How to get a contractor license in Georgia
Georgia requires a state license for residential and general contracting work over $2,500, issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors under the Secretary of State. Building departments are barred by law from issuing permits above that line to unlicensed contractors, so the license is checked at the permit counter, not just in theory. Applications now run through the Secretary of State's GOALS portal, which replaced paper filings.
Licensing authority
State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (Georgia Secretary of State): https://sos.ga.gov/state-licensing-board-residential-and-commercial-general-contractors
When a license is required
A license is required when the value of the work, or your compensation for it, exceeds $2,500 including labor and materials. Below that, no state contractor license applies, though electrical, plumbing, and conditioned air work carry their own separate state licenses at any amount through the Construction Industry Licensing Board's trade divisions.
License classes in Georgia
Residential Basic
Covers detached one- and two-family residences and townhouses. The entry license for home builders and remodelers.
Residential Light Commercial
Everything in Residential Basic plus certain multifamily and lighter commercial buildings, within limits the board defines.
General Contractor
Unlimited contracting. The qualifying agent passes the full commercial examination requirements, and the NASCLA exam covers the trade portion.
General Contractor Limited Tier
A general license capped at a project size set by board rule, for contractors who want commercial scope without the unlimited qualification burden.
What you need before you apply
- A qualifying agent who passes the required examination, with NASCLA accepted for the commercial trade portion
- The Georgia business and law component required for your license type
- Experience and project references that satisfy the board for your classification
- Proof of general liability insurance at the level the board sets for your license
- A financial statement or net worth showing meeting the board's standard
- Application through the Secretary of State's GOALS portal with the board's fee
How to get licensed in Georgia
- Choose your classification. Residential Basic, Residential Light Commercial, General Contractor, or the Limited Tier. Pick based on the buildings you actually contract, since each has its own exam and documentation.
- Register in the GOALS portal. Georgia moved licensing to the Secretary of State's GOALS system, and paper applications are no longer accepted. Create the account first, since everything else flows through it.
- Pass the exams. Sit the exam for your classification. Commercial applicants can use the NASCLA accredited exam for the trade portion, which also travels to more than a dozen other states.
- Document experience and finances. Submit references, project history, the insurance certificate, and the financial documentation the board asks for. Gaps here are the usual cause of deferred applications.
- Maintain the license. Georgia tracks continuing education through CE Broker, and licenses renew on the board's cycle. Keep both current or the permit counter will catch it.
Reciprocity with other states
Georgia has reciprocal agreements with Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee for commercial building classifications, generally requiring three years of active licensure earned by examination and a clean record. The trade exam gets waived; Georgia's business and law requirements still apply. NASCLA scores are also accepted for the commercial trade exam.
Working without a license
Unlicensed contracts are unenforceable in Georgia courts under the licensing statute, so an unlicensed contractor cannot sue for payment or foreclose a lien on work over $2,500. Building departments are prohibited from issuing permits to unlicensed contractors above the threshold, and criminal charges are possible. Confirm current classifications and fees with the board through the GOALS portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do handymen need a license in Georgia?
Not for jobs at $2,500 or under, which is where a lot of Georgia handyman businesses deliberately live. Over that line, a state license is required and permit offices enforce it. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work are licensed separately at any price, so those trades cannot use the handyman exemption.
Does Georgia accept the NASCLA exam?
Yes, for the commercial trade portion of the examination. You still complete Georgia's business and law requirements and the rest of the application. If you already hold a NASCLA score from another state, that piece of the work is done.
Can I use my out-of-state license in Georgia?
Georgia has reciprocity with Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee for commercial building classifications, typically requiring three years of active exam-based licensure with no discipline. Other states' licenses do not transfer, though a NASCLA score helps with the trade exam. Experience earned anywhere can count toward the board's requirements.
What is the GOALS portal?
It is the Georgia Secretary of State's online licensing system, and since its launch the board no longer accepts paper applications. You create an account, file the application, upload documents, and track status there. License verification for clients and permit offices runs through the Secretary of State's lookup.
After licensing, what handles the estimate and invoice grind for Georgia contractors?
Staxen was built for exactly that stage: an AI estimator drafts priced, line-item quotes from a voice note, and an AI invoicer sends invoices with payment links and follows up on its own. It costs $59 per month per employee or $149 for all three, and the first job is free with no card required.
Start free with Staxen: your first job is on us, no card required.