
- ✓Foster parents must bring specific agency documentation
If a parent cannot appear, a notarized consent form may be accepted in specific cases, but appearing in person is the standard and safest route to avoid delays.
Fees & Payment
$40
This fee covers the learner's permit application and the written test. If you fail the written test, you may need to pay a small re-testing fee or wait 24 hours depending on the office policy.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form 10-381)
Available at: Available at the DMV office or downloadable from the Arkansas DFA website
Do not sign the form until you are standing in front of the examiner; they need to witness your signature.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car)
- ✗Large backpacks or purses (lockers are often unavailable)
- ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't wait inside)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
- ✗Food or drinks
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided)
- ✗Expired or photocopied documents
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based; bring your own reading glasses if needed
- →You must pass the vision screening before taking the written test
- →If you fail the written test, you usually have to wait 24 hours to retake it
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit immediately
- →The permanent plastic card will arrive by mail in about 2-3 weeks
Official Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (Office of Driver Services) info: www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office-of-driver-services/
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