Arkansas gives new residents 30 days to get an Arkansas driver’s license and register their vehicles [1]. There’s one step that surprises newcomers: you can’t register a car until your county assessor has assessed it for personal property tax [2]. Here’s the order that saves you a second trip.
At a glance
Step 1: Get your Arkansas driver’s license
Get an Arkansas driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident [1]. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) issues Arkansas driver’s licenses and IDs [2].
- Proof of legal presence.
- Proof of identity.
- Your Social Security card.
- Your out-of-state license or ID, if you have one.
Be ready for a vision exam and a photo [2]. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard license if you bring address verification documents [2]. Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or another accepted ID to board domestic flights [1].
Step 2: Get your vehicle assessed
Arkansas ties vehicle registration to your county personal property tax [2]. To register, you need a current-year personal property assessment with the vehicle listed and proof that your personal property taxes are paid up to date [2].
Contact the assessor in the county where you live to assess your vehicles. Many Arkansas counties offer online assessment and payment [1]. If you’re not sure whether you have a current assessment or unpaid taxes, the DFA says to call your county assessor or collector [2].
Step 3: Title and register at the revenue office
Register within 30 days of becoming a resident [1]. For a vehicle you’re bringing from another state, the DFA asks new residents for [2][3]:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Title | Or your out-of-state registration if a lienholder holds the title |
| Odometer statement | Required for new residents |
| Current-year personal property assessment | From your county assessor, listing the vehicle |
| Proof personal property tax is paid | Up to date |
| Proof of insurance | On the vehicle's VIN, meeting Arkansas's liability minimums |
| Fees | Registration fees vary by vehicle |
If you buy a vehicle after you move, you have 60 days from the date of purchase to register it. After that, a penalty of 10% of the sales tax due applies [3]. Arkansas charges sales tax on vehicle purchases: 6.5% on new vehicles, 3.5% on used vehicles from $4,000 to $9,999, and none on used vehicles of $3,999 or less [3].
Step 4: Get Arkansas car insurance
Arkansas requires at least this much liability coverage [5]:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident.
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in an accident.
- $25,000 for damage to other people’s property.
Liability is the only coverage the law requires, though a lender may require more if you finance the car [5]. Two other coverages work differently in Arkansas:
- Uninsured motorist coverage must be offered and is included in your policy unless you reject it in writing [5].
- Personal injury protection (medical payments, lost wages and death benefits) is offered in three parts, and if you don’t want any of it you must reject it in writing [5].
Step 5: Register to vote
To vote in Arkansas, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Arkansas resident and 18 by the next election [6]. Your application must be turned in or postmarked at least 30 days before the election [6].
- How: Arkansas uses a paper application. Mail it, or turn it in to your county clerk [6]. Forms are also at revenue and DMV offices, public libraries and the Secretary of State’s office [6].
- Moving between counties later: update your registration with the county clerk before you vote [6].
- At the polls: you’ll show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, U.S. passport or military ID [6]. Voters without one can cast a provisional ballot and bring ID by noon the Monday after the election [6].
Other first-month tasks
- Utilities: set up service at your new address [1].
- Banking: if your bank has no Arkansas branches, consider a local bank or credit union [1].
- Property taxes: if you bought a home, apply for the homestead credit with your county assessor. See our guide to Arkansas property tax relief.
Sources
- Arkansas.gov, I Am Moving to Arkansas
- Arkansas DFA, Do You Have What You Need?
- Arkansas DFA, Office of Motor Vehicle FAQs
- Pulaski County Assessor (personal property assessment deadline)
- Arkansas Insurance Department, Automobile Insurance brochure
- Arkansas Secretary of State, Voter Registration Information
Next steps
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Get a moving quote →Common questions
How long do I have to get an Arkansas driver's license after moving?
30 days after becoming a resident. Arkansas gives new residents the same 30 days to register their vehicles.
Why do I need to go to the assessor before registering my car in Arkansas?
Arkansas won't register a vehicle without a current-year personal property assessment that lists it, plus proof your personal property taxes are paid up. The county assessor handles the assessment, so do that first, then go to the state revenue office.
What car insurance do I need in Arkansas?
At least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. Your insurer must also offer uninsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage, which you have to reject in writing if you don't want it.
When is the deadline to register to vote in Arkansas?
30 days before the election. Arkansas uses a paper application, which you can mail (the postmark counts) or turn in to your county clerk. When you vote, you'll need to show a photo ID.