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How to get a general contractor license in Arkansas

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (Department of Labor and Licensing) licenses general contractors in Arkansas. Commercial contractor license required when the cost of the work, including labor and materials, is $50,000 or more (single-family residences excepted). The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, CLB Roster Export (latestroster.csv), commercial and residential licensees lists 6,041 active general contractor business records as of October 6, 2026.

Who licenses general contractor work in Arkansas

CredentialState license
BoardArkansas Contractors Licensing Board (Department of Labor and Licensing) official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
When a license is neededCommercial contractor license required when the cost of the work, including labor and materials, is $50,000 or more (single-family residences excepted). source
License typesCommercial (Unrestricted), Commercial (Restricted, projects under $750,000), Residential Builder, Residential Remodeler, Residential Home Improvement (Limited or Unlimited), Commercial Subcontractor Registration

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Department of Labor and Licensing for a credential such as Commercial (Unrestricted), Commercial (Restricted, projects under $750,000) or Residential Builder.
    Board page
  2. Arkansas Business and Law exam required for the commercial license (waived for qualifying military applicants licensed in another state). source
  3. Experience: 5 years (Five years of experience for major commercial classifications such as Building or Mechanical; one year for specialty classification). source
  4. Post a commercial license requires a $10,000 contractor's surety bond. source
  5. Carry workers' compensation insurance required if the applicant has one or more employees; no general liability minimum found for the commercial license. source
  6. Pay the commercial license filing fee, non-refundable: $100. source
  7. Licenses expire the day before the anniversary of issuance; registrations may be renewed for one, two or three years. source

General contractor requirements in Arkansas

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamArkansas Business and Law exam required for the commercial license (waived for qualifying military applicants licensed in another state). source
Experience5 years (Five years of experience for major commercial classifications such as Building or Mechanical; one year for specialty classification). source
BondCommercial license requires a $10,000 contractor's surety bond. source
InsuranceWorkers' compensation insurance required if the applicant has one or more employees; no general liability minimum found for the commercial license. source
RenewalLicenses expire the day before the anniversary of issuance; registrations may be renewed for one, two or three year. source
ReciprocityThe Board may make reciprocal agreements with states that have similar licensing; no list of current agreements was found. source
Fees
  • $100 (Commercial license filing fee, non-refundable). source
  • Annual license renewal fee, capped by statute at $100 (the Board sets the actual amount; not confirmed on a Board fee page). source
  • Registration renewal fee of $100 per year, for a one, two or three year term (registrations, not licenses). source
  • $84 (Business and Law exam fee, as listed on the residential builder application (assumed the same exam fee applies to commercial applicants)). source
  • $100 (Residential builder license filing fee, non-refundable). source
  • $50 (Residential home improvement license filing fee). source

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in Arkansas, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Arkansas

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Arkansas?
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (Department of Labor and Licensing) licenses general contractors in Arkansas. Commercial contractor license required when the cost of the work, including labor and materials, is $50,000 or more (single-family residences excepted).
How do I check a general contractor license in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (Department of Labor and Licensing) keeps the record for general contractors in Arkansas. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Arkansas?
$100 (Commercial license filing fee, non-refundable). Annual license renewal fee, capped by statute at $100 (the Board sets the actual amount; not confirmed on a Board fee page). Registration renewal fee of $100 per year, for a one, two or three year term (registrations, not licenses). $84 (Business and Law exam fee, as listed on the residential builder application (assumed the same exam fee applies to commercial applicants)). $100 (Residential builder license filing fee, non-refundable). $50 (Residential home improvement license filing fee).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Arkansas?
5 years (Five years of experience for major commercial classifications such as Building or Mechanical; one year for specialty classification).
How often does a general contractor license renew in Arkansas?
Licenses expire the day before the anniversary of issuance; registrations may be renewed for one, two or three years.

Other trades in Arkansas

General contractor license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.