Getting an Arkansas Driver's License

There are a few different licenses available to drivers in the state of Arkansas -- which one you have in your possession depends on the class of driver you're in, your age and driving experience, and other factors.

Normal, Class D License

These are issued to residents 21 and older. Possession allows the resident to operate a non-commercial vehicle. The card is formatted horizontally and the state silhouette in the top right-hand corner is green and says "DL Class D."

All of the new cards have a digital photograph, a holographic state seal and an additional ghost image of the licensee on the bottom right-hand side for security.

Under 21 License

An Under 21 License is issued to residents 18-20 years of age. It is formatted vertically instead of horizontally. Possession allows the resident to operate a non-commercial vehicle. The photo is framed in red with the date the person turns 21 highlighted under the photograph. The state silhouette in the top right-hand corner is green and says "DL Class D."

Intermediate License

The intermediate license is issued to residents 16-18 years of age. Possession allows the resident to operate a non-commercial vehicle, however these drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with more than one unrelated passenger unless a driver over the age of 21 is also present and prohibited from operating a motor vehicle from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless accompanied by a driver over the age of 21, driving for emergency purposes or driving from a school activity, church function or job.

These licenses look the same as an under 21 license, except the Arkansas silhouette in the top right corner is yellow, and there is an additional yellow highlight with the date the person turns 18 under the photograph.

Learner's License

The learner's license is issued to residents aged 14-16 and allows the resident to operate a motor vehicle as long as a licensed driver age 21 or over is present.

It looks much like the intermediate license, except the Arkansas silhouette in the top right corner is white.

Commercial licenses are issued to drivers of commercial vehicles in class A, B, and C. They look like a class D license except the Arkansas silhouette is blue, and the letters CDL and the class appear in the silhouette.

Non-Driver ID Cards

Non-Driver ID cards are available that looks like a normal class D license or an under 21 license. These ID cards are used for ID purposes for residents who do not have a driver's license. They have a red Arkansas silhouette with the words "ID Only" written in it.