Contractor License from Illinois to Arizona: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Illinois state license to carry to Arizona: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Arizona does license this work, so ask the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) whether it credits a local license or your documented experience; otherwise you qualify as a new applicant.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
The issue on this move is the starting point: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license, so there is no Illinois state license for Arizona to recognize. Arizona does license general contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): ask whether it credits a local license or documented experience, and expect its full application, business/law exam, financial statement and bond otherwise.
What changes, Illinois → Arizona
| Illinois (current) | Arizona (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee | ROC fee schedule was not machine-readable (roc.az.gov and the Secretary of State code PDF block automated fetches); application fees vary by classification and the license bond ranges $4,250-$100,000. Verify current fees at roc.az.gov |
| Processing time | None at state level — set by the local authority | Not stated on accessible official pages |
| Licensing authority | General contracting: licensed locally (city or county); trade licenses: Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing Program (general contractors are licensed municipally) | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Arizona sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Review Arizona's requirements on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Ask the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) whether it credits a local Illinois license or your documented experience: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license, so there is no state license to verify.
- Otherwise apply as a new applicant: meet Arizona's education/experience requirements and pass the exams it requires.
- Submit the application with fees (ROC fee schedule was not machine-readable (roc.az.gov and the Secretary of State code PDF block automated fetches); application fees vary by classification and the license bond ranges $4,250-$100,000. Verify current fees at roc.az.gov). Processing time: Not stated on accessible official pages.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Arizona accept an Illinois contractor license?
There is no Illinois state license to carry to Arizona: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Arizona does license this work, so ask the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) whether it credits a local license or your documented experience; otherwise you qualify as a new applicant.
What still applies even if reciprocity covers my trade?
Arizona's business and law exam, financial statement, bond, and registration — reciprocity waives the trade exam only, not these.
What does the Illinois-to-Arizona move cost and how long does it take?
ROC fee schedule was not machine-readable (roc.az.gov and the Secretary of State code PDF block automated fetches); application fees vary by classification and the license bond ranges $4,250-$100,000. Verify current fees at roc.az.gov. Processing time: Not stated on accessible official pages.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Possibly — NASCLA accredited exams replace the trade exam only in participating states, and this site has not verified that Arizona is one. Check on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) site.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Arizona Administrative Code R4-9-106 (Registrar of Contractors — examination and trade-exam waiver for comparable classification held in another state within 5 years) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Arizona Revised Statutes 32-1122 (qualifications for license; in-state exam-waiver framework) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB Reciprocal Classifications List (confirms Arizona mutual reciprocity and classification mapping) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing (licensing, forms; reciprocity form is Chicago-only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois IDFPR — Roofing Contractors (no reciprocity provision) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]