50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Overview
State Information

Georgia Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Georgia.

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Company Licenses

Georgia Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Georgia Asbestos Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Environmental Protection Division - Asbestos Contractors and Training Providers
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Contractor Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually

Georgia Certificate of Competency

Agency:Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (GA)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100 + $50 application fee

Law:
  • Any individual desiring to become a certificate holder shall submit to the Commissioner a completed application on forms prescribed by the Commissioner. Such individual shall remit with his or her application a non-refundable certificate fee of $100.00 plus a one-time filing fee of $50.00 except as otherwise provided by Chapter 11 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and this Chapter of the Rules and Regulations. Such fee shall not be prorated for portions of a year.
  • In no case shall a certificate holder be allowed to obtain a certificate of competency for more than one fire protection sprinkler contractor or more than one office location at a time. If the certificate holder should leave the employment of a fire protection sprinkler contractor or change office locations, he or she must notify the Commissioner in writing within 30 days.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 1. 

Before you Apply:

Prior to obtaining a certificate, the applicant shall demonstrate his or her competence and knowledge of water-based fire protection systems by:

(a)
successfully completing a competency test by current certification by NICET at Level III or Level IV in automatic sprinkler system layout and/or by successfully completing such other or additional examinations as the Commissioner may designate. For renewal of such certificate, proof of maintaining NICET Certification at or above Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout is required; and
(b)
submitting to the Commissioner a certification from either the state fire commissioner or state fire marshal of another jurisdiction whenever a reciprocal agreement has been entered into between the jurisdiction and the State of Georgia pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

Georgia Conditioned Air Contractors license

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Form 

Filing Method:

MAIL APPLICATION TO THE BOARD IN A 9X12 ENVELOPE & DO NOT STAPLE OR FOLD APPLICATION.

Agency Fee:

$30

Original Ink:Required
Notarize:Required
Background Check Requirements: ACCESS PREMIUM DATA

Registration Renewal

Georgia Fire Protection System Designer License

Agency:Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (GA)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Georgia Fire Suppression Professionals License

Agency:Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (GA)
Law:

GA 120-3-18

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Instructions:

OCI Instructions

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Law:

All Safety Fire Rules and Regulations  & GA 120-3-23 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by November 1. 

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of training equaling a total of required credit units each year as follows:
    • A minimum of eight (8) credit units must be received each year by a minimum of one full time employee of the firm in each type of license area filed and license type being requested.Exception: NICET acceptable CPD Continuing Professional Development will be acceptable.
  • A minimum of eight (8) credit units must be received each year by each employee for each type of permit application filed and permit type being requested.Exception: NICET acceptable CPD Continuing Professional Development will be acceptable.
  • Proof of other training or applicable documentation regarding the activity or activities desired to be included on the new amended license or new amended permit.

Georgia General Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Financial Requirements:

General Contractors must have a minimum net worth of $150,000.

Insurance Requirements:

A certificate of insurance showing general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 per occurance is required. Proof of workers' compensation insurance is also required for contractors with employees.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

General Contractor Qualifying Agent Application- Examination/Prior Approval/Reactivation/Reciprocity

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$200

Original Ink:Required
Notarize:Required
Notes:

Applicants are required to submit a letter from a CPA certifying that their financials have been compiled, reviewed, or audited.

How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. Register your business entity with the Georgia Secretary of State.
  2. Submit a license application to the Board of Residential and General Contractors.
  3. The qualifying individual must pass the requisite exams and then a license will be issued.
     

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Foreign qualify your business entity with the Georgia Secretary of State.
  2. Submit a license application to the Board of Residential and General Contractors.
  3. The qualifying individual must pass the requisite exams and then a license will be issued. If applying via reciprocity or after passing the NASCLA exam in another state, the qualifying individual must still pass the Georgia business and law exam.
Required Attachments:
  • Certificate of Incorporation or Organization (domestic entities) or Certificate of Authorization (foreign entities) from the Secretary of State
  • Qualifying Agent Affidavit
  • Bankruptcy Documents (if applicable)
  • Official College Transcript/Diploma/Certificate
  • NASCLA Transcript Receipt (if applicable)
  • Projects/Experience
  • Certificate of Insurance showing the company as the insured and documenting that you carry general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 per occurrence. The Certificate Holder must be the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
  • Workman’s Compensation Insurance (if applicable)
  • Employment Affidavit
  • Net Worth Affirmation or Financial Documents
  • Project Reference Affidavit
  • Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Secure & Verifiable Document
  • Affidavit of Citizenship
  • Immigration Documents (If applicable)

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Amendment
Change of Qualifying Agent

Form:

General Contractor Qualifying Agent Application by Examination or General Contractor Qualifying Agent Application- Reciprocity or General Contractor Qualifying Agent Application / Prior Approval

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:
  • If a qualifying agent ceases to be affiliated with a business organization, for any reason, he or she shall so inform the general contractor division within 45 days.
  • If the only qualifying agent of a general contractor ceases to be affiliated with the entity, within 45 days the general contractor division must be notified of the termination of the relationship with that qualifying agent. The contractor will then have 120 days to employ another qualifying agent and submit an application for licensure under the new qualifying agent.
Law:

GA R&R Rule 553-4-.03(4)

Georgia Lead Firm Certification

Agency:Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (GA)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

Georgia Limited Tier General Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Financial Requirements:

Limited Tier General Contractors must have a minimum net worth of $25,000.

Insurance Requirements:

A certificate of insurance showing general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 per occurance is required. Proof of workers' compensation insurance is also required for contractors with employees.

Notes:

Limited tier contractors cannot take on projects worth $500,000 or more.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application -GEN- Examination General Contractor Qualifying Agent - Limited Tier

Agency Fee:

$200

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia Low Voltage (Alarm) Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application - Examination for Low Voltage Contractor

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By August 31 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia Low Voltage (General) Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application - Examination for Low Voltage Contractor

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By August 31 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia Low Voltage (Telecommunications) Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Low Voltage Contractor

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By August 31 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia Low Voltage (Unrestricted) Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Examination for Low Voltage Contractor

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By August 31 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia Plumbing Contractor License

Not required



Plumbing Contractor Company licensure is not required on the State level in Georgia.

Plumbing contractor licenses are not issued at the state level in Georgia.

Georgia Residential Basic Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Financial Requirements:

Residential Contractors have a minimum net worth requirement of $25,000

Insurance Requirements:

A certificate of insurance showing general liability insurance in the amount of $300,000 per occurance is required. Proof of workers' compensation insurance is also required for contractors with employees.

Bond Requirements:

Applicants may submit a $25,000 surety bond if they do not meet the net worth requirement.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application -RES- Examination Residential Basic Qualifying Agent

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$200

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Financial Requirements:

Residential Contractors have a minimum net worth requirement of $25,000

Insurance Requirements:

A certificate of insurance showing general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 per occurance is required. Proof of workers' compensation insurance is also required for contractors with employees.

Bond Requirements:

Applicants may submit a $25,000 surety bond if they do not meet the net worth requirement.

Notes:

Light commercial contractors may perform the same services as a residential basic contractor and may additionally work on light commercial buildings which are less than 4 stories and less than 25,000 square feet (or less than 50,000 square feet in the case of certain preengineering buildings).

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application -RES- Examination Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent

Agency Fee:

$200

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia Utility Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Utility Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By April 30 of odd-numbered years.

Individual Licenses

Georgia Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Georgia General Contractor Individual License

Agency:Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Notes:

This license is for individuals acting on their own behalf as a sole proprietor.

If an applicant is applying on behalf of and for the benefit of abusiness organization (any partnership, corporation, limited liability entity, business trust, joint venture, or other legal entity, other than an individual person doing business as a sole proprietorship), the application must be submitted by and through "an individual qualifying agent" for such business organization.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

General Contractor Individual Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia General Contractor Individual Qualifying Agent

Agency:Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

General Contractor Qualifying Agent Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia Journeyman Plumber License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Journeyman Plumber License

Agency Fee:

$30

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$35

Due:

By November 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

No renewal application on the website. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately 8 weeks prior to renewal.

Georgia Lead Paint Inspector/Assessor

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • Apply to become a Georgia-Certified Lead Services Firm to “advertise to, agree to or perform” work or services on these types of facilities
  • IN ADDITION, prior to you or your firm beginning lead activities for target housing or child-occupied facilities (built before 1978) you are required to:
    • Attend training from a Georgia-Accredited Training Provider for a lead discipline (Worker, Inspector, Supervisor, Risk Assessor, and/ or Project Designer).
    • Pass the 3rd Party Exam (lead workers are excluded from the 3rd Party Exam).
    • Apply to become Georgia-Certified in a lead discipline through the Georgia EPD Online System (GEOS). If applicable, attach a color headshot photo, training certificate(s), work history/education documentation and/or the 3rd party certification exam letter(s) to the online application.
    • Submit a “15-Day Advance Application for Notice to Proceed (NTP) for Lead-Based Paint Abatement Project,” if applicable.
  • Lead Inspector/ Assesor certification require 2 day training and 1 day and the 3rd part exam must be passed.  refresher 
  • Bachelor’s degree & 1 year of experience in a related field;
  • OR an Associate’s degree & 2 years of experience in a related
    field;
  • OR certification as an industrial hygienist, PE, registered architect and/or certification in a related engineering/health/ environmental field; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) & at least 3 years of experience in a related field

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online 

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:
  • Certificates expire 12 months from the date of issuance or training expiration date (dependent on application date).
  • Refresher training must be completed every 24 months from the last day of prior training.
  • Renewal certification can be obtained in the 3rd year by paying twice the fee

Georgia Restricted Conditioned Air Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Conditioned Air Exam Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia Restricted Electrical Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Electrical Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Electrical Exam Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia Restricted Master Plumber License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Restricted Master Plumber License

Agency Fee:

$30

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By November 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

No renewal application on the website. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately 8 weeks prior to renewal.

Georgia Unrestricted Conditioned Air Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Conditioned Air Exam Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia Unrestricted Electrical Contractor License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Electrical Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Electrical Exam Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Georgia Unrestricted Master Plumber License

Agency:Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Unrestricted Master Plumber License

Agency Fee:

$30

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By November 30 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

No renewal application on the website. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately 8 weeks prior to renewal.

Georgia Utility Foreman License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Utility Foreman License

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$30

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By April 30 of odd-numbered years.

Notes:

No renewal application on the website. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately 8 weeks prior to renewal.

Georgia Utility Manager License

Agency:Georgia Board of Utility Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Utility Manager License

Agency Fee:

$30

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

By April 30 of odd-numbered years.

Notes:

No renewal application on the website. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately 8 weeks prior to renewal.

Explore Licensing in Other States

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Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Associated General Contractors of America
Professional association providing advocacy and organization for construction firms and workers.

National Association of Home Builders
National association for the promotion of the housing industry.

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies
National organization that represents and promotes the interests of state level contractor licensing agencies.

Revised March 07, 2023. Complete data last reviewed May 16, 2018.
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