Plain-language guides to licensing, public bidding and getting paid in Arkansas, written from the statutes, rules and agency pages and linked to them.
Licensing
Arkansas requires a commercial contractor's license for commercial work of $50,000 or more, and residential licenses or registrations above $2,000. ARDOT prequalification is a separate step.
Reviewed Oct 31, 2026
Bidding
ARDOT lets highway work in morning and afternoon sessions and accepts only internet bids through Bid Express. Prime bidders must be prequalified and must file a bidders list after every bid.
Reviewed Oct 31, 2026
Payment
Arkansas lien claimants give the owner 10 days' notice, file within 120 days of their last work and sue within 15 months. Public jobs over $50,000 carry a payment bond.
Reviewed Oct 31, 2026
Procurement
Arkansas moved state supplier registration to the Ariba Business Network portal on July 11, 2026. Firms registered before then must submit a new registration.
Reviewed Oct 31, 2026
Guides are general information, not legal advice.