Arkansas offers more than 10 licenses and certificates for contractors in the state.
To become a contractor in Arkansas, you’ll need to choose the license that matches your contracting work, complete the application, pay a fee, and meet all of the AR Contractors Licensing Board requirements discussed below.
Do You Need a Contractor’s License in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires a contractor’s license or certificate for any commercial work, as well as for residential work exceeding $2,000 in total costs. See here for a full list of contractor laws.
Types of Arkansas Contractor Licenses
Below are the 11 types of licenses and certificates offered to contractors in the state.
- Subcontractor Registration Certification: for any subcontractor that is working for a properly licensed contractor (not for a property owner)
- Commercial license: for commercial work of $50,000 or more. Any property that is not a single-family dwelling is considered to be commercial property.
- Temporary commercial license*
- Residential builders license: for those building or remodeling a single-family residence with a total cost of at least $2,000
- Temporary residential builders license*
- Residential remodelers license: for those making major structural changes on or adding to single-family dwellings with total project costs of $2,000+
- Temporary residential remodelers license*
- Residential roofer registration: for roofing, roof decks, and roofing sheet metal projects worth over $2,000. Residential builder or residential remodeler licensees do not need this registration. Home improvement licensees need this registration.
- Home improvement license: for those performing specialty work (painting, flooring, etc.) on a single-family dwelling worth over $2,000. You cannot build a home or remodel a home with this license.
- Temporary home improvement license*
*All temporary licenses are valid for 90 days for contractors with out-of-state licenses OR for those who can provide references on the official Reference Forms.
Getting Your AR Contractor’s License
Each license category has a specific application process and set of requirements. Many licenses also offer both restricted/limited or unrestricted/unlimited categories. These categories determine the maximum cost of projects you can take on.
Most license applications will require you to pay a fee, describe your work experience, and list professional references.
Unlimited/unrestricted licenses for larger projects may also require a financial statement, business registration information, proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage, and a surety bond.
All commercial builders, residential builders, and residential remodelers are required to pass an office exam before applying for a license. Exam details are mentioned on each respective application.
Arkansas Contractor License Renewals
All AR contractor licenses and certifications expire after one year and can be renewed online. If your business has employees, renewals require a current certificate confirming active Worker’s Comp.
Other renewal requirements are as follows:
- Unlimited/unrestricted licenses: a current reviewed or audited financial statement by a CPA on official letterhead
- Limited/restricted licenses: a current compiled financial statement by a CPA on official letterhead
- Pay a renewal fee
Contractor Salaries in Arkansas
With so many contractor specializations, salaries vary greatly. As per Indeed, General contractors in AR are generously compensated at over $38 per hour or $153,000 per year – significantly more than the national average.
