Arizona general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Experience and steps

1. Name a qualifying party The business needs a regularly employed qualifying party with the experience and skills for the license. Everyone on the application must be 18 or older. (source: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab))
2. Register the business Corporations and LLCs must be registered and in good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission. (source: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab))
3. Pass the exams Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the trade exam for the classification. (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))
4. File a bond File a continuous license bond sized to the classification and expected yearly volume. (source: Arizona ROC: Bond Information (opens in a new tab))
5. Apply and pay Apply through the ROC portal and pay the license fee. (source: Arizona ROC: Bond Information (opens in a new tab), source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by PSI and Gmetrix. (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))

• Statutes and Rules Exam (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))
• Trade exam (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))

• Fee waivers are available for military spouses, veterans and people on low incomes. (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))

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))

Insurance

We're still verifying this, check the official board: ROC website (opens in a new tab).

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))

Renewal fees: residential general $590, residential specialty $540, commercial general $580, commercial specialty $480, dual general $750, dual specialty $650. (source: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab))

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. Reciprocity (license transfer)

We're still verifying this, check the official board: ROC website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))