Arkansas Handyman License Requirements (Step-by-Step Guide)

Thinking about starting a handyman business in Arkansas? Before you start booking jobs, you’ll need to make sure you’re set up legally. In Arkansas, that often means understanding whether you need a handyman license, registration, or contractor’s license depending on the type and scope of the work you plan to do.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about handyman licensing in Arkansas, from the requirements and application process to tips for getting your business off the ground.

Arkansas handyman license requirements at a glance

Here are the basic rules for handyman work in Arkansas:

Requirement	Details
License required	Yes, Home Improvement License
Cost threshold	Residential projects over $2,000
Specialty licenses	Required for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (regardless of project value)
Business license	No statewide requirement, but some municipalities may require one
Insurance required	Yes, general liability plus workers’ comp if you have employees
Licensing authority	Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB)

Do you need a handyman license in Arkansas?

You don’t need a handyman license in Arkansas if you stick to small jobs worth under $2,000. For anything above this value, you must have a Home Improvement License from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). This license covers work such as flooring, painting, masonry, foundation repair, structural changes, and additions.

Roofing is treated separately. To perform residential roofing on any project—even if you have a Home Improvement License—you must hold a Residential Roofing Registration with the ACLB and renew your registration annually.

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing

Some work requires licenses beyond the Home Improvement License. Regulated trades always require their own licenses, regardless of project size. These include:

• Electrical (Arkansas Electrical Licensing Board)
• HVAC (Arkansas HVACR Licensing Board)
• Plumbing (Arkansas State Board of Health)

If you plan to take on jobs in these areas, you’ll need to meet the training, experience, and exam requirements of the appropriate board.

What can a handyman do without a license in Arkansas?

So long as each task is valued under $2,000 (including materials and labor), you can do the following handyman jobs without a license in Arkansas:

• Assembling furniture
• Gutter cleaning, power washing, and routine exterior maintenance
• Hanging window coverings
• Installing basic cabinetry
• Installing blinds
• Installing shelves
• Interior and exterior painting or wallpapering
• Light tiling, grout cleaning, and resealing
• Minor nonstructural home repairs and touch-ups
• Patching drywall
• Repairing or replacing doors, locks, and hardware
• Small appliance installation (without altering plumbing or electrical systems)

Keep in mind that you can’t split one larger project into smaller contracts to stay under the $2,000 limit.

Local handyman license requirements

Some Arkansas cities and counties require their own business licenses or permits in addition to the state Home Improvement License. For example, cities like North Little Rock, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale may have local business registration, zoning, or permitting requirements.

Always confirm with your city or county clerk before starting work to make sure you’re compliant at the state and local levels.

Penalties for unlicensed handyman work in Arkansas

There are strict legal consequences for working without a license in Arkansas, including the following:

• Paying fines of $100–$200 per day for each day of unlicensed work
• Refunding all money paid under a void contract, with no ability to collect or file a lien without a valid license (per Arkansas’s “No License, No Sue” statute)
• Facing civil liability for code violations or substandard work

You may face even more serious penalties, including criminal charges, if someone gets hurt due to unlicensed work you perform.

Arkansas handyman license requirements: Age, education, and training

The requirements for the state’s Home Improvement License aren’t as strict as those for other skilled trades. However, you must still meet the following requirements to get the license:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide three references verifying your experience
• Submit a CPA-prepared financial statement showing positive net worth
• Show proof of workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable)
• Pass a police criminal history check
• Pay a $50 application fee

Unlike more comprehensive residential or commercial contractor licenses, no exam or specific level of education is required for the Home Improvement License.

Handyman license cost in Arkansas

As a licensed handyman in Arkansas, you can expect these fees:

• Initial filing fee: $50
• Annual renewal fee: $25 per year ($50 for late renewals)

Also factor in general liability insurance premiums and workers’ comp costs, if applicable.

Insurance and bonding needs for handymen

You’ll need to carry workers’ compensation insurance if you employ one or more workers. General liability insurance isn’t specifically mandated, but it’s strongly recommended to safeguard your business against potential damages, accidents, or client claims.

If you plan to file for the state’s Residential Roofing Registration to complete roof work, you’ll also need to buy and maintain a $15,000 surety bond. The annual premium for a surety bond typically costs 1% to 10% of the bond amount; better credit scores result in lower premiums.

Some Arkansas cities and counties, including Fort Smith, Little Rock, and North Little Rock, may require additional contractor bonds. For example, the City of Fort Smith requires a $2,000 surety bond for registration.

Transferring your handyman license to or from Arkansas

Arkansas doesn’t offer reciprocity for Home Improvement Licenses. For handyman work specifically, you’ll need to register with the ACLB by submitting the required documentation.

If you’re a commercial or residential builder, Arkansas offers limited reciprocity for licenses from the following states:

• Alabama (must be licensed for at least one year)
• Louisiana
• Mississippi (must be licensed for at least one year)
• North Carolina (reciprocity is only for specific classifications, such as roofing or masonry)
• Tennessee (must be licensed for at least one year)

If you’re moving to Arkansas from one of these reciprocal states, simply fill out the form—along with any required documentation from your reciprocal state—and submit it to the ACLB.

How to renew your handyman license in Arkansas

To renew your Home Improvement License, you must submit a renewal application through the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing’s online system by the renewal date listed on your license. This includes paying the renewal fees and submitting current financial and insurance documentation. You can email your financial documentation to contractors.licensing.board@arkansas.gov.

What happens if your license expires?

If your license expires, you pay a higher renewal fee ($50 instead of $25). You can only continue working if you’re within the two-year window for renewal and have an application pending approval.

Working with an expired license can be a consumer protection violation. If your license expired more than two years ago, you’ll need to restart the application process and retake any applicable exams to become valid again.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Arkansas

You do not need a state business license to operate as a handyman, but if you have more employees than just yourself, you may need to register your business at the local level. You may also need a surety bond for larger projects or per municipal regulations.

Follow these general steps to start your business in Arkansas:

• Register your business name with the state. If you’re forming an LLC, corporation, or partnership, register your entity with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
• If you’re a sole proprietor, file a Doing Business As (DBA) name petition for the name you want to operate under (for example, “Joe’s Handyman Service” is the DBA for Joe Smith) with the Arkansas County Clerk’s office in the county where your business is located (example for Jefferson County).
• Apply for a local business license if your city or county requires it.
• Purchase necessary insurance and surety bonding.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Arkansas

Building a successful handyman business is about more than just fixing things—it’s about earning trust, showing reliability, and building a strong reputation in your community. The right tools and strategies can help you attract more clients, stay organized, and stand out from the competition.

Here are a few ways to set yourself up for success:

• Invest in simple branding, like business cards, vehicle decals, or a professional website, so customers can easily remember and recognize your business.
• Use free platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook for Business to connect with homeowners and promote your services.
• Encourage satisfied clients to leave online reviews. Positive feedback builds trust and helps you rank higher on search and lead platforms.
• Consider getting a general contractor license to boost your credibility—even if you don’t always need it, customers prefer working with licensed professionals.
• Leverage job boards such as Thumbtack and Angi to generate steady leads. Both integrate with Housecall Pro’s handyman software, so customer information syncs instantly into your system for fast scheduling and follow-up.
• Streamline your operations with tools like Housecall Pro. From creating quotes and managing leads to handling invoices, payments, and work orders, our all-in-one platform is designed to keep your business running smoothly and your cash flow consistent.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Try our free 14-day trial to see why we’re trusted by more than 200,000 pros across 50+ trades.