Plant Industries

Serving the citizens of Arkansas and the agricultural and business communities by providing information and unbiased enforcement of laws and regulations set by the Arkansas State Plant Board

Licensing & Permits

Pesticide Applicator Licensing, Dealer Licensing and Permits

In Arkansas, the testing and licensing of pesticide applicators is the responsibility of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division, Pesticide Section.

The required safety training, also known as Certification or Recertification, is provided by the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas.


These are the basic types of pesticide applicators:

Private Applicator: applicators who use restricted use pesticides to produce agricultural commodities on property owned or rented by them or their employer. This does not include the home gardener. Restricted use pesticides are not labeled for use in home gardens. To be eligible for a Private Applicator License, you must be an agricultural commodity producer.

Commercial Applicator (Firm and Individual): applicators who apply pesticides for hire for any purpose or on property other than that specified for defining private applicators. This includes aerial and ground applicators.

Commercial Applicator Technician: applicators who use restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified and licensed Commercial Applicator.

Non-Commercial Applicator: applicators who use restricted use pesticides for their employer and not for hire basis. They do not qualify as a Private Applicator nor require a Commercial Applicators License. Examples: city employees, researchers, Extension Agents, chemical company representatives, etc.

Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer License: any person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes any Restricted Use (including Classification E, F, or H) pesticide, must obtain a Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer’s License within the State of Arkansas.

Bulk Dealer Permit: a pesticide dealer who distributes or repackages pesticides from a single bulk container into numerous smaller containers.

2,4-D Hardship Permit: required to use Class F products (all 2,4-D and 2,4-D containing products) between April 16th and September 15th of each year in Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Cross, Crittenden, St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, and Mississippi Counties.

Educational / Outreach Material


License Search & Verification

To view any active license holder(s) of the above listed licenses and permits, please go to the online License Search & Verification webpage.