Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Arkansas

The State of Arkansas offers a number of benefits and privileges to those Americans who have either served in a branch of the armed forces in the past or are currently serving in the military.

Benefits of registering a car

Military personnel are exempt from paying property tax and property tax when renewing a vehicle registration. To receive this exemption, you must personally renew it with OMV and provide current proof of leave and income. You can also renew by mail or online, but you will not be able to claim tax exemption unless you renew in person.

Exemption from tax on gross receipts

This benefit applies to veterans who have been determined by the VA to be completely blind due to a service-related injury. Such veterans are exempt from paying sales tax on the purchase of a new vehicle (only applicable to cars and pickup trucks). An exemption requires a letter of eligibility from the VA and can be requested once every two years.

Veteran driver's license badge

Arkansas veterans are eligible for a military rank on their driver's license. To qualify for this rank, you must provide OMV DD 214 or other proof of an honorable discharge or "honorable general".

Military badges

Arkansas offers a wide variety of veteran and military numbers, including:

• Congressional Medal of Honor Plaque (Free - reissued to surviving spouse at standard fee)

• Armed Forces (reserve or retired)

• Cold War veteran

• Disabled Veteran (Free - reissued to surviving spouse at standard fee)

• Distinguished Flying Cross Medal

• POW

• Gold Star Family Plaque (Available to the spouse or parent of a service member who has received a Gold Star Lapel Pin)

• Veteran of the Korean War

• Retired Merchant Marine

• National Guard (contact your local unit for information)

• Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom

• Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom

• Pearl Harbor Survivor

• Veteran of the Gulf War

• Purple Heart (car or motorcycle)

• Support our troops

• Veteran of foreign wars (car or motorcycle)

• Veteran of the Vietnam War

• Veteran of World War II

For some numbers, service documents and / or proof of participation in a specific battle may be required.

Waiver of military skills exam

In 2011, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration approved a rule on the issuance of training permits for commercial training. This rule contains a provision that allows SDLAs (State Driver's License Agencies) to allow military personnel and veterans to opt out of road testing when obtaining a CDL, instead using their military driving experience instead of that test. To qualify, you must have at least two years of driving experience comparable to a commercial vehicle, and this driving experience must have taken place within the year prior to application or separation from service. In addition, you must provide proof that you are authorized to drive such a vehicle.

You must certify:

• Your experience as a safe driver

• That you have not had more than one license (other than a US military driver's license) in the previous two years.

• That your basic or state of residence driver's license has not been revoked, suspended, or revoked.

• That you have not been convicted of a disqualifying traffic violation.

While all 50 states accept military skills test waivers, there are certain violations that can result in your application being rejected - these are listed in the application and include hitting, driving under the influence and more. The government provides a standard disclaimer here. Even if you are eligible to skip the skills test, you still have to take the written portion of the test.

Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012

This piece of legislation provides a smoother transition for those active military personnel who would like to take their commercial driving experience with them to another state. The law allows the state you are in to issue you a CDL, even if it is not your state of residence.

Driver's License Renewal During Deployment

Active members of the military can renew their driver's license by mail for up to six years during their first term of service. You can call [phone] or write to:

Issuance of driving license

Number 2120

Mailbox 1272

Little Rock, Arkansas 72203

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

Non-resident military personnel stationed in Arkansas may retain their state of residence license as well as their vehicle registration if valid and valid. If you choose to register your vehicle in Arkansas, the above estate and estate tax exemption applies.

Active or veteran service members can read more on the State Automotive Division website here.