Arkansas General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: Commercial Contractor License (Unrestricted) · Issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

🏗️ General ContractorAR ✔ Verified 2026-06-26

In Arkansas, general contractors must hold the Commercial Contractor License (Unrestricted), issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed general contractor in Arkansas

Follow these steps to earn your Commercial Contractor License (Unrestricted). Every figure is verified against the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 5 years of construction experience required for Unrestricted Commercial Contractor License; 1 year minimum for Commercial Specialty licenses
Pass the Arkansas Business & Law Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Arkansas requires $10,000 surety bond required.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Yes; criminal history reviewed on case-by-case basis
Meet the credit / financial requirement. Minimum net worth of $50,000; minimum cash on hand of $25,000
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board — Up to $100 (statutory cap, Ark. Code Act 546 / 033.00.71) application fee, plus a Included in the application fee license fee. Processing time: 3-6 weeks for complete applications.
Keep the license active. Renew annual.

Arkansas general contractor license lookup

To confirm a general contractor is properly licensed in Arkansas — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official aclb2.arkansas.gov database →

License types

Commercial Contractor (Restricted) — Restricted commercial projects; limited scope of work
Commercial Contractor (Unrestricted) — Unrestricted commercial contractor license for any non-single-family commercial project valued at $50,000 or more in labor and materials

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	5 years of construction experience required for Unrestricted Commercial Contractor License; 1 year minimum for Commercial Specialty licenses
Application fee	Up to $100 (statutory cap, Ark. Code Act 546 / 033.00.71)
License fee	Included in the application fee
Renewal fee	$50 if filed on time; $100 if filed within 30 days after expiration (per 033.00.00 Ark. Code R. 001)
Renewal period	Annual
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	$10,000 surety bond required
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if contractor has one or more employees
Background check	Yes; criminal history reviewed on case-by-case basis
Credit requirement	Minimum net worth of $50,000; minimum cash on hand of $25,000
Reciprocity	Alabama; Louisiana; Mississippi; Tennessee
Processing time	3-6 weeks for complete applications

Exams

Arkansas Business & Law Exam	Provider: Board-approved testing vendor · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: Set by the board-approved testing vendor (not published by the board)

Preparing for the General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Arkansas divides contractor licensing into Commercial and Residential categories. Commercial licenses are for non-single-family projects valued at $50,000+. Residential Builder licenses govern single-family home construction. No statewide general contractor umbrella license exists. Exam is open-book format (50 questions, 2-hour time limit).

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Arkansas general contractor license cost?

Application: Up to $100 (statutory cap, Ark. Code Act 546 / 033.00.71). License: Included in the application fee. Renewal: $50 if filed on time; $100 if filed within 30 days after expiration (per 033.00.00 Ark. Code R. 001).

How do I look up a general contractor license in Arkansas?

Search the official license database at aclb2.arkansas.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do general contractors in Arkansas need a surety bond?

$10,000 surety bond required

What experience is required for an Arkansas general contractor license?

5 years of construction experience required for Unrestricted Commercial Contractor License; 1 year minimum for Commercial Specialty licenses

Is insurance required for general contractors in Arkansas?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: Required if contractor has one or more employees

How often must an Arkansas general contractor license be renewed?

Annual.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-26 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.