Yes. Applicants with scores below 600 typically qualify at 5%–15% of the bond amount through specialty surety markets. A $25,000 bond with challenged credit runs $1,250–$3,750 per year. We work with applicants who have prior bankruptcies and tax liens. Call us and we’ll tell you the rate upfront before you commit.
Arkansas Surety Bonds
Seamless surety bond solutions at the best available rate. Get expert guidance for your business or project with a quick, free quote.
It’s easy with our simple 3-step process:
- Apply Online
- Get Quote
- Receive Bond
Arkansas requires surety bonds for contractors, auto dealers, mortgage brokers, notaries, and dozens of other licensed professions. If you’re applying for a state license or permit, a surety bond Arkansas businesses need is likely part of the process — get a free quote online or by phone and we’ll have your bond ready the same day.
Most Common Arkansas Surety Bonds
These are the bond types most frequently required in Arkansas:
|
Bond Type |
Who Needs It |
Required By |
Bond Amount |
Surety Bond Price Range |
| Auto Dealer Bond | Used vehicle dealers | Arkansas State Police | $25,000 (Arkansas Department of Public Safety) | Starts around $250; estimate up to $2,500/year depending on credit |
| Notary Bond | Notaries seeking commission | Arkansas Secretary of State | $7,500 (Arkansas Secretary of State) | About $35–$50 for the 10-year term |
| Contractor License Bond | Commercial contractors and registered subcontractors | Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board | $10,000 (Arkansas Labor and Licensing) | About $100–$1,000/year depending on credit and bond type |
| Mortgage Broker Bond | Mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, and mortgage servicers | Arkansas Securities Department | $100,000 minimum; can rise to $150,000 or $200,000 based on loan volume (Code of Arkansas Rules) | About $600–$10,000/year for a $100,000 bond, depending on provider and underwriting |
| Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) | Freight brokers operating in Arkansas | FMCSA | $75,000 (FMCSA) | Starts around $938/year; estimate up to $7,500/year depending on underwriting |
This list covers the most common types. If you don’t see yours, call us — we bond professionals across all Arkansas-regulated industries.
How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost in Arkansas?
You pay a premium — a percentage of the bond amount, not the full amount. Your rate depends on three factors: credit score, bond amount, and bond type. Most Arkansas license bonds run 1%–3% annually for applicants with solid credit.
| Credit Score | Premium Rate | Example: $25,000 Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent (720+) | 1%–2% | $250–$500/year |
| Good (660–719) | 2%–3% | $500–$750/year |
| Fair (600–659) | 3%–5% | $750–$1,250/year |
| Challenged (<600) | 5%–15% | $1,250–$3,750/year |
Construction bonds — bid, performance, payment — require financial review and are priced separately. Contact us for a custom quote.
Arkansas Surety Bond Requirements: What ACLB and AID Require
Surety bond requirements in Arkansas are set at both the state and federal level:
- Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) — requires a $10,000 contractor bond for projects over $20,000. See aclb.arkansas.gov for current requirements.
- Arkansas Insurance Department — oversees bond filings for insurance-related professions. See insurance.arkansas.gov.
- Renewal — most Arkansas surety bonds renew annually. A lapsed bond means an automatic license suspension until a new bond is filed.
- Cancellation — most Arkansas bonds require 30 days advance notice before cancellation. The obligee must be notified.
- Claims — any harmed party — consumer, agency, or contractor — can file a claim. The surety pays valid claims up to the bond amount; you’re liable for reimbursement.
How to Get a Surety Bond in Arkansas
-
Choose Your Bond Type
Select the bond you need — commercial, contract, or any specialized bond. We help you find exactly what is required in your state.
-
Submit a Quick Application
Complete a short online form. It only takes a few minutes, with no extra paperwork or long verification steps.
-
Get Approved & Receive Your Bond
Get fast approval and receive your bond instantly by email. Your document is ready to use right away.
Most Arkansas license bonds are processed the same day. Here’s how it works:
- Identify your bond type and amount — check your license application or call the requiring agency.
- Apply online or by phone — a short application with a soft credit pull that won’t affect your score.
- Review your quote — we shop top carriers and send you the lowest available rate.
- Pay and receive your bond — electronic delivery, same business day for most license bonds.
- File with the obligee — submit your bond to the agency that required it; we’ll confirm the format they accept.
Arkansas Surety Bond FAQ
Can I get a surety bond in Arkansas with bad credit?
How long does it take to get bonded in Arkansas?
Standard license bonds — auto dealer, notary, contractor — are issued the same business day in most cases. Construction bonds require underwriting and take 3–5 business days. If you have a filing deadline, tell us when you call and we’ll prioritize your application.
What happens if my Arkansas surety bond lapses?
Your license is suspended immediately. There’s no grace period with most Arkansas agencies. You can’t legally operate until a new bond is filed and accepted. To avoid this, set a renewal reminder 60 days before your bond expires.
Do out-of-state businesses need an Arkansas surety bond?
Yes. If you’re operating, contracting, or selling in Arkansas — regardless of where your business is incorporated — Arkansas still requires you to carry a state bond. We’re licensed in all 50 states and issue Arkansas bonds for out-of-state businesses regularly.
Choose Bond by States
We proudly serve all 50 states, offering a full range of surety bonds. To buy surety bonds online:
- Choose your state
- Choose the bond type you need
- Apply online to request a free quote
There’s no obligation, and we can often help you get bonded in 24 hours or less.
Why Work With Us?
Simply fill out our convenient online application form to get started.
We work with a wide range of carriers to provide many options to our clients.
As an independent agency, we can leverage our carrier network to find the most competitive rates for the bonds you need.
We work to get you bonded as quickly as possible, often in 24 hours or less.
Our experienced surety bond agents provide personalized assistance to help you understand your bonding requirements and options.
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Request a Quote
Request an online quote today! Or speak with one of our knowledgeable surety bond agents about the commercial bonds you are interested in.




