Arkansas Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for New Residents

Before going through the registration process, new residents must do the following:

• Get a vehicle insurance coverage that meets the state's minimum financial responsibility requirements
• Transfer their previous title to an Arkansas title

The title transfer process can be done along with the vehicle registration.

To register a vehicle in Arkansas as someone who just moved to the state, the applicant needs to come to any Arkansas OMV in person. Before heading there, gather all the required documents below to facilitate a smooth registration process.

• The existing certificate of vehicle registration from the state the vehicle was previously registered with
• Proof of financing (if applicable) stating that the lienholder has possession of the title
• Arkansas vehicle insurance coverage documents
• A filled-out Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381)
• Vehicle Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 10-313)
• Official county documentation confirming vehicle assessment for taxation purposes or upcoming evaluation this year
• Proof of no outstanding personal property taxes, such as receipts from the applicant's county tax department
• Documented evidence that the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the applicant's vehicle has been physically inspected and verified
• Payment to cover the fees for registration (see How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Arkansas section below)

Registration of a New Vehicle in Arkansas

Arkansas mandates vehicle owners to obtain a title and registration from the OMV no later than 30 days after acquiring the car, whether through purchase, inheritance, gift, or familial transfer of ownership.

Below is a concise guide on registering a new vehicle in Arkansas, outlining the required documents and steps.

Gather the Required Documents

Before beginning the registration process, gather the following essential documents:

• Documents proving vehicle ownership (e.g., Vehicle Title or Original Manufacturer's Certificate)
• Note: The document must include the applicant and seller's legal names and signatures.
• Copy of lien agreement if the vehicle has a lien
• Form 10-381
• Form 10-313, if applicable
• VIN
• Note: VIN must be verified for vehicles acquired from another state that have a title branding indicating substantial damage or previous history.
• Tax assessment documentation documentation
• Proof of payment of personal property taxes (e.g., receipt by the local tax collection authority or a stamped assessment notice)
• Proof of Arkansas auto insurance
• Payment for registration fees
• Current Arkansas vehicle registration certificate (if transferring old plates into a new vehicle).

Visit an Arkansas OMV Revenue Office

Once all the necessary documents are gathered, visit any Arkansas OMV to complete the registration process.

Registering a Vehicle and Title Online

Arkansas residents who want to register their passenger cars can do so online. However, this option is limited to passenger cars only, including personal cars, pickups, trucks, vans, and motor homes. Head over to the DFA Online Services to review the requirements and complete the registration online. For some clarifications, call (501) 682-4692.

Vehicle Registration Military Members

Military members stationed in Arkansas may need to register their vehicles under specific guidelines.

For Arkansas Resident Military Members

If a military member is an Arkansas resident, they must follow the standard vehicle registration procedures outlined earlier in this page. They should register their vehicle as if they were in the state by visiting an Arkansas OMV revenue office and completing the necessary steps.

For Non-Resident Military Members Stationed in Arkansas

Non-resident military members stationed in Arkansas have two options for vehicle registration:

Option 1: Maintain Registration in Home State

These members may choose to maintain their vehicle registration in their home state by adhering to the specific processes required by their state of residence.

Option 2: Register Vehicle in Arkansas

Alternatively, non-resident military members can register their vehicles in Arkansas. By choosing this option, they will be exempt from property and assessment taxes levied by the state. Here are the steps to follow.

• Visit the local OMV revenue office.
• Present the leave and earnings statement to verify their home record.
• Follow the same process described earlier for vehicle registrations.
• They will not be required to pay assessments or personal taxes.

Registering a Vehicle From Out-of-State

Individuals cannot register their vehicle in Arkansas while residing in another state. The OMV allows out-of-state residents to obtain an Arkansas title for their vehicle by mail.

Still, they must first have a valid registration certificate from their current state of residence. Those wishing to register an Arkansas vehicle from out-of-state by mail should contact the OMV at (501) 682-4692 for proper procedures.

Obtaining Arkansas License Plates

Individuals must register their vehicle with the state to get an Arkansas license plate. License plate renewal occurs when they renew their vehicle registration. The OMV provides a process for transferring plates from one vehicle to another.

Replacement tags must be ordered if plates are lost, stolen, or damaged. While Arkansas does not offer a public license plate lookup system, residents can contact the OMV directly with any questions regarding license plates.

Arkansas offers a variety of specialty license plates, including personalized plates and special interest tags.

Personalized Plates in Arkansas

Arkansas residents have the option to order personalized license plates for their vehicles. It's important to note the following details:

• The license plate number can have a maximum of seven characters.
• Checking the availability of a specific character combination can be done using the specific service related to personalized licensed plates on the DFA Online Services.
• Note that even if the preferred combination is available, the Arkansas OMV may still deny it.
• More information on requesting personalized license plates can be found on the Request for Personalized License Plate (Form 10-376).
• Note: Applicants may also send a request for personalized plates online
• The fee for a personalized plate is $25 upon application, which is also applicable during the renewal process in addition to the regular registration fees.

Special Interest and Organizational Tags

The Arkansas OMV offers specialty license plates for various special interests and organizations. It's important to note the following information:

• Plates for membership groups, professional organizations, and specific professions may require proof of membership or employment during the ordering process.
• For special interest license plates, applicants must pay both a license plate fee and the standard registration fees (Check the "Calculating Registration Fees" section of this guide).

Military Tags in Arkansas

Qualified current and former service members can obtain military license plates through the Arkansas OMV. Here are some key points to consider:

• Military license plates are available for U.S. Military retirees, veterans of the conflict, and honors and medals recipients.
• A complete list of military plates can be found on the Arkansas OMV website's Specialty Plates and Placards page.

Historic and Custom Specialty Plates

Specialty license plates are also available for historic and custom vehicles, including antique vehicles, Street Rod, and Custom Vehicles.

Temporary Tags for New Vehicles in Arkansas

When purchasing a new vehicle from an Arkansas dealership without existing tags to transfer, state law mandates obtaining a temporary buyer's tag within five business days. These temporary tags can be acquired directly from the dealership or in person at an OMV branch.

Calculating Registration Fees

The base registration fees for different types of vehicles in Arkansas are as follows:

• Cars and Motor Homes:

• 3,000 lbs or less: $17
• 3,001 to 4,500 lbs: $25
• Over 4,500 lbs: $30

• Trucks and Vans: $21
• Motorcycles:

• Under 250cc engine: $3
• 250cc or larger engine: $7

In addition to these base fees, vehicles purchased for $4,000 or more are subject to a 6.5% tax on the purchase price. Residents of Texarkana pay a 7% sales tax. Depending on the city/county, additional local taxes up to $25 for each 1% may apply.

Late Registration Fees

Registering a vehicle more than 30 days late results in fees:

• $3 for every ten days past the deadline
• 10% of the owed sales tax amount

Non-Use Registration Fee Waiver

Arkansas allows a waiver of late fees if the owner registers within 30 days but does not operate the vehicle during that initial period. To claim this, submit a Non-Use Affidavit (Form 10-300) at any OMV revenue office.

Tag Transfer Fee

When transferring plates/registration to another owned vehicle in Arkansas, there is a $1 transfer fee. The applicant must cover the fee difference if the new vehicle is a higher-weight class. However, no refunds are given when transferring a higher-class plate to a lower class.

For more information on the registration fees, check this OMV Registration Fee Schedule.

Notice of Registration Renewal

The Arkansas OMV understands the importance of timely vehicle registration renewal. To guarantee that vehicle owners are consistently reminded of their responsibilities regarding vehicle registration renewal, the OMV proactively sends out a notice for renewal.

This notice contains crucial information such as the renewal date, fee, and any associated restrictions. Note that a vehicle inspection is not mandatory before renewing registration.

Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring the timely renewal of their registrations if the renewal notice is misplaced or fails to be delivered. Determining the expiration date is essential to avoid penalties for late renewal.

If an individual owes taxes, they are not eligible to renew their registration by phone or online. In such cases, they must complete an assessment electronically before proceeding with the renewal. For assistance, individuals can contact (888) 389-8336.

For renewal by mail or in person, individuals must provide written proof of fulfilling their personal property tax assessment or personal property receipt for past taxes or show proof of vehicle liability insurance coverage.

Registration Renewal Online

To conveniently renew their registration online, vehicle owners in Arkansas can utilize the Arkansas STreamline Auto Renewal (ARSTAR) system, which is implemented by the Arkansas DFA.

By providing the required verification information from their renewal notice, individuals can complete the renewal process and pay the registration renewal fees.

However, if the renewal notice is not accessible, individuals can still utilize alternate information to complete the online renewal process successfully.

Individuals can follow the following steps if the renewal notice is unavailable.

• Access the ARSTAR system.
• In the ARSTAR system, select the option not to have their renewal reminder.
• Required information includes the last four digits of the VIN, license plate number, and zip code.
• Once the information is provided, proceed with the renewal process.
• Finally, pay the necessary fee for registration renewal.

Registration Renewal by Phone

Individuals can call (800) 941-2580 to renew their registration by phone and provide their vehicle information. During this process, it is essential to pay the registration renewal fee.

Registration Renewal by Mail

Individuals opting to renew their vehicle registration by mail must send their notice of registration renewal and the renewal fee payment to the OMV at P.O. Box 3153, Little Rock, AR 72203.

Registration Renewal in Person

Applicants can conveniently visit their nearby state revenue office to complete their Arkansas vehicle registration renewal in person. They must bring along the notice for registration renewal and pay all relevant registration renewal fees.

Vehicle owners must comply with the prescribed fees for renewing vehicle registration in Arkansas, as stipulated by the OMV. Note that fees differ depending on the type of vehicle being renewed. For accurate renewal fees, contact the OMV.

Registration Renewals for Military Members

In Arkansas, active-duty military personnel can benefit from a special exemption from assessment and property taxes when they renew their vehicle registration. To avail of this exemption, they must visit an OMV branch and present a valid Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to confirm their active-duty status.

Military personnel cannot renew their registration online or by mail if they wish to take advantage of the tax exemption.

Vehicle Registration Renewal for Out-of-State Residents

When their vehicle registration expires, Arkansas residents who are temporarily outside the state can renew it online, by phone, or by mail. Follow the steps outlined in the How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Arkansas above.