How to Obtain Your Arkansas Driving Record

Your Arkansas driving record is more than just a list of old tickets; it is the primary document insurance companies use to set your premiums and employers use to verify your reliability. In Arkansas, these records are managed by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and are available in three distinct formats, each serving a different legal purpose.

Whether you are auditing your history for errors or providing proof of eligibility for a new job, knowing exactly which record to request—and how to get it without overpaying—is critical. This guide breaks down the fee schedules and the specific request methods for each record type.

Types of Arkansas Driving Records Available

Arkansas classifies driving records based on how far back they look and who is legally allowed to view them. Choosing the wrong type can result in a rejected application or wasted fees.

Record TypeLook-Back PeriodPrimary UseAvailability
Insurance Record3 YearsPersonal review, Insurance quotes.Online, Mail, In-Person
Commercial RecordEmployment HistoryCDL background checks, Company vehicle insurance.Online, Mail, In-Person
History RecordLifetimeCourt proceedings, License reinstatement.Mail or In-Person Only

Critical Note: The History Record, which shows every action since you first received your license, cannot be requested online. You must visit a Revenue Office or submit a paper application to obtain this specific document.

How to Request an Arkansas Driving Record

The DFA offers three ways to access your information. While the online portal is the fastest, it carries a higher convenience fee.

Request Your Arkansas Driving Record Online (Fastest Option)

The Arkansas MyDMV portal allows you to view and print Insurance and Commercial records instantly.

  • Cost: $12.70 for Insurance Records; $14.20 for Commercial Records.
  • Payment: Credit or debit card only.
  • Process: You will need your driver’s license number, Date of Birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.5 Once purchased, save the PDF immediately; the link may expire.

Get Your Arkansas Driving Record In Person at a Revenue Office

If you want to save money or need a “History” record, visiting a local Revenue Office is the best choice.

  • Cost: $8.50 for Insurance/History Records; $10.00 for Commercial Records.
  • Requirement: You must bring a valid photo ID.
  • Appointment: It is highly recommended to book an Arkansas DMV appointment to skip the lobby line.

Request an Arkansas Driving Record by Mail (Out-of-State Requests)

If you are no longer in Arkansas, you can request any record type by mail.

  • Form: Complete the Arkansas Driving Record Request Form.
  • Cost: Same as in-person fees ($8.50 or $10.00).
  • Payment: Check or money order made payable to the “Department of Finance and Administration.”
  • Mailing Address:Arkansas DFA – Driving RecordsRagland Building, Room 1130P.O. Box 1272Little Rock, AR 722037

Arkansas Driver License Point System Explained

Your record isn’t just a list of dates; it is a tally of risk. Arkansas uses a strict point system to monitor drivers. If you accumulate too many points, the state will trigger administrative actions against your license.

  • 10 Points: You will receive a formal Warning Letter from the Office of Driver Services.
  • 14 Points: If you accumulate 14 or more points within a 36-month period, your license is subject to automatic suspension. You will be required to attend a hearing to determine the length of the suspension.

Common Point Values:

  • Speeding (1–10 mph over): 3 Points
  • Speeding (15+ mph over): 4–5 Points
  • Reckless Driving: 8 Points
  • Failure to Yield: 3 Points

If your license is suspended due to points, you cannot simply wait for them to expire. You must complete the Arkansas driver license reinstatement process, which typically involves paying a reinstatement fee ($100+) and attending a specialized defensive driving course.

FAQ’s

How long do violations stay on my record?

For insurance purposes, most moving violations (like speeding) remain visible and affect your rates for 3 years.13 However, major offenses like DUIs or reckless driving can remain on your internal history for 5 years or longer, and CDL violations may stay permanently.

Can I remove points from my record?

Arkansas does not have a “traffic school” option that erases points after you have been convicted. However, points naturally “drop off” your active count 36 months after the violation date.

Why can’t I find my History Record online?

The DFA restricts online access to the “History Record” because it contains sensitive, lifetime data that often requires a higher level of identity verification (physical ID check or notarized mail-in form) to release.

Is a “background check” the same as a driving record?

No. A standard criminal background check may show felonies or arrests, but it will not show administrative traffic stops like “Failure to Yield” or “Following Too Closely.” Employers for driving roles specifically need the Commercial Driving Record to see these safety-related infractions.

Conclusion

Your Arkansas driving record is the “report card” that determines your financial and professional opportunities.15 By choosing the In-Person or Mail option, you can save roughly 30% on fees compared to the online portal, though the online option offers the value of speed. If you discover you are nearing the 14-point suspension threshold, your immediate next step should be to drive cautiously to let older points expire, ensuring you avoid the costly and complex Arkansas license reinstatement process.

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