Arkansas Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Arkansas requires statewide contractor licensing through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) under the Department of Labor and Licensing for projects over $2,000. The state offers Commercial, Residential Building, Residential Remodeler, and Home Improvement Specialty licenses. Electricians are licensed by the Board of Electrical Examiners, plumbers by the Department of Health's Plumbing and Natural Gas Section, and HVAC technicians through the ACLB. Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredReciprocity Agreements
Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with 17 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Arkansas Licensing Overview
Arkansas requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 4 separate agencies: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB), Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners (BOEE), Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section (ADH), Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVAC-R Section (ADLL). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $130 to $290, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Arkansas also participates in reciprocity agreements with 17 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Arkansas Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $100 | $80 | — | $10,000 | $180 |
| Electrician | $25 | $80 | $50 | — | $155 |
| Plumber | $25 | $75 | $75 | — | $175 |
| HVAC Technician | $70 | $80 | $140 | — | $290 |
| Roofing Contractor | $50 | $80 | — | — | $130 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Arkansas Contractor Licensing
- Arkansas does not require GL insurance for general contractors at the state level, but workers comp is mandatory if you have more than one employee.
- Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with 17 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- Home Improvement Specialty licensees are exempt from the exam requirement
- Financial statement from a CPA required for Commercial ($50,000 net worth) and Residential Building ($10,000 net worth)
- License expires 1 year from date of issuance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arkansas require a contractor license?
Yes, Arkansas requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Arkansas?
Initial licensing costs range from $130 to $290 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Arkansas have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with 17 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not require GL insurance for general contractors at the state level, but workers comp is mandatory if you have more than one employee.
Official Arkansas Licensing Resources
- Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) — for general contractor, roofing contractor
- Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners (BOEE) — for electrician
- Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section (ADH) — for plumber
- Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVAC-R Section (ADLL) — for hvac technician