What is a License Plate Replacement in Arkansas?
The replacement issues a physical plate outside the regular renewal cycle. The Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles processes replacements for plates that are lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, faded, or illegible, according to A.C.A. § 27-14-720.
- The statutory fee for a replacement is $1.00 for a duplicate or replacement plate, according to A.C.A. § 27-14-602(b)(6). The renewal fee, which ranges from $17.00 to $30.00 depending on the vehicle’s weight, does not apply to a separate replacement.
- Arkansas issues two plates for motor vehicles other than motorcycles, according to A.C.A. § 27-14-716(a)(1), one front and one rear. Motorcycles receive one rear plate.
- Plate number continuity is at the discretion of the Office of Motor Vehicles. The statute allows for a duplicate with the same number, a replacement, or an entirely new registration number, depending on what the office deems most appropriate.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Arkansas License Plate?
Owners must apply for a replacement immediately when a plate is lost, defaced, or illegible. The statute does not set a grace period in days; the word “immediately” is the standard according to A.C.A. § 27-14-720(a).
- Conditions that necessitate a replacement include a missing plate (lost or stolen), physical damage such as bending or cracking, and fading or wear that renders the plate illegible. The statute on permanent plates, A.C.A. § 27-14-1006, adds theft and wear as explicit grounds.
- Arkansas does not require a police report as a statutory prerequisite for obtaining a replacement plate. Filing a report for a stolen plate remains advisable but is not a condition the Office of Motor Vehicles requires before processing.
- New residents must register within 60 calendar days of becoming Arkansas residents, according to A.C.A. § 27-14-723(a). A nonresident physically present for six months has the same obligation.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Arkansas
Before visiting an office, gather your current registration certificate or plate number and a valid photo ID. If you still have the damaged plate, bring it with you; the office may require its surrender.
- Visit any Arkansas Revenue Office with your ID and registration record. The staff will verify ownership, collect the $1.00 replacement fee, and issue a new plate. Specialty plates that must be shipped from the Special License Unit in Little Rock arrive by mail.
- For mail requests, send your written request, a check or money order for $1.00, and the damaged plate (if possible) to the Office of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 3153, Little Rock, AR 72203-3153. Postage is $0.50; add $1.00 if the plate must be shipped from the Special License Unit.
- The online channel covers tag renewals and title replacements but does not currently list plate replacement as an available transaction. The fee section below covers what you will need to pay at the counter.
Can You Replace an Arkansas License Plate Online?
No. Arkansas does not offer online plate replacements. The MyDMV portal handles registration renewals via ARSTAR and title replacements, but a lost, stolen, or damaged plate must be replaced in person or by mail.
The in-person route goes through any of the state’s revenue offices, as currently published in the DFA office directory. No appointment is necessary. Standard plates are issued on-site at the counter; specialty plates are mailed from Little Rock.
The mail alternative requires:
- A written request identifying the vehicle and plate number
- Payment of $1.00 by check or money order
- The damaged plate, if you still have it
Use the nearest revenue office for the fastest processing; mail adds delivery time from Little Rock.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Arkansas?
The cost of replacement in Arkansas starts low, but small additional costs for stickers and postage add up to the total. The DFA Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule lists each component.
- A duplicate or replacement plate costs $1.00 according to A.C.A. § 27-14-602(b)(6). The fee is the same regardless of the vehicle class: passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or trailer.
- A validation sticker carries a $2.50 fee according to A.C.A. § 27-14-1015 if your replacement also requires a new annual sticker.
- Postage is $0.50 according to the fee schedule. An additional $1.00 applies when the plate is mailed from the Special License Unit in Little Rock, most relevant for specialty and personalized plates.
- Arkansas does not charge any county or local fees for plate replacement transactions. A duplicate registration certificate, if needed along with the plate, adds $1.00 according to § 27-14-602(b)(5).