Arizona Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Residential Contractor Authorizes construction and repair of residential structures and appurtenances. Work involving electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boilers, swimming pools, spas, or water wells must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed specialty contractor. | |||
| General Commercial Contractor Authorizes construction, alteration, and repair of any commercial structure, including trenching, excavating, backfilling, and grading in connection with concrete construction. No project-size cap. | |||
| General Small Commercial Contractor Commercial construction projects where the total amount paid to the licensee does not exceed $750,000 per project. | |||
| Dual Building Contractor Dual license authorizing both general residential and general commercial building work under a single license. | |||
| Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor Dual license authorizing residential building work and small commercial projects up to $750,000. | |||
| General Engineering Contractor Fixed works including streets, roads, power and utility plants, dams, and hydroelectric works, plus related excavation and site work. | |||
| Electrical (Commercial) Commercial electrical wiring, devices, fixtures, and equipment. Paired with R-11 for residential-only electrical work. | |||
| Plumbing (Commercial) Commercial plumbing including piping for water supply, drainage, waste, and venting, plus gas piping and fixtures. Paired with R-37 for residential plumbing. | |||
| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Commercial) Commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. Residential equivalent is R-39 (or the HVAC-specific R-series classification). | |||
| General Roofing (Dual) Dual-scope general roofing classification covering both residential and commercial roofing installation, repair, and waterproofing. |
Processing time: Approximately 22 days once the application is complete, all exams are passed, the qualifying party is verified, and the bond and recovery-fund assessment are on file. Longer if documentation is incomplete. from application submission to license issuance.
Arizona contractor licensing is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), a cabinet-level agency established by the Legislature in 1931. Any person or business that bids on or performs construction work valued at $1,000 or more (combined labor and materials) must hold an active ROC license — and any work that requires a building permit requires a licensed contractor regardless of price. Arizona uses a tiered classification system with more than 60 license types across General Residential (B), General Commercial (B-1, B-2), Specialty Residential (R-), Specialty Commercial (C-), and Dual (KB/CR) categories. Applicants must pass a Statutory & Regulatory (SRE) exam and a trade exam administered by PSI, file a surety bond scaled to license class and annual volume, and — for residential classifications — pay an assessment into the Arizona Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund. Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 32-1164, with a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for any subsequent offense.
Step 1: Ask for the ROC License Number
Arizona contractors are required to include their ROC license number on contracts, bids, and advertising. If a contractor cannot produce an ROC number, treat that as a red flag — unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor and there is no legal way to perform work valued at $1,000 or more (or any permitted work) without a license.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the ROC Contractor Search
Use the ROC's public contractor search portal to verify the license. Search by license number, business name, or qualifying party. The lookup returns license status (active, suspended, revoked, cancelled), classification, bond information, qualifying party, and complaint history.
Step 3: Confirm the Classification Matches the Work
A B (General Residential) contractor cannot self-perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler, pool, spa, or water-well work — those require a specialty license. Check that the contractor's classification code covers the specific scope you are hiring for. The ROC's classification descriptions in Arizona Administrative Code R4-9-102 define exactly what each class may perform.
Step 4: Review the Complaint and Disciplinary History
The ROC posts complaint and disciplinary history in the contractor search results. A pattern of citations, suspensions, or revocations is a serious warning sign. You can also call the ROC at 1-877-692-9762 to ask about investigations that may not yet appear online.
Step 5: Verify Bond Status
Every active Arizona contractor must have a surety bond or cash deposit on file, with the amount scaled to license class and estimated annual volume (A.A.C. R4-9-112). The ROC lookup shows whether the bond is current. For residential classifications, the contractor has also paid into the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund — which is separate from the bond and gives residential owner-occupants an additional avenue for recovery.
Arizona Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Surety Bond or Cash Deposit | Required for all active licenses per ARS 32-1152 and A.A.C. R4-9-112. Amount is set by classification and estimated annual gross volume. |
| Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund Assessment | Required for residential (B, R-) and dual (KB, CR) classifications. Assessment is paid into the state-administered fund in lieu of a separate $200,000 surety bond (ARS 32-1132). |
| Workers' Compensation | Required under Arizona law for any contractor with employees (ARS Title 23, Chapter 6). Not administered by the ROC but a prerequisite to lawful operation. |
Arizona Contractor Bond Requirements
Arizona requires every licensee to file a surety bond or cash deposit with the ROC under A.A.C. R4-9-112. The bond amount is determined by license category (general vs. specialty, residential vs. commercial) and the contractor's estimated annual gross volume of work. Bonds must be increased promptly when actual volume exceeds the reported tier; they may only be decreased at renewal.
Arizona Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Arizona law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund pays up to $30,000 per claim and up to $200,000 per contractor license to owner-occupants, certain LLCs/trusts, HOAs, and primary-residence lessees harmed by a licensed residential contractor (ARS 32-1132).
- Written contracts over $1,000 for property improvement must include the contractor's name, business address, license number, scope of work, total price, estimated completion date, and a notice of cancellation rights (ARS 32-1158).
- Residential storm-damage repair contracts require a bolded 10-point cancellation-rights notice, a 50% cap on down payments, written change orders, and specific insurance-related disclosures (ARS 32-1158.02).
- Property owners with an insurance policy may cancel a covered residential contract within 72 hours of the insurer denying the claim (ARS 32-1158.02).
- The ROC posts complaints and disciplinary history publicly in its contractor search portal.
- Unlicensed contractors cannot file a mechanics' lien and cannot enforce a contract for work requiring a license.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Arizona puts you at risk:
- Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 32-1164, with up to 6 months in jail plus an 83% surcharge and restitution
- Minimum fine is $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for any subsequent offense; the $2,000 minimum cannot be suspended
- Conviction blocks ROC licensure for 12 months under ARS 32-1122(D)
- Unlicensed contractors cannot file a mechanics' lien
- Homeowners lose access to the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund
- Contracts for licensed work performed by an unlicensed contractor are generally unenforceable by the contractor
- Owners who hire an unlicensed contractor may face personal liability for on-the-job injuries if the contractor lacks workers' comp
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Arizona
Report unlicensed contracting directly to the ROC. The ROC investigates, issues cease-and-desist citations, refers cases for criminal prosecution, and publishes disciplinary outcomes.
- Online: roc.az.gov (Unlicensed Complaint Form)
- Phone: (602) 542-1525 or 1-877-692-9762
- Mail: Arizona Registrar of Contractors, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Arizona
The ROC investigates complaints against licensed contractors for workmanship, licensing, contract, and advertising violations, and investigates unlicensed-contracting reports. Complaints must be filed within 2 years of the act (for new construction, from the earlier of occupancy or close of escrow). ROC may order corrective work, issue citations, suspend or revoke the license, and refer unlicensed activity for prosecution.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: file through the ROC portal at roc.az.gov
- Phone: (602) 542-1525 or 1-877-692-9762
- Mail: Arizona Registrar of Contractors, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Separate 'Unlicensed Complaint Form' and 'Non-Payment Complaint Form' exist. The ROC cannot award monetary damages directly — financial recovery comes via the contractor's bond, the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund (for owner-occupants), or civil court.
Arizona Contractor Bond Schedule
Bond schedules are set by Arizona Administrative Code R4-9-112 and differ by license category.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Commercial / Engineering (A, B-1, B-2) | $5,000 – $100,000 | $5,000 under $150K annual volume; $15,000 ($150K–<$500K); $25,000 ($500K–<$1M); $50,000 ($1M–<$5M); $75,000 ($5M–<$10M); $100,000 ($10M+). |
| Specialty Commercial (C-) | $2,500 – $50,000 | $2,500 under $150K; $7,000 ($150K–<$500K); $17,500 ($500K–<$1M); $25,000 ($1M–<$5M); $37,500 ($5M–<$10M); $50,000 ($10M+). |
| General Residential (B) | $9,000 or $15,000 | $9,000 under $750K annual volume; $15,000 at $750K or more. |
| Specialty Residential (R-) | $4,250 or $7,500 | $4,250 under $375K annual volume; $7,500 at $375K or more. |
| Dual License (KB, CR) | Combined | Dual licensees must maintain the residential bond plus the commercial bond applicable to their estimated volume in each scope. |
What Makes Arizona Contractor Licensing Unique
Any Permit = License Required
Arizona's handyman exemption in ARS 32-1121(A)(14) allows work under $1,000 without a license — but only if the job does NOT require a permit. Any permitted work, at any dollar value, requires a licensed contractor. Splitting a larger job into smaller sub-$1,000 contracts to avoid licensure is expressly prohibited.
Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund
Arizona is one of the few states that funds a dedicated consumer recovery pool. Instead of a $200,000 surety bond, residential contractors pay a biennial assessment (set by rule at $370 initial / $270 renewal) into the fund. Eligible owner-occupants can recover up to $30,000 per claim with a $200,000 cap per contractor license (ARS 32-1132, 32-1139).
Class 1 Misdemeanor With Escalating Fines
Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 32-1164, carrying up to 6 months in jail plus an 83% surcharge and restitution. The minimum fine is $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for any subsequent offense, and the $2,000 minimum survives any suspended sentence. A conviction also bars ROC licensure for 12 months under ARS 32-1122(D).
Two Exams: SRE Plus Trade
Every qualifying party must pass the Statutory & Regulatory Requirements Exam (SRE, a.k.a. the Contractor's Business Management Exam) plus a trade-specific exam. Both are administered by PSI. Commercial general-building applicants may substitute the NASCLA Accredited Exam for the state trade exam.
Faster Processing Than Most States
The ROC publicly targets license issuance within roughly 22 days of a complete application, following process reforms that cut historical 90-day timelines. Incomplete documentation, bond filing delays, or background issues can extend this.
Arizona Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Arizona Contractor Licensing
How do I check an Arizona contractor's license?
Use the ROC's public contractor search at azroc.my.site.com/AZRoc/s/contractor-search. You can search by license number, business name, or qualifying party. The result shows license status, classification, bond, qualifying party, and complaint/disciplinary history. You can also call the ROC at 1-877-692-9762.
When does a contractor need an Arizona ROC license?
Any contracting work valued at $1,000 or more (combined labor and materials) requires an ROC license. Any work that requires a building permit requires a licensed contractor regardless of dollar value. Splitting a larger project into smaller contracts under $1,000 to avoid licensure is prohibited under ARS 32-1121(A)(14).
What are Arizona's contractor license classifications?
Arizona uses a tiered system with more than 60 classifications across General Residential (B), General Commercial (B-1 unlimited, B-2 up to $750,000 per project), Specialty Residential (R-series trades like R-11 electrical, R-37 plumbing), Specialty Commercial (C-series trades like C-11, C-37, C-39), Engineering (A-series), and Dual (KB and CR) classifications. Each classification's exact scope is defined in Arizona Administrative Code R4-9-102.
How much does an Arizona contractor license cost?
For a general residential contractor: $180 application + $320 biennial license fee + $370 recovery-fund assessment + PSI exam fees ($66–$116) = roughly $900–$1,000 upfront. For a general commercial contractor: $200 application + $580 biennial license fee + exam fees = roughly $850–$900 (no recovery-fund assessment). Specialty classifications are cheaper. Bond premiums are paid separately to a surety.
How much is an Arizona contractor bond?
Bond amounts are scaled by license category and estimated annual gross volume under A.A.C. R4-9-112. Specialty residential: $4,250 or $7,500. General residential: $9,000 or $15,000. Specialty commercial: $2,500 to $50,000. General commercial / engineering: $5,000 to $100,000. Dual licensees post a combined bond covering both scopes.
What is the Arizona Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund?
It's a state-administered fund (ARS 32-1132) that reimburses owner-occupants — plus certain LLCs, revocable trusts, HOAs, and primary-residence lessees — who are harmed by a licensed residential contractor's failure to adequately perform. Current statutory caps are $30,000 per claim and $200,000 per contractor license. Claimants must first pursue ROC disciplinary action; awards cannot exceed actual damages.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Arizona?
Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 32-1164, carrying up to 6 months in jail, an 83% surcharge, and restitution. The minimum fine is $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for any subsequent offense (the $2,000 minimum cannot be suspended). A conviction also bars ROC licensure for 12 months under ARS 32-1122(D). Unlicensed contractors cannot file a mechanics' lien and their contract for licensed work is unenforceable. You also lose access to the ROC's complaint process and the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund.
How do I file a complaint against an Arizona contractor?
File online through the ROC portal at roc.az.gov, by phone at (602) 542-1525 / 1-877-692-9762, or by mail to 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Complaints must be filed within 2 years of the act (or of completion / occupancy for new construction). The ROC can order corrective work, issue citations, or suspend/revoke the license. Separate forms exist for unlicensed-contracting and non-payment complaints.
How long does it take to get an Arizona contractor license?
The ROC publicly targets roughly 22 days from a complete application. Total time from starting the process is longer — you must first pass both the Statutory & Regulatory (SRE) exam and the trade exam through PSI, have your qualifying party's experience verified, file the surety bond, and (for residential) pay the recovery-fund assessment.
What exams are required for an Arizona contractor license?
Two: (1) the Statutory & Regulatory Requirements Exam (SRE), also called the Contractor's Business Management Exam (CBME), which covers Arizona contracting statutes and business management; and (2) a trade-specific exam. Both are administered by PSI. Commercial general-building applicants (B-1, B-2, KB-1, KB-2) may use the NASCLA Accredited Examination in place of the Arizona trade exam.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) — home — Primary state regulator for all Arizona contractor licensing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ROC — Contractor Search (official license lookup) — Public lookup by license number, business name, or qualifying party. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1121 — Licensing exemptions (handyman / $1,000 threshold) — Statutory source of the $1,000 exemption and the 'any permit = license' rule. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1126 — License and application fees — Statutory maximum fees for application, license, and recovery-fund assessment. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1127 — Qualifying party requirements — Defines qualifying party responsibility and examination requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1132 — Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund — Establishes the Recovery Fund; $30,000 per-claim and $200,000 per-license caps. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1158 — Written contract requirements — Mandatory written-contract contents for property-improvement contracts over $1,000. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1158.02 — Residential storm-damage repair contracts — 72-hour cancellation right, 50% down-payment cap, insurance disclosures. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1164 — Unlicensed contracting penalties — Class 1 misdemeanor; minimum fine $1,000 first offense / $2,000 subsequent offense. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32 (Professions and Occupations) — Parent title containing Chapter 10 (Contractors) and all ROC governing statutes. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1152 (contractor bond statutory authority) — Statutory authority for contractor surety bond and cash deposit requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1122 (licensing requirements, 12-month bar under subsection D) — Subsection D bars licensure within one year of prior denial, refusal, or revocation, including conviction for unlicensed contracting. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- A.A.C. R4-9-112 (bond schedule) — Rule titled 'Bond Limits; Applications; Renewals; Increases and Decreases of Bond Amounts' — the actual bond-schedule rule. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ARS 32-1151 (engaging in contracting without license prohibited) — Prohibits acting as a contractor without an active license; permits and employment serve as prima facie evidence of a contract. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
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