Arizona Discipline, Complaints & Unlicensed Contracting
Arizona backs its licensing law with discipline, filing deadlines, criminal penalties, and advertising rules. This chapter covers grounds for discipline, the complaint period, unlicensed-contracting penalties, and advertising the license number.
Grounds for discipline and the complaint period
The Registrar may suspend or revoke a license for grounds listed in A.R.S. §32-1154, such as abandoning a contract without legal excuse or willfully departing from the approved plans and specifications. A homeowner who wants the Registrar to investigate a licensed contractor generally must file the written complaint within two years after the alleged act or the last documented work (A.R.S. §32-1155).
Unlicensed contracting is a class 1 misdemeanor
Contracting without a required license is a class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense (A.R.S. §32-1164), the most serious misdemeanor class, and repeat or aggravated conduct increases the exposure. The ROC can also pursue civil enforcement against unlicensed activity.
Advertising the ROC license number
Arizona requires a licensed contractor's advertising to display the contractor's ROC license number so consumers can verify the license and the Registrar can identify unlicensed advertisers. Omitting the license number from advertising is itself a violation.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
Does Arizona require a state contractor license?
Yes. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) licenses contractors under A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 10 in Commercial, Residential, and Dual scopes. Handyman/casual work under $1,000 is exempt (A.R.S. §32-1121); unlicensed contracting is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. §32-1164).
What exam does Arizona require for a contractor license?
Applicants must pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE). It is waived only for someone who was a qualifying party on an Arizona license within the previous five years. The ROC does not publish the SRE question count, time limit, or passing score in the candidate bulletin.
Who is protected by the Arizona Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund?
The Recovery Fund (A.R.S. §32-1131 et seq.) is available only to owners who used a licensed residential contractor; there is a two-year complaint period (A.R.S. §32-1155).
Sources: https://roc.az.gov