Who Needs a Commercial Applicator License?
This license applies to firms or individuals applying pesticides for hire in the following categories:
- Agricultural Plants
- Agricultural Animals
- Aquatic Pest Control
- Forest Pest Control
- Right-of-Way Pest Control
- Wood Treatment
Note: For structural, household, turf, or ornamental pest control, refer to the Regulatory Section.
Firm Commercial Applicator License Requirements
Required Documents
- Form DP-29 – Firm Commercial Applicator Application
- Proof of Financial Responsibility (choose one):
- Insurance Form DP-44 (minimum $100,000; max $5,000 deductible)
- Surety Bond
- Letter of Credit
- Escrow Account
- Power of Attorney Form – Required for out-of-state companies or if POA has changed
- Form DP-30 – Individual Commercial Applicator Application (one per applicator listed on DP-29)
- DP-32 and/or DP-35 – Required for Custom and Tree Injector permits (see below)
Application Process
First-Time Applicants: Submit Form DP-29, required documents, and fees either:
- Online: Visit the Pesticide Section Forms webpage
- By Mail:
Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Plant Industries Division, Pesticide Section
#1 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
Make checks payable to: Arkansas State Plant Board
Renewals: Renewal notices are emailed annually in November. Submit updated documents and fees online or by mail as above.
- Once approved, your license will be emailed and equipment decals mailed.
- View active licenses – License Search & Verification
Important Information
- Licenses expire December 31st annually
- Each piece of equipment and aircraft must display a commercial applicator decal
- Your firm’s license number is permanently assigned
- Financial responsibility must remain current
Custom Permit (Required for 2,4-D Use)
When Required
For firms applying Class E or F pesticides (including 2,4-D) for hire.
All applicators (air or ground) must pass the Custom Applicator Exam
Requirements
- Must have a valid Firm Commercial License
- Submit Custom Permit Form DP-32
- Designate a certified Operator-In-Charge who passed the exam (listed on DP-32)
- Submit $250 advance deposit with initial application
- Equipment must display custom applicator decals
Application Process
First-Time Applicants: Submit DP-32, fees, and advance deposit online or by mail.
Renewals: Renewal notices are emailed in November. Follow the same process.
Note: Permit will not be issued without a valid advance deposit.
Permit Details
- Expires December 31st annually
- Permit number is permanently assigned
- View permit information – License Search & Verification
Study Materials:
Tree Injector Permit (2,4-D Use)
When Required
For commercial firms applying Class E or F pesticides via tree injection.
Each applicator must pass the Tree Injector Exam.
Requirements
- Must have a valid Firm Commercial License
- Submit Tree Injector Permit Form DP-35
- Designate a certified Operator-In-Charge who passed the exam (listed on DP-35)
- Submit $10 per injector (max $250) advance deposit
Application Process
First-Time Applicants: Submit DP-35, fees, and deposit online or by mail.
Renewals: Renewal notices are emailed in October or November.
Permit will not be issued without a valid deposit on file.
Permit Details
- Expires December 31st annually
- Permit number is permanently assigned
- View permit information – License Search & Verification
Study Materials:
Questions? Contact the Pesticide Section at 501-225-1598 or email [email protected].