General Contractor Licensing in Georgia

Georgia General Contractor License Verification

In Georgia, individuals or businesses performing general contracting services for projects exceeding $2,500 in value must hold a valid license issued by the State. The governing body for General Contractors in Georgia is the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, operating under the Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division within the Office of the Secretary of State.

To qualify for a General Contractor license, applicants must be at least 21 years old. Educational and experience requirements include holding a four-year degree from an accredited university in a related field such as engineering, architecture, project management, or building construction, or demonstrating a combination of college-level coursework and at least four years of relevant work experience. Alternatively, four years of field experience, with at least two years under a licensed general contractor, may satisfy the requirement.

Applicants must pass the NASCLA exam and a separate business and law examination. A non-refundable application fee of $200 is also required. Proof of financial responsibility is mandatory. For Residential Basic and Light Commercial licenses, this can be satisfied by demonstrating a net worth of $25,000 or by providing a $25,000 surety bond. General Contractors (unlimited tier) must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $150,000. Licenses must be renewed every two years, with a renewal fee of $100 due by June 30 of even-numbered years. Continuing education requirements vary by license type; General Contractors typically do not require continuing education for renewal, while Residential Basic and Residential Light Commercial contractors need three and six hours, respectively.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

Georgia mandates specific insurance and bonding requirements for General Contractors. All licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage limits based on their license type: General Contractor and General Contractor-Limited Tier require $500,000, while Residential-Basic Contractors need $300,000, and Residential-Light Commercial Contractors require $500,000. Workers' compensation insurance is also required for businesses employing three or more individuals. As an alternative to demonstrating a specific net worth, a $25,000 residential and general contractor surety bond is an option for Residential Basic and Light Commercial license applicants to meet financial responsibility requirements.

Permitting and Local Regulations

Permitting in Georgia operates on a local model, with individual city and county building departments overseeing permits within their respective jurisdictions. Permits are generally required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of a structure, as well as for the installation or modification of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Most local authorities require that permits be pulled by state-licensed contractors, though owner-builders may be able to obtain permits by signing affidavits and accepting responsibility. Local governments retain the authority to adopt reasonable enforcement provisions, conduct inspections, employ inspectors, and establish permit fees. It is crucial for contractors to verify specific local requirements, as these can include additional bonding mandates, business licenses, or subcontractor affidavits before permits are issued.

Official Georgia Resources

For detailed information and application processes, General Contractors should refer to the official resources provided by the State of Georgia:

• Georgia Secretary of State - Professional Licensing Boards Division
• Georgia Corporations Division

  Directory of General Contractor contractors serving Georgia