How to Get a Handyman License in Arkansas: 2026 Requirements Guide

Thinking about starting a handyman business in Arkansas? Whether you are already doing small jobs around town or planning to grow into a full-time operation, the most important thing to get right from day one is your licensing. Arkansas has a clear framework for handyman work — but miss a step, work above the threshold without a license, or stray into a regulated trade without the right credential, and you are looking at fines, voided contracts, and potential legal liability.

This guide pulls every requirement, fee, and application detail directly from the official source: the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). No outdated numbers, no guesswork.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Handyman License in Arkansas?

Yes — if your work on a single-family residence exceeds $2,000 in total project value (labor plus materials), you need a Home Improvement Specialty License from the ACLB. Under $2,000 per project, you can work without a license. But you cannot split a larger project into smaller contracts just to stay under the threshold — the ACLB treats that as a violation.

Specialty trades — electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — are always regulated regardless of project value. And as of January 1, 2022, residential roofing requires its own Residential Roofing Registration, separate from the Home Improvement License. For full details, see the ACLB Apply for a License/Registration page.

Key Takeaways

Keep your Arkansas handyman business legal and protected with these essential facts:

• A license is required for any project over $2,000: Arkansas requires a Home Improvement Specialty License from the ACLB for any residential work exceeding $2,000 in total value, including both labor and materials.
• Two license tiers — pick the right one: A Limited license covers projects under $50,000 with minimal paperwork. An Unlimited license has no project cap but requires a CPA-compiled balance sheet showing positive net worth.
• The application fee is just $50 — and no exam is required: Arkansas is one of the most accessible states to get licensed in, with a flat $50 non-refundable fee and no trade exam required for the Home Improvement License.
• Roofing needs its own separate registration: As of January 1, 2022, residential roofing requires a Residential Roofing Registration plus a $15,000 surety bond — a Home Improvement License alone is not enough.
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC always need specialty licenses: These regulated trades require their own licenses from separate state boards regardless of project size — a handyman license never covers them.
• No reciprocity — but a temporary license is available: Arkansas does not recognize out-of-state handyman licenses, but a 90-day Temporary Home Improvement License is available for applicants with a current out-of-state contractor credential.

Table of contents

• Who Regulates Handyman Licensing in Arkansas?
• Types of Handyman Licenses in Arkansas
• What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Arkansas?
• What Work Requires a License in Arkansas?
• Arkansas Handyman License Requirements at a Glance
• How to Get a Handyman License in Arkansas: Step by Step
• Handyman License Cost in Arkansas
• Insurance Requirements for Arkansas Handymen
• Local Handyman License Requirements in Arkansas
• Arkansas Handyman License Renewal
• What Happens If Your License Expires?
• Does Arkansas Have Handyman License Reciprocity?
• Penalties for Unlicensed Handyman Work in Arkansas
• How Much Does a Handyman Make in Arkansas?
• Tips for Growing Your Handyman Business in Arkansas
• Arkansas vs. Neighboring States: How Does Licensing Compare?
• FAQs

Who Regulates Handyman Licensing in Arkansas?

Handyman and home improvement contractor licensing in Arkansas is managed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB), which operates under the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.

Contact the ACLB:

• Website: labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/arkansas-contractors-licensing-board/
• Phone: (501) 372-4661
• Fax: (501) 372-2247
• Email: contractors.licensing.board@arkansas.gov
• Mailing Address: Contractors Licensing Board, 4100 Richards Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117

The governing law for home improvement contractors is the Arkansas Residential Contractors Licensing Act, and the administrative rules are published under the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulations. The Board holds committee meetings throughout the year — your completed application must be received at least three weeks prior to a committee meeting to be reviewed.

Types of Handyman Licenses in Arkansas

Arkansas does not issue a single “handyman license.” Instead, the licensing structure works through a Home Improvement Specialty License that covers a wide range of residential repair and renovation specialties. Here is how it breaks down:

Home Improvement Specialty License — Limited

The Limited Home Improvement Specialty License authorizes you to perform residential home improvement work on projects valued at less than $50,000 (including labor and materials). This is the entry-level license for most handymen and small contractors in Arkansas.

Key features:

• No financial statement (balance sheet) required
• No workers’ compensation required unless you have employees
• Covers up to 36 specialty categories (see list below)
• Projects must be on single-family residences
• License is valid for 90 days once issued — you must activate it before it expires

Home Improvement Specialty License — Unlimited

The Unlimited Home Improvement Specialty License authorizes residential home improvement work of any dollar amount. This is for contractors taking on larger renovation projects without a dollar cap.

Additional requirements for Unlimited:

• A current compiled balance sheet (less than one year old) showing positive net worth — required at application and renewal
• Workers’ compensation insurance if you have one or more employees
• The balance sheet must be prepared by a CPA or use Schedule L from a corporate tax return

Residential Roofing Registration

Effective January 1, 2022, performing residential roofing work (roofing, roof decks, roofing sheet metal) on projects over $2,000 requires a separate Residential Roofing Registration from the ACLB — not just a Home Improvement License.

Important distinctions:

• Contractors with a Residential Builders or Residential Remodelers license do not need the registration
• If you hold a Home Improvement License with a Roofing classification, you do need to apply for the registration separately
• The registration is only for roofers — if you do other types of residential work in addition to roofing, you must maintain both your Home Improvement License and the Roofing Registration
• The Residential Roofing Registration also requires a $15,000 surety bond
• Renews annually

For complete details on the roofing registration process, visit the ACLB Apply for a License/Registration page.

Specialty Trade Licenses (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)

Some work simply cannot be done under a Home Improvement License, regardless of project size. If you plan to offer any of the following, you need a separate specialty license from the relevant state board:

• Electrical work → Arkansas Electrical Licensing Board
• Plumbing → Arkansas State Board of Health
• HVAC/R → Arkansas HVACR Licensing Board

These boards have their own experience, exam, and insurance requirements. No amount of handyman experience substitutes for the trade-specific credentials.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Arkansas?

As long as each individual task stays under $2,000 total (labor and materials combined), you can perform the following without a license in Arkansas:

• Furniture assembly
• Gutter cleaning, power washing, and exterior maintenance
• Hanging window coverings, blinds, and curtain rods
• Installing shelves and basic cabinetry
• Interior and exterior painting and 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)

Critical rule: You cannot split a larger project into smaller contracts to stay under the $2,000 threshold. The ACLB treats this as a violation and will consider the total project value when evaluating whether a license was required.

What Work Requires a License in Arkansas?

Any residential home improvement work on a single-family residence where the total project value exceeds $2,000 — including both labor and materials — requires a Home Improvement Specialty License from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). This threshold applies to the full scope of the project, not individual tasks within it. You cannot split a larger job into smaller contracts to stay under the limit — the ACLB treats the total project value as the determining factor.

Home Improvement Specialty License required (projects over $2,000):

• Specialty
• Carpentry, framing, millwork, cabinets
• Concrete work
• Demolition
• Drywall
• Fencing and gates
• Flooring and floor covering
• Foundation work
• Glass, glazing, doors, windows
• Insulation
• Kitchen and bathroom renovations
• Landscaping and irrigation
• Masonry
• Painting and wallcovering
• Siding, soffit, fascia, gutters
• Swimming pools and spas
• Tile, terrazzo, marble, countertops

This is not the complete list — the ACLB recognizes 36 specialty categories in total. Download the full Home Improvement Specialty New Application (PDF) to see every category on page 6.

Separate license or registration required — regardless of project value:

Some work always requires its own license, even if the project is under $2,000. These are regulated trades governed by separate state boards, and a Home Improvement License does not cover them under any circumstances.

If you plan to offer any of these services alongside your general handyman work, you must hold the relevant trade license in addition to your Home Improvement Specialty License. There are no shortcuts — a Home Improvement License does not substitute for a trade credential, and a trade license does not substitute for a Home Improvement License.

Arkansas Handyman License Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Limited License	Unlimited License
Project value threshold	Under $50,000	Any project size
Application fee	$50 (non-refundable)	$50 (non-refundable)
Exam required	No	No
Financial statement	Not required	Yes — CPA-compiled balance sheet showing positive net worth
Experience proof	3 references + project history	3 references + project history
Workers’ compensation	Only if you have employees	Required if you have employees
Surety bond	Not required	Not required
License validity (initial)	90 days once issued	90 days once issued
Renewal cycle	Annual	Annual
Late renewal fee	$50	$50
Minimum age	18	18
Background check	Yes	Yes

All requirements above are drawn directly from the ACLB Home Improvement Specialty New Application, Effective 1/2025.

How to Get a Handyman License in Arkansas: Step by Step

Here is the exact process to get your Arkansas Home Improvement Specialty License.

Step 1 – Choose Your License Type

Decide whether you need a Limited (under $50,000 per project) or Unlimited (any project size) Home Improvement Specialty License. Most new handymen start with Limited — it has fewer documentation requirements and is faster to process. You can upgrade later.

Also decide which specialties you want on your license. The ACLB lists 36 specialty categories on page 6 of the application. You must provide proof of experience for each specialty you request — if you do not show experience for a specialty, it will not appear on your license.

Step 2 – Gather Your Documents

For both Limited and Unlimited:

• Completed application form (download from labor.arkansas.gov)
• $50 filing fee payable to the Contractors Licensing Board (no cash accepted — check or money order)
• Experience information — completed project history for each specialty requested (pages 6–7 of the application)
• Background check disclosures — answers to all applicant information questions on pages 8–10
• If applying as a Corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP: documentation from the Secretary of State’s Office showing good standing
• Workers’ compensation certificate (if you have employees)

Unlimited only — additional document:

• Current compiled balance sheet less than one year old, showing positive net worth. Prepared by a CPA or use Schedule L from your corporate tax return. Personal residences and retirement accounts are excluded from the sole proprietor balance sheet. Download the ACLB blank balance sheet forms

Step 3 – Submit Your Application

Mail your complete application packet to:

Contractors Licensing Board 4100 Richards Road North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117

Your application must be received at least three weeks before a committee meeting to be reviewed at that meeting. Check the ACLB website for current meeting dates. Once received, your application must be complete within 90 days — after 90 days, a new application and fee are required.

Step 4 – Attend the Committee Meeting

The ACLB Residential Committee reviews Home Improvement applications at regularly scheduled meetings. You may be required to appear or may receive a decision by mail depending on your application status.

Step 5 – Receive Your License

Once approved, your Home Improvement Specialty License is issued. The license is valid for 90 days from issuance — you must begin operating under it before it expires. The annual renewal date will be established based on your issue date.

Handyman License Cost in Arkansas

Cost Item	Amount
Home Improvement License application fee (Limited or Unlimited)	$50
Residential Roofing Registration application fee	$50
Surety bond (Residential Roofing Registration only)	$15,000
Late renewal fee	$50
Balance sheet (Unlimited only)	CPA fee — varies
Workers’ compensation (if applicable)	Insurance premium — varies

All fees above are listed in the ACLB Home Improvement Specialty New Application, Effective 1/2025.

Fee waiver: Under the Workforce Expansion Act of 2021 (Act 725), the ACLB has implemented a waiver of the initial licensing fee for qualifying individual/sole proprietor applicants.

Military and veterans: Active duty military members, spouses, and honorably discharged veterans applying as individuals or sole proprietors receive expedited processing. If you hold a current state contractor license from another state, you automatically qualify for a similar Arkansas license.

Insurance Requirements for Arkansas Handymen

Insurance requirements in Arkansas depend on your license type and whether you have employees:

General Liability Insurance: General liability is not specifically mandated by the ACLB for Home Improvement License holders, but it is strongly recommended. Most residential clients, property managers, and general contractors will require proof of general liability coverage before hiring you. Standard coverage for handymen typically runs $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Workers’ compensation is required if you have one or more employees. This applies to both Limited and Unlimited Home Improvement License holders. If you have employees and apply without a workers’ comp certificate, your application will be incomplete.

Sole proprietors with no employees are not required to carry workers’ compensation, but are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission to confirm their specific situation.

Residential Roofing Registration — Surety Bond: The Residential Roofing Registration requires a $15,000 surety bond. This protects homeowners in the event of incomplete or unsatisfactory roofing work and is a condition of registration. Workers’ compensation requirements are detailed on the ACLB Renew a License page.

Local Handyman License Requirements in Arkansas

The ACLB Home Improvement Specialty License is a state-level credential — but it does not replace local requirements. Some Arkansas cities and counties require their own business licenses, permits, or registrations in addition to the state license.

Cities and areas known to have local business license or permit requirements include:

• Little Rock
• North Little Rock
• Fayetteville
• Springdale
• Rogers
• Bentonville
• Fort Smith
• Jonesboro

Always check with your city or county clerk’s office before starting work in a new jurisdiction. Local permit requirements can apply even for jobs that fall under the $2,000 licensing threshold.

Arkansas Handyman License Renewal

Home Improvement Specialty Licenses renew annually. The renewal date is based on your original license issue date.

To renew:

• Submit your renewal application through the ACLB’s online renewal portal at labor.arkansas.gov
  Pay the renewal fee
• Submit current financial documentation if required (Unlimited license holders must provide a current balance sheet)
• Submit current workers’ compensation certificate if you have employees

Important note for Unlimited license holders: The online portal cannot be used again until the next renewal year once the renewal is complete. Financial statements (balance sheets) that cannot be uploaded through the portal can be emailed to contractors.licensing.board@arkansas.gov or faxed to (501) 372-2247.

No continuing education is required to renew an Arkansas Home Improvement Specialty License — this is one of the least burdensome renewal processes in the region. Complete your renewal through the ACLB online portal.

What Happens If Your License Expires?

If your application is not complete by the expiration date of the license, a $50 late fee applies. The ACLB typically extends most timely renewals by approximately 6 weeks once the renewal application is received — giving additional time to submit financial documentation.

After two years of expiration, you cannot simply renew — you must reapply as a new applicant, submitting a fresh application and paying the full application fee again. Working on projects while your license is expired carries the same penalties as operating without a license entirely. Full details are on the ACLB Renew a License page.

Does Arkansas Have Handyman License Reciprocity?

No — Arkansas does not offer reciprocity for the Home Improvement Specialty License. If you are moving to Arkansas from another state and want to do handyman work, you must apply for a new Arkansas Home Improvement License through the standard process.

However, two notable exceptions exist:

Military and veterans: If you are an active duty service member, military spouse, or honorably discharged veteran applying as an individual or sole proprietor (not a sole member LLC), and you hold a current state contractor license from another state, you automatically qualify for a similar Arkansas license without the standard application requirements.

Temporary license: Arkansas offers a Temporary Home Improvement Specialty License for contractors who have a current out-of-state contractor license OR can provide references on the ACLB pre-printed Reference Forms. This temporary license is valid for 90 days once issued. Download the form: Temporary Home Improvement Specialty Application (PDF)

For commercial and residential builder licenses (not Home Improvement), Arkansas does offer limited reciprocity with certain states. The reciprocal form is available on the ACLB Forms page.

Penalties for Unlicensed Handyman Work in Arkansas

Arkansas takes unlicensed contracting seriously. Under Arkansas law, working without a required license carries real legal and financial consequences:

• Daily fines of $100–$200 for each day of unlicensed work performed
• Voided contracts — any contract entered into without the required license is void and unenforceable
• No lien rights — you cannot file a mechanic’s lien to collect unpaid work performed without a valid license (the “No License, No Sue” statute)
• Full refund obligation — if found to be operating without a license, you may be required to refund all money paid under the void contract
• Criminal charges — if unlicensed work results in injury or property damage, criminal liability exposure increases substantially
• Civil liability — homeowners can sue for damages resulting from substandard or code-violating unlicensed work

The ACLB accepts complaints via its official Complaint Form, which should be emailed with copies of any contracts to contractors.licensing.board@arkansas.gov. ACLB complaints are public record.

How Much Does a Handyman Make in Arkansas?

Before investing time in licensing, it is fair to know what the earning potential looks like. According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, general maintenance and repair workers (SOC 49-9071) in Arkansas earn a median annual wage of $43,400 ($20.87/hour). The national median for the same occupation is $46,950 ($22.57/hour) — Arkansas sits approximately 14% below the national figure, consistent with the state’s lower overall cost of living.

Note: BLS OEWS data covers employed workers and does not include self-employed handymen, who typically earn more through higher hourly billing rates.

Arkansas Handyman Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Annual Wage	Hourly Rate
Entry-level (10th percentile)	$29,140	$14.01/hr
Lower-mid (25th percentile)	$34,670	$16.67/hr
Median (50th percentile)	$43,400	$20.87/hr
Upper-mid (75th percentile)	$52,500	$25.24/hr
Top earners (90th percentile)	$63,130	$30.35/hr

Data: BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 49-9071 — Arkansas General Maintenance and Repair Workers

Is a Handyman License Worth It in Arkansas?

The numbers speak for themselves — licensed handymen who operate their own business in Arkansas typically charge $60–$100/hour for general handyman work, with specialized skills (tile, drywall, cabinetry) commanding $80–$120/hour. The $50 licensing fee and straightforward application process make Arkansas one of the most accessible states to get licensed in the region. With no exam requirement and no continuing education burden, the barrier to entry is low — and the protection from legal liability alone makes the license worthwhile from job one.

Tips for Growing Your Handyman Business in Arkansas

Getting licensed is the foundation. Building a profitable handyman business in Arkansas requires a few additional steps:

Register your business entity. Before marketing your services, register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State. Whether you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation, this is separate from your ACLB license. An LLC provides personal liability protection that a sole proprietorship does not.

Get a local business license. Check your city or county for local business registration requirements. Many Arkansas municipalities require a general business license in addition to the state Home Improvement License.

Set up proper record-keeping from day one. Keep a written record of every job, every contract, and every payment. If the ACLB ever audits your work, you need documentation that each project was either under $2,000 or covered by your active license.

Price your services correctly. Many new handymen undercharge and burn out. Research going rates in your local market — Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith markets each have different pricing norms. Factor in your licensing costs, insurance, vehicle, and tools before setting rates.

Build your online presence. Most Arkansas homeowners search for handymen on Google before calling anyone. A Google Business Profile with reviews is the single highest-return marketing tool for a local handyman business. Ask every satisfied client for a review — 10 five-star reviews will do more for your business than most paid advertising.

Use the right tools for scheduling and invoicing. As you grow, managing jobs manually becomes a bottleneck. Field service management software handles scheduling, customer communications, invoicing, and payment collection — so you spend time on jobs, not paperwork.

Arkansas vs. Neighboring States: How Does Licensing Compare?

State	License Required?	Threshold	Exam + CE
Arkansas	Yes — Home Improvement License	Over $2,000	No exam · No CE
Tennessee	Yes — Home Improvement License	Over $3,000	Exam required (NASCLA) · No CE
Louisiana	Yes — Home Improvement Contractor	Over $75,000 (residential)	Exam required · CE required
Missouri	No state handyman license	Local city rules apply	—
Oklahoma	No state handyman license	Local city rules apply	—
Texas	No state handyman license	Local city rules apply	—
Mississippi	No state handyman license	Local city rules apply	—

Arkansas sits in a middle position — it requires a license for work over $2,000, which is a relatively low threshold. But it is one of the more accessible licensing processes in the region: no exam, no continuing education, and only a $50 fee. Tennessee’s similar framework requires an exam; Louisiana’s threshold is significantly higher but carries more requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a license to be a handyman in Arkansas?

Yes — if any single project exceeds $2,000 in total value (labor plus materials), you need a Home Improvement Specialty License from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). Below that threshold, no license is required. You cannot split a larger project into smaller contracts to avoid the requirement — the ACLB considers the full project value.

How much does a handyman license cost in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Home Improvement Specialty License costs $50 — a flat non-refundable application fee that applies to both Limited and Unlimited license types. There are no exam fees since no exam is required. The only additional cost for most applicants is workers’ compensation insurance if they employ workers. If you plan to do roofing, a separate Residential Roofing Registration requires a $15,000 surety bond.

What is the difference between a Limited and Unlimited Home Improvement License in Arkansas?

A Limited Home Improvement License caps your residential projects at under $50,000. An Unlimited license has no project size cap. The key practical difference is documentation: Unlimited applicants must provide a CPA-compiled balance sheet showing positive net worth, while Limited applicants do not. Most handymen start with Limited and upgrade later as their business grows.

Do I need a license for handyman work under $2,000 in Arkansas?

No — projects valued under $2,000 (labor and materials combined) do not require a Home Improvement License in Arkansas. You can perform minor repairs, painting, furniture assembly, gutter cleaning, and other small tasks without any state license. However, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require specialty licenses regardless of project value.

Is an exam required for a handyman license in Arkansas?

No — the Arkansas Home Improvement Specialty License does not require passing an exam. This sets it apart from many neighboring states. You simply need to provide proof of experience through project references, submit the application and $50 fee, and have your application reviewed by the ACLB Residential Committee.

How long does it take to get a handyman license in Arkansas?

The processing timeline depends on the ACLB committee meeting schedule — your application must be received at least 3 weeks before a meeting to be reviewed at that session. Once received, your application must be complete within 90 days. Realistically, from submission to receiving your license, expect 4–8 weeks depending on when you submit relative to the next committee meeting.

What happens if I do handyman work in Arkansas without a license?

Working without a required license in Arkansas can result in daily fines of $100–$200, voided contracts, loss of lien rights, and required refund of all money paid. Under Arkansas’s “No License, No Sue” statute, unlicensed contractors cannot enforce a contract or collect payment through legal action. If unlicensed work causes injury or property damage, criminal liability exposure increases significantly.

Does Arkansas require insurance for a handyman license?

General liability insurance is not mandated by the ACLB for Home Improvement License holders, but workers’ compensation is required if you employ one or more workers. General liability is strongly recommended regardless — most clients and property managers will require it before hiring you. For the Residential Roofing Registration, a $15,000 surety bond is required.

Can I do roofing work with a Home Improvement License in Arkansas?

No — as of January 1, 2022, residential roofing requires a separate Residential Roofing Registration from the ACLB, not just a Home Improvement License. If you currently hold a Home Improvement License with a Roofing classification, you must obtain the Roofing Registration separately. The registration also requires a $15,000 surety bond and annual renewal.

Does Arkansas have a handyman license reciprocity agreement with other states?

No — Arkansas does not offer reciprocity for the Home Improvement Specialty License. Out-of-state applicants must complete the standard application process. However, a Temporary Home Improvement Specialty License is available for applicants with a current out-of-state contractor license, valid for 90 days. Active duty military, military spouses, and honorably discharged veterans with an out-of-state license qualify for automatic licensure in the same classification.

How do I renew my Arkansas handyman license?

Renew your Home Improvement Specialty License annually through the ACLB online portal at labor.arkansas.gov, paying the renewal fee and submitting any required documentation before your expiration date. Late renewals after the expiration date carry a $50 late fee. No continuing education is required. After two years of expiration, you must reapply as a new applicant.

Can I verify if a handyman is licensed in Arkansas?

Yes — use the ACLB’s public license search to verify any contractor’s license status. Visit labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/arkansas-contractors-licensing-board and use the license lookup tool. You can search by name or license number. Checking a contractor’s license before hiring takes 60 seconds and protects you from the legal and financial risks of unlicensed work.

What specialties can I add to my Arkansas Home Improvement License?

The Arkansas Home Improvement Specialty License covers 36 specialty categories, including carpentry, concrete, drywall, fencing, flooring, foundation work, glass and windows, insulation, kitchen and bathroom renovations, landscaping, masonry, painting, siding, swimming pools, tile and countertops, and more. You must provide proof of experience for each specialty you request — specialties without supporting experience documentation will not appear on your license. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing require separate licenses or registrations.

Is a handyman license hard to get in Arkansas?

No — the Arkansas Home Improvement Specialty License is one of the most straightforward contractor licenses in the region. No exam is required. The application fee is just $50. The main requirement is providing proof of experience through references and project history for each specialty you request. The most common reason applications are delayed is incomplete documentation — have all your paperwork in order before submitting.

Other Trades in Arkansas

HVAC

Plumbing