How To Obtain an Arkansas Business License—All You Should Know
Obtaining a business license in Arkansas involves completing several steps, including meeting state and local requirements. If your business operates in certain industries or locations, you may also need federal licenses or permits. This guide will explain how to secure your Arkansas business license, outlining the essential documentation, applications, and steps needed to complete the process efficiently. We'll also introduce Harbor Compliance, a trusted partner that can help with obtaining and maintaining the necessary licenses for your business nationwide.
Arkansas General Business Licenses
Arkansas Business License
Not required
General Business License licensure is not required on the State level in Arkansas.
Arkansas does not have a general business license at the state level, but local licenses are often required.
Local General Business Licenses
City of Bryant Business License
| Agency: | City of Bryant - Community Development Department (AR) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary by the number of employees:
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Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary by the number of employees:
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| Due: | Annually by December 31 |
Fayetteville Business License
| Agency: | City of Fayetteville Accounting and Audit Division (AR) |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the nature of the business. See the full schedule of fees here. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 |
| Due: | Annually by October 31. |
Fort Smith Business License
| Agency: | City of Fort Smith (AR) |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Email to businesslicense@fortsmithar.gov |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | Business license renewals are sent via mail approximately one month prior to expiration. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Due: | Annually by the date of issuance. |
City of Hot Springs Business License
| Agency: | City of Hot Springs - Finance Department - Business Services (AR) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: |
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| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the nature of the business |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | Online (payments only) |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the nature of the business |
| Due: |
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| Penalties: | Renewal payments not postmarked by February 28 will be considered delinquent and incur a penalty |
| Notes: | Renewal statements will be mailed out in the first week of January |
City of Pine Bluff Business License
| Agency: | City of Pine Bluff - Office of the City Collector (AR) |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the nature of the business and total number of employees |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the nature of the business and total number of employees |
| Due: | Annually by date of issuance |
| Notes: | Renewal notices with instructions will be mailed prior to the expiration of the license |
City of Russellville Business Permit (License)
Initial Registration
| Form: | Business Permit (License) Application |
| Instructions: | If applying online, please select the application that best fits the nature of the business for the license being sought. All applications listed online are for General Business Licenses. |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, or online |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the number of employees:
Businesses or occupations selling/serving alcohol for retail sales shall pay based on the number of employees + $500 |
| Notes: | New business permits shall require a fire and building inspection prior to license issuance. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | If applying online, please select the application that best fits the nature of the business for the license being sought. All applications listed online are for General Business Licenses. |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, or online |
| Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the number of employees:
Businesses or occupations selling/serving alcohol for retail sales shall pay based on the number of employees + $500 |
| Due: | Annually by January 31. |
| Penalties: | Any business permit not received by January 31 shall be delinquent, and 10% of the unpaid fee shall be added as a penalty. If the business permit fee is not paid within 60 days, a penalty of 30% shall be added. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Springdale Business License
| Agency: | City of Springdale City Clerk's Office (AR) |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $40 per year + $2.50 for each of the first 25 employees, excluding the owner of a sole proprietorship, employed by such business, and an additional $1.00 per year for each and every employee over 25. The maximum fee to be paid by any licensee is $300 per year. |
Registration Renewal
| Agency Fee: | $40 per year + $2.50 for each of the first 25 employees, excluding the owner of a sole proprietorship, employed by such business, and an additional $1.00 per year for each and every employee over 25. The maximum fee to be paid by any licensee is $300 per year. |
| Due: | Annually by April 1. |
West Memphis Privilege License
| Agency: | West Memphis City Clerk's Office (AR) |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | Fees depend on business services. |
Registration Renewal
| Agency Fee: | Fees depend on business services. |
| Due: | Annually by December 31. |
| Notes: | Renewal applications are sent to licensees prior to the expiration date. |
Do You Need a Business License in Arkansas?
In the state of Arkansas, you need a business license from local authorities to operate any type of business entity within their jurisdiction—a statewide general business license is not required. Since there is no one general license, the requirements vary between cities and counties. For example, in Rogers, businesses must obtain a business license and a Certificate of Occupancy, with specific steps including zoning reviews and inspections. Meanwhile, Fayetteville requires all businesses within city limits to apply for a license within 60 days of opening unless exempted under certain conditions, such as specific nonprofit activities.
Types of Business Licenses in Arkansas
Businesses in Arkansas may require different licenses and permits depending on their location and the nature of their operations. The main types include:
- Sales tax permit—Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services. Issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)
- Local business licenses—Specific to cities or counties, such as licenses required in Rogers and Fayetteville
- Professional and industry-specific licenses—Required for certain industries like healthcare, construction, or food services
- Federal licenses—Necessary for businesses in federally regulated industries such as broadcasting or alcohol distribution
How To Get a Business License in Arkansas
The process of obtaining a business license in Arkansas can differ depending on the location. However, it typically involves the following six steps:
- Prepare essential business details
- Register your business with the Arkansas secretary of state
- Obtain an Arkansas sales tax permit
- Secure required Arkansas state licenses and permits
- Apply for local business licenses
- Consider federal licenses for regulated industries
Prepare Essential Business Details
Before applying for a business license in Arkansas, you need to gather several details. Some of the foundational elements you'll need to organize include:
- A business name
- The entity type (e.g., LLC, corporation)
- An Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number (SSN)
- A business plan
- Business insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance (if you have three or more employees)
- A business address
Register Your Business With the Arkansas Secretary of State
Once you have gathered your essential details, you can officially register your business with the Arkansas secretary of state. While the process varies with business type, you can follow these four steps:
- Check the availability of your business name—You can use the Arkansas secretary of state's business entity search tool to ensure your chosen business name is available.
- File the appropriate formation documents—In Arkansas, LLCs must file Articles of Organization, corporations are required to file Articles of Incorporation, while partnerships should file a Certificate of Partnership if applicable.
- Submit the filing fee—The application fees vary by business entity type and can be filed online or by mail.
- Receive confirmation—Once the registration is approved, you will receive a certificate confirming your business entity status.
Sole proprietorships typically do not need to register unless operating under a trade name or assumed name (also known as a Doing Business As or DBA), in which case, they must register the name with the County Clerk’s Office.
Obtain an Arkansas Sales Tax Permit
If your business involves selling taxable goods or services in Arkansas, obtaining a sales tax permit is a critical step. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) oversees the issuance of these permits. Here's how you can obtain one:
- Register your business—You must register through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP), an online platform provided by the DFA.
- Provide required documentation—Supply essential information, such as your business name, physical location, and the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or SSN. You may also need a signed lease agreement if you're leasing a business space or a bill of sale if you purchased equipment or inventory from a previous business.
- Submit your application—Complete the application through ATAP, and pay the $50 fee electronically.
Processing typically takes eight to ten working days. To avoid delays, make sure you provide accurate and complete documentation and don't have outstanding tax liabilities during your application.
Secure Required Arkansas State Licenses and Permits
Depending on your industry, you may need specific state licenses or permits. For instance, contractors working on residential or commercial projects must obtain licensing through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Businesses in the food service industry, such as restaurants or caterers, are required to have their facilities inspected and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health before they can operate in the jurisdiction.
Apply for Local Business Licenses
The process and fees for obtaining local business licenses in Arkansas can vary significantly based on location and business type. For instance, in Conway, businesses must apply for a general business license, which involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and passing a zoning review. Local regulations may also require specific permits, such as health permits for food establishments or occupancy certificates for new or remodeled buildings.
Consider Federal Licenses for Regulated Industries
If your business operates in a federally regulated industry, such as transportation, broadcasting, or food production, federal licenses may be necessary. For example, trucking companies that operate across state lines need permits from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), while food manufacturers may need approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even though these steps may seem straightforward, managing different local requirements and procedures independently can be challenging, potentially leading to lapses. To ensure a smooth process, consider engaging with a dedicated service provider, such as Harbor Compliance.
Partner With Harbor Compliance for Simplified Business Licensing in Arkansas
Managing Arkansas business licenses on your own often means keeping track of numerous deadlines, dealing with local regulations, and risking potential delays. With our Managed Annual License Service, Harbor Compliance offers a more efficient approach, helping your business meet Arkansas's licensing requirements without the burden of handling paperwork independently. Here's what sets our service apart:
- Tailored licensing assistance—Our specialists will help you determine which licenses your business needs based on Arkansas regulations, ensuring you meet all state and local requirements.
- Seamless filing and renewal management—From the initial application to ongoing renewals, we handle the preparation and timely submission of all your documents, so you never miss a deadline.
- Centralized license management—The License Manager (one of the modules in our Software Suite) provides real-time access to your licensing information, making it easy to track renewals and stay updated on registration statuses.
How To Partner With Harbor Compliance
To order our Managed Annual License Service, follow four easy steps:
- Visit the Business License Service page.
- Click on the Order Online tab.
- Fill out the required form with your business details.
- Complete your order by clicking Check Out.
Once your order is processed, our team will handle your filings and update you on your license status.
Additional Services Harbor Compliance Offers
Beyond helping with Arkansas business licensing applications, Harbor Compliance offers several services to support your business throughout its lifecycle. Some of our most sought-after services include:
Additional Services Harbor Compliance Offers
Beyond helping with Arkansas business licensing applications, Harbor Compliance offers several services to support your business throughout its lifecycle. Some of our most sought-after services include:
- Industry-specific licenses—We assist businesses in regulated sectors, such as construction and engineering, by helping them obtain industry-specific licenses and guiding them through various processes and requirements.
- Nonprofit formation—Our services cover all aspects of nonprofit formation, including incorporation, assistance with 501(c) tax exemption filings, and charitable registration to help your organization meet state and federal regulations.
- Business lifecycle support—We handle essential corporate filings like amendments, DBA registration, name reservation, and withdrawal, in addition to managing initial and annual reports to keep your business records up to date.
- Document filing and retrieval—We help with drop-off filing and streamline the process of obtaining certified copies, certificate of authority, articles of reinstatement, and certificate of good standing, ensuring all necessary documentation is easily accessible.
- Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting—We offer guidance on BOI reporting and provide our Records Manager tool, which helps you store and manage your business's key documents and records efficiently.
- Tax-related services—We simplify tax-related processes by helping with payroll tax registration, sales and use tax registration, and applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Arkansas Business License FAQs
Below, you'll find frequently asked questions about obtaining an Arkansas business license. To learn more, visit our Information Center.
Business license fees in Arkansas vary depending on the type of business and location. In Pine Bluff City, for example, the number of employees you have can determine your license application fee.
To get a business license in Arkansas, check with the city and county offices in the locations where you plan to do business.
Yes, if your Arkansas-registered business sells tangible personal property or taxable services online, you may need to obtain an Arkansas sales tax permit. Out-of-state sellers do not need to collect sales tax until they exceed $100,000 in Arkansas sales or complete 200 transactions in the state.
Harbor Compliance: Your Trusted Partner for Stress-Free Business Licensing
Handling the business licensing process in Arkansas can be complex since it involves multiple authorities, numerous applications, and statutory deadlines. Rather than managing it all yourself, consider working with Harbor Compliance to streamline the process.
Our comprehensive Managed Annual License Service ensures your business is licensed and in good standing, so you can stay focused on growth without worrying about paperwork or potential setbacks.
If you're interested in assessing your business's standing and obligations, use the Harbor Compliance Score™. If further action is needed, you can contact us for more information on our ancillary services or schedule a demo of our software to explore how it centralizes and simplifies the entire licensing process.
For more details about our licensing solutions across the U.S., refer to the table below:
