Arkansas Permit and License Fees: Written Test, Credential and Retake Costs

Arkansas charges $5 for each written examination. The exam charges are added to the licensing transaction and collected by DFA. Credential fees depend on the license stage and age, so there is not one universal instruction-permit total.

it's one of the cheaper states, but those retest fees add up fast if you skip studying.

How Much Is the Arkansas Permit Test and Issuance Fee?

Arkansas State Police administers the written exam, but the $5 charge for each written examination is added to the licensing transaction and collected by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. DFA also collects the applicable credential fee. See the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide for the written-exam fee rule.

Credential fees depend on the stage and age. Learner's, Intermediate, and Class D licenses for ages 18–21 are prorated. A Class D license for ages 21+ is $40 for eight years.

For office hours and payment options, check the specific DFA Revenue Office before visiting. Test-prep details belong on the dedicated handbook and practice-test pages.

Is the $5 Arkansas written-test fee charged for every attempt?

Yes. Arkansas charges $5 for each written examination. If you take the written test again, that new examination adds another $5 charge to the DFA licensing transaction.

Are Arkansas Learner's License and Class D license fees the same?

No. Learner's and Intermediate fees are prorated; Class D pricing changes by age, including the $40 eight-year fee at age 21+.

Does Arkansas charge a separate fee for the instruction permit card?

Arkansas publishes the $5 written-exam charge separately from the applicable credential fee. The credential amount depends on the driver's age and licensing stage, so there is not one statewide flat “instruction permit card” amount that applies to every applicant.

Does turning 21 change the Arkansas Class D license fee? Yes. At age 21+, DFA lists the Class D license at $40 for eight years.

Additional Costs That Can Increase Arkansas Licensing Fees

Additional costs can include the existing card-processing surcharge, another $5 written-exam charge for each additional attempt, duplicate-credential costs, and any applicable late or reapplication charges. The exact total depends on the transaction.

Payment-method details belong on the dedicated Payment Methods page; confirm accepted methods with the Revenue Office you plan to use.

Arkansas does not provide one universal low-income waiver for every applicant. Specific statutory waivers and other assistance are covered on the Fee Waivers page. Refund questions are handled separately on the Test Fee Refund page.

Avoiding Extra Fees at Arkansas DFA

To avoid extra charges or repeat trips, confirm the current DFA fee for your credential, bring the required documents, and prepare well enough to avoid unnecessary written-exam attempts.

Card systems and office procedures can vary, so bring a backup payment method and check the office before you go.

1. Confirm the current credential fee for your age and license stage.
2. Bring the required original documents.
3. Remember that every written-exam attempt adds another $5 charge to the DFA licensing transaction.

Arkansas State Police administers the written exam. The written-exam charges and credential fees are collected through DFA.