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Contractor License in Georgia

State license

Georgia requires a state license from the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (SLBRGC) to perform contracting valued over $2,500 in labor and materials. Individual trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, low-voltage) are licensed separately, and local governments may require a business/occupational license on top of the state license.

Quick facts

When a license is needed$2,500 in combined labor and materials; contracting above this amount requires the appropriate class of state license.
ExperienceGeneral Contractor accepts one of several paths: (a) a related bachelor's degree (engineering, architecture, construction management) plus 1 year of GC experience; (b) college coursework plus practical experience totaling at least 4 years; or (c) 4 years of construction experience with at least 2 years as or with a general contractor plus 1 year in administration, estimating, supervision, or project management. Residential classes generally require about 2 years of relevant experience.
ExamYes. Business and law exam plus a trade/technical exam administered through PSI; the General Contractor trade exam is NASCLA-based.
BondNo statewide license surety bond for general contractors. Instead the General Contractor must show financial responsibility: minimum net worth of $150,000 for the full tier, or $25,000 in financial responsibility for the Limited Tier.
InsuranceGeneral Contractor (full and Limited Tier) must carry general liability insurance of not less than $500,000, plus workers' compensation as required by state law. Residential classes must carry general liability at lower minimums.
FeesApplication filing fee approximately $210; biennial renewal fee $100.
RenewalBiennial. Licenses renew by June 30 of even-numbered years (per Rule 553-12-.01). No continuing education is required for general or residential contractor licenses.
ReciprocityNo formal reciprocity program; Georgia does not automatically waive exams for out-of-state licensees, though passing a NASCLA Accredited Examination can satisfy the General Contractor trade exam portion.
Main agencyGeorgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
Official sitehttps://sos.ga.gov/page/residential-and-general-contractors
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Georgia board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Georgia

  1. Confirm the correct license class (Residential-Basic, Residential-Light Commercial, or General Contractor) for the work you intend to do.
  2. Verify you meet the experience/education path for that class and gather documentation.
  3. Register in the state's GOALS online licensing portal (the primary system as of November 2025) and create an application.
  4. Register for and pass the required PSI business/law and trade exams (NASCLA for GC).
  5. Submit proof of financial responsibility/net worth and required general liability insurance and workers' compensation.
  6. Pay the application filing fee (approximately $210) and submit the application through GOALS.
  7. After approval, obtain any local business/occupational license required by your city or county.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a state license for small handyman jobs in Georgia?

Not if the total job is $2,500 or less in combined labor and materials. Once a project exceeds $2,500 you need the proper SLBRGC license class. Local business-license rules can still apply below that amount.

What is the difference between the General Contractor Limited Tier and the full tier?

The Limited Tier caps individual contract value at $1,000,000 and requires $25,000 in financial responsibility. The full General Contractor license has no contract cap but requires a minimum net worth of $150,000.

Does Georgia require continuing education to renew a contractor license?

No. Georgia does not mandate continuing education for general or residential contractor licenses. You renew biennially by June 30 of even-numbered years and pay the renewal fee.

Are electricians and plumbers covered by this license?

No. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC (conditioned air), and low-voltage trades are licensed by separate Georgia boards and are not covered by the residential/general contractor license.

How do I apply now that the process moved online?

As of November 2025 all applications and renewals go through the state's GOALS online portal rather than paper filings.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Georgia licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.