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Driver’s license and state ID in Arkansas

Update your name
YesAfter your legal name change
Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
LimitedM or F with an amended birth certificate

You can change the sex on an Arkansas driver's license or ID only by bringing an amended birth certificate that shows the new sex. Doctor's letters and court orders alone are not accepted, and X is not available. Name changes work with a court order.

Main cost
$40
Apply
In person

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Forms
  5. Requirements
  6. After you finish
  7. Tips
  8. Laws and other guides
  9. Sources

How it works

Act 711 of 2025 rewrote Ark. Code § 27-16-1104. Now:

  • Every license and ID must show M or F, matching the sex on your "identity document" (original or amended birth certificate, passport, or DHS document). X or a blank marker is not allowed.
  • To change the marker you file the Office of Driver Services' Application to Amend Gender Information with an original or certified amended birth certificate from Arkansas or any other state's vital records office. The new marker must match that certificate.
  • If your only identity document shows X or no sex, you must pick M or F on a Statement of Gender Information to get a card at all.
  • Cards already issued with X may be changed by the office to M or F to match your records; the office must tell you by mail.

Because an Arkansas birth certificate can be amended only with a court order saying your sex was changed by surgery, most people born in Arkansas cannot meet this requirement without surgery. People born in states that amend birth certificates on self-attestation can use that amended certificate here.

Steps

  1. Update Social Security first (name change)[9]

    If you changed your name, update it with Social Security before visiting a revenue office so the records match.

  2. Bring your certified court order to a revenue office[8][7]

    Go in person to a state revenue office that issues licenses, with your current card and a certified copy of your name-change order. The circuit clerk also sends name-change orders to Driver Control.

    Cost
    $40 class D driver's license (8 years); $5 state ID card

  3. Get an amended birth certificate first[1][2]

    The office accepts only an amended birth certificate as proof for a marker change. If you were born in Arkansas, see the birth certificate guide (a court order about surgery is required). If you were born elsewhere, follow your birth state's process.

  4. Submit the gender application in person[1][2]

    Bring the completed application, the original or certified amended birth certificate, and your current card. Both documents are scanned into your record. If approved, you get an amended duplicate. If denied, the office must mail you the reasons in writing.

    Cost
    Varies amended duplicate license or ID

Costs and fee waivers

WhatCostNotes
Class D driver's license (8 years)[5]$40
State ID card[6]$5
Amended duplicate license or ID[1]VariesAct 711 charges the duplicate fee set in Ark. Code § 27-16-806 (license) or § 27-16-805 (ID). We could not confirm the dollar amount on a DFA page; ask at the office.

More detail

Forms2 forms: DS-GenderApplication, DS-GenderStatement

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

DS-GenderApplicationApplication to Amend Gender Information Contained on Driver's License or Identification CardSometimes required: Only for a sex-marker change. Attach an original or certified amended birth certificate.

How to fill it out

  • Fill in your name, date of birth, phone, license or ID number, and address.
  • Check MALE (M) or FEMALE (F). It must match the amended birth certificate.
  • Sign. A parent or guardian also signs if you are under 18.

Open DS-GenderApplication[2][4]

DS-GenderStatementStatement of Gender Information to Be Displayed on Driver's License or Identification Card (first issuance)Sometimes required: Only if you are getting your first Arkansas card and your identity document shows X or no…

Only if you are getting your first Arkansas card and your identity document shows X or no sex.

Open DS-GenderStatement[3][4]

RequirementsWhere you live, age
Where you live
You must hold or be applying for an Arkansas driver's license or ID card.[1][2]
Age
Under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the gender application.
Other
Your driving privileges must not be suspended or revoked to get an amended duplicate license (an ID card is still possible).
After you finishKeep a copy of your approved application.

Keep a copy of your approved application. Your amended marker carries over when you renew or get a duplicate. Next, update your passport, bank, and employer records if needed.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • If you were born in a state that amends birth certificates without surgery or a court order, getting that amended certificate first is the most practical path to an Arkansas marker change.
  • If the office changes your X card to M or F without your request, it must notify you by mail. Contact the ACLU of Arkansas if you have problems.
Laws and other guides1 law, 1 other guide

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

9 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Act 711 of 2025 (HB 1796), to require the display of gender information on an Arkansas driver's license or identification cardArkansas General Assembly, Law. accessed
    “The Office of Driver Services shall not issue a driver's license or identification card that contains (A) Gender information stated as "X"; or (B) No gender information.”
  2. Application to Amend Gender Information Contained on Driver's License or Identification CardArkansas DFA, Office of Driver Services, Form. accessed
    “you must also submit an original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate”
  3. Statement of Gender Information to Be Displayed on Driver's License or Identification CardArkansas DFA, Office of Driver Services, Form. accessed
  4. Driver Services formsArkansas DFA, Official page. accessed
  5. Non-commercial license informationArkansas DFA, Official page. accessed
    “Class D (Ages 21+) $40.00, 8 years”
  6. Identification onlyArkansas DFA, Official page. accessed
  7. Driver ServicesArkansas DFA, Official page. accessed
  8. Act 331 of 2023 (HB 1473), name change procedureArkansas General Assembly, Law. accessed
  9. Arkansas Identity DocumentsAdvocates for Trans Equality, Organization. accessed