AR
Arkansas permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (Dept. of Labor and Licensing)
Residential builder or home-improvement specialty license for residential work over $2,000 (splitting contracts not allowed). Commercial license at $50,000+ (non-single-family).
Homeowner exemption
Summary
Homeowner doing home-improvement work on own single-family residence is exempt from residential licensing (Ark. Code 17-25-513).
Electrical
Check with your local building department
Plumbing
Check with your local building department
HVAC
Check with your local building department
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
Check with your local building department
Water heater
Check with your local building department
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Check with your local building department
Fence
Check with your local building department
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Check with your local building department
What this page does not confirm
- Trade homeowner rules, permits, and the code name are unverified.
Sources
- https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-17/subtitle-2/chapter-25/subchapter-5/section-17-25-513/
- https://labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Residential-Contractor-Law-revised-04.2026.pdf
- https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/arkansas-contractors-licensing-board/apply-for-contractors-license-registration/
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer