Updated April 2026
Arkansas Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Yes
- Licensing Board
- Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
- Minimum Project Threshold
- $2,000 (residential); $50,000 (commercial)
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $10,000 (commercial); $15,000 (residential roofers)
- Phone
- (501) 372-4661
- Address
- 4100 Richards Road, North Little Rock, AR 72117
- Online License Lookup
- Search licenses online →
Separate Home Improvement license for $2,000–$50,000 range. Subcontractors can work under licensed GC without own license but must register. Exam plus references and accounting report required.
State-Specific Details
Additional licensing bodies: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB)
Arkansas Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Contractor (Unrestricted) For commercial projects of any value. Requires exam, references, and financial statement. | $100 | $50 | $10,000 surety bond |
| Commercial Contractor (Restricted) For commercial projects under $750,000. Same exam requirements as unrestricted. | $100 | $50 | $10,000 surety bond |
| Residential Builder For new residential construction. Requires exam and experience verification. | $100 | $50 | No bond required |
| Residential Remodeler For residential remodeling and renovation projects. | $50 | $50 | No bond required |
| Home Improvement For residential projects in the $2,000 to $50,000 range. | $50 | $50 | No bond required |
| Residential Roofer Registration Required for all residential roofing work. Registration (not full license). | $20 | $50 | $15,000 surety bond |
| Subcontractor Registration Subcontractors working under a licensed GC must register but do not need their own license. | $20 | $50 | No bond required |
Processing time: approximately 3 months from application submission to license issuance.
Arkansas requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding $2,000 (residential); $50,000 (commercial) in labor and materials. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Arkansas should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Use the official Arkansas licensed contractor search to look up any contractor by name or license number. You can also visit the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board website for additional resources.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
Arkansas requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($10,000 (commercial); $15,000 (residential roofers)). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Arkansas puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Arkansas
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Arkansas, report them to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Arkansas
The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board investigates complaints about licensed contractors who violate licensing laws. The board handles licensing violations only — not contractual or payment disputes between homeowners and contractors.
You can file a complaint by:
- Call the board at (501) 372-4661
- Email contractors.licensing.board@arkansas.gov
- Download and submit a complaint form from the board's website
For contractual disputes (work quality, payment disagreements), you may need to pursue resolution through small claims court or civil court.
Arkansas Contractor Bond Schedule
Bond requirements in Arkansas vary by license type. Not all licensed contractors are required to carry a surety bond.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Contractors | $10,000 | Required for both restricted and unrestricted commercial licenses |
| Residential Roofers | $15,000 | Required for all residential roofer registrations |
| Residential Builders & Remodelers | No bond required | Bond is not required, but contractors should carry liability insurance |
What Makes Arkansas Contractor Licensing Unique
Workers' Comp with 2+ Employees
Arkansas requires workers' compensation insurance for any contractor with two or more employees. Before hiring, ask for proof of workers' comp coverage.
Military & Veteran Expedited Processing
Active-duty military members, veterans, and military spouses can get expedited license application processing through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Lifetime License at 65+
Contractors aged 65 or older with at least 12 years of continuous licensing can apply for a lifetime license. The one-time fee is $65, and no further renewals are needed.
Workforce Expansion Act Fee Waiver
Under the Arkansas Workforce Expansion Act, applicants who receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF benefits may qualify for a fee waiver on their initial license application.
Arkansas Contractor License Fees
- Commercial Application
- $100
- Residential Builder Application
- $100
- Remodeler Application
- $50
- Home Improvement Application
- $50
- Roofer Registration
- $20
- Subcontractor Registration
- $20
- Annual Renewal
- $50
- Lifetime License
- $65 (one-time, age 65+ with 12+ years licensed)
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.