Arkansas contractor license bond
Bond requiredRequired to get and keep your license.
All commercial (and many residential) contractors licensed by the Arkansas CLB must file a $10,000 license bond. This is separate from, and not replaced by, the financial-statement requirement: applicants must also show the net worth for their classification, and a contractor who can't may post a larger 'bond in lieu of financial statement.' The flat $10,000 license bond is still required on top of either path. [Source: CLB ↗]
Good to know
The $10,000 license bond is mandatory and is a separate requirement from the financial statement.
Estimate your premium
You pay a percentage of the bond amount each year, based on credit.
About 1.5–3.0% of a $10,000 bond.
Estimate only. Your real rate is set by the surety after a quick credit check, and the premium is typically nonrefundable once the bond is issued.
How to get bonded and licensed in Arkansas
- 1Apply for your contractor license or registration with CLB.
- 2Buy your surety bond from a licensed surety — the premium is a small percentage of the bond amount, based on your credit.
- 3Submit proof of the bond (and any required insurance) with your application.
- 4Keep the bond active and renew it to keep your license in good standing.
Arkansas contractor bond FAQ
Does Arkansas require a contractor license bond?
Yes. Arkansas requires every licensed contractor to carry a $10,000 Contractors Licensing Board license bond.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Arkansas?
You don't pay the full bond amount. You pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, usually around 1–3% with good credit and more while your credit is still building. On Arkansas's $10,000 bond, most applicants with solid credit pay roughly $150–$300 a year. Use the calculator above for your own estimate.
Who regulates contractor licensing in Arkansas?
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (CLB) sets the rules. The $10,000 license bond is mandatory and is a separate requirement from the financial statement.
What does a contractor license bond protect?
A contractor license bond protects your customers and the licensing authority, not you. It guarantees you'll follow the state's contractor laws; if you break them and someone is owed money, they can file a claim against the bond, and you must repay the surety.
Is the bond premium refundable?
Generally no. Once the bond is issued, the premium is earned by the surety and is typically nonrefundable, even if you never have a claim. Most bonds run one to two years, and you renew to keep your license active.
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Bond requirements and amounts are set by CLB and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.