License Required

How to Get a Earth Driller, Water Well License in Arkansas

Arkansas requires a earth driller, water well license to offer professional services. State fees are $750, which is well above the $369 national average.

Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3

Quick Facts

License Required: Yes
Licensing Fees: $750(well above the $369 national average)
Exams Required: 2
Minimum Age: 18 years old

What This Means for Your Home Earth Driller, Water Well Business

Arkansas makes it possible to run a home earth driller, water well business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. Every state requires a earth driller, water well license, so this is standard nationwide.

The cost is on the higher side. At $750, Arkansas charges more than the $369 national average. The real investment is time, not money.

Once licensed, Arkansas offers advantages: keep in mind the 6.5% sales tax on services. Plus, LLC formation is just $50. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.

Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the Arkansas licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal earth driller, water well license and is something many first-time home-based earth driller, water wells overlook.

How to Start Your Home Earth Driller, Water Well Business

Follow these steps to legally launch your business in Arkansas. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.

Complete Earth Driller, Water Well Training

Enroll in a Arkansas-approved earth driller, water well school.

Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.

Pass the Required Exams ($750)

Once you've finished training, register for the required exam through the Arkansas licensing board. You must pass all 2 exams.

Form Your Arkansas LLC ($50 state fee)

Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.

Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your Arkansas LLC online for $0 + the $50 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.

Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License

You need two things to legally operate from home:

Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
Shop license — from the Arkansas licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.

Get Business Insurance

General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based earth driller, water wells cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in Arkansas, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.

Register for State & Federal Taxes

Arkansas charges 6.5% sales tax on services, so you'll need to register. You also need to:

Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
Register with the Arkansas Department of Revenue for state income tax

Book Your First Clients

You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:

Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based earth driller, water wells)
Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home earth driller, water wells attract clients
Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility

Total Estimated Startup Costs

Exam fees + license	$750
Arkansas LLC formation	$50
Home occupation permit	$25 - $100
Business insurance (first year)	$180 - $480
Total (excluding training/school)	$1005 - $1380

* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.

Arkansas Business Setup Costs & Details

Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in Arkansas — beyond the earth driller, water well license itself.

LLC Formation Cost

$50

File with Arkansas SOS

Sales Tax on Services

Yes6.5% state rate applies

Sales Tax on Products

6.5% state rate+ county/city tax if you sell retail products

Minimum Wage

$11/hr

As a business owner, you set your own rates

Home Occupation Permit

Required in most Arkansas counties

Check with your county zoning office

Compare Earth Driller, Water Well Requirements in Nearby States

See how Arkansas's requirements compare to neighboring states.

State	License?	Fees	Training
Arkansas(you)	Yes	$750	730 days
Louisiana	Yes	$510	730 days
Mississippi	Yes	$620	1095 days
Missouri	Yes	$110	730 days
Oklahoma	Yes	$550	730 days
Tennessee	Yes	$557	730 days

Key takeaway: All of Arkansas's neighbors require a earth driller, water well license. If cost is your main concern, Missouri has the lowest fees at $110.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a earth driller, water well license in Arkansas?

The total cost in state fees is $750, which includes exam registration and license issuance fees. This does not include the cost of earth driller, water well school tuition, which varies by program. At $750, Arkansas is above the $369 national average.

What exams do I need to pass for a Arkansas earth driller, water well license?

You must pass 2 exams: the required examination(s) through the Arkansas licensing board. You must apply for exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — check with the Board for current deadlines and fees.

Can I run a earth driller, water well business from my home in Arkansas?

Yes, you can operate a earth driller, water well business from home in Arkansas, but you must: (1) hold a valid earth driller, water well license, (2) obtain a shop/salon license from the Arkansas licensing board — your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards, and (3) get a home occupation permit from your local county. The shop/workspace license is a step many first-time home-based earth driller, water wells overlook.

Do I need to collect sales tax as a earth driller, water well in Arkansas?

Yes — Arkansas charges 6.5% sales tax on services. You'll need to register with the Arkansas Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax. If you also sell retail products, those are taxed at the same rate.

How much does an LLC cost in Arkansas?

The state filing fee is $50. You can file online through the Arkansas Secretary of State or use services like ZenBusiness ($0 + state fee). An LLC protects your personal assets from business liabilities — critical when working with clients in your home.

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Sources & Disclaimer

Data Sources

License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
LLC and tax data: Arkansas Secretary of State and Arkansas Department of Revenue.

Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Arkansas licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.