Vehicle registration requirements - Arkansas

License plate display

When one license plate is issued, it must be displayed on the back of the vehicle. When two license plates are issued, one must be displayed on the front of the vehicle and the other must be displayed on the back of the vehicle.

License plates for trucks of one-ton capacity or larger may be displayed on either the front or back of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

Arkansas is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

Temporary permit: Carriers adding new or additional vehicles to an apportioned fleet may request the IRP Unit to issue temporary permit. The registration of the vehicle covered by the temporary permit must be completed within the 30-day limit of the permit. The temporary permit covering a specific vehicle can't be transferred to another vehicle. There is no fee to receive a temporary permit.

Hunter's or unladen weight permit: The IRP provides for an unladen weight permit for owner-operators not operating as a lessor. The permit is purchased through the IRP Unit at a fee of $39.

Agency: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Fees: Fees apply to vehicle registration, including an annual $5 commercial motor vehicle fee for each power unit and trailer.

Fees

For the purpose of evidencing registration of trailers, semitrailers, and full trailers, a special license plate will be issued and annual registration fee will be charged. Trailers and semitrailers may be eligible for a permanent registration.