Arizona contractor license lookup

1. Who needs a license

A license is required if labor and materials exceed $1,000, or if a permit is required whatever the price. (source: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab), source: A.R.S. 32-1121 (opens in a new tab))

• The handyman exemption covers only casual or minor work under $1,000. It does not apply if the work is part of a larger project or needs a permit. (source: A.R.S. 32-1121 (opens in a new tab))
• Unlicensed people who advertise must include the words "not a licensed contractor". (source: A.R.S. 32-1121 (opens in a new tab))
• Contractors must be licensed before they bid. Subcontractors and consultants who manage a project for the owner count as contractors. (source: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab))
• If an owner-builder sells or rents the structure within one year of completion, that is evidence it was built for sale or rent. (source: A.R.S. 32-1121 (opens in a new tab))

Penalties

• Contracting without a license is a class 1 misdemeanor: a fine of at least $1,000 for a first offense and at least $2,000 for later offenses. (source: A.R.S. 32-1164 (opens in a new tab))

2. License types and classes

3. Required insurance and bonds

Bond

A bond is required. Residential general: $9,000 (under $750,000 volume) or $15,000. Residential specialty: $4,250 (under $375,000) or $7,500. Commercial general: $5,000 to $100,000. Commercial specialty: $2,500 to $50,000. (source: Arizona ROC: Bond Information (opens in a new tab), source: Arizona ROC: Bond Information (archived 26 Jul 2026) (opens in a new tab))

• Residential contractors also pay into the Residential Recovery Fund or post a $200,000 bond. (source: Arizona ROC: Bond Information (opens in a new tab))
• Dual license bonds combine the residential and commercial amounts. (source: Arizona ROC: Bond Information (opens in a new tab))

Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.

4. How to look up a contractor

Check a license on the ROC website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Search the contractor on the ROC Contractor Search page and check the license status, classification and bond information. (source: Arizona ROC: Contractor Search (opens in a new tab), source: Arizona ROC: Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Red flags when hiring

• Asks for more than $1,000 of work, or work needing a permit, without an ROC license. (source: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab))
• Advertises without a license and without the words "not a licensed contractor". (source: A.R.S. 32-1121 (opens in a new tab))
• Splits a big job into small pieces to stay under $1,000. (source: A.R.S. 32-1121 (opens in a new tab))
• Has a commercial-only license but bids on your home. (source: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab))

6. Consumer protections and complaints

How to complain

• File with the ROC within 2 years: from close of escrow or occupancy for new homes, or from the last work for remodels. (source: Arizona ROC: File a Complaint (opens in a new tab))
• Complain online through the ROC portal, which covers licensed and unlicensed contractors. Phone (602) 542-1525. (source: Arizona ROC: File a Complaint (opens in a new tab))

Residential Recovery Fund

• Pays up to $30,000 per residence and $200,000 per license. (source: Arizona ROC: Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
• You must make a bond claim first, and the contractor's license must have been suspended or revoked after your complaint. (source: Arizona ROC: Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
• Bond details are shown on the ROC Contractor Search page. (source: Arizona ROC: Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))