Georgia contractor license lookup
Georgia licenses residential and commercial general contractors through a Secretary of State board. There are 4 license types. Check a license free on the SOS verification site. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: Georgia SOS license verification (opens in a new tab), source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the Georgia SOS website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search the Georgia Secretary of State license verification site for the contractor, then check the license type and status. (source: Georgia SOS license verification (opens in a new tab), source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Secretary of State) sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
You must be licensed to perform, or offer to perform, residential or commercial general contractor services for pay in Georgia. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
- You don't need a license to build your own home, but local codes still apply. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
- Work that qualifies as a specialty trade does not need this license. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Basic | Residential Basic | Residential contractor; $300,000 liability insurance, $25,000 net worth (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab)) |
| Residential Light Commercial | Residential Light Commercial | Residential plus light commercial; $500,000 liability, $25,000 net worth (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab)) |
| Commercial General Contractor | Commercial General Contractor (unlimited) | Commercial work with no project limit; $500,000 liability, $150,000 net worth (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab)) |
| Commercial GC Limited Tier | Commercial General Contractor Limited Tier | Commercial projects up to $1 million each; $25,000 net worth (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Insurance
- Workers' comp: Only required if you have 3 or more employees. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: $300,000 per occurrence for Residential Basic; $500,000 per occurrence for the other 3 types. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the Georgia SOS website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search the Georgia Secretary of State license verification site for the contractor, then check the license type and status. (source: Georgia SOS license verification (opens in a new tab), source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- You can't find them on the Georgia SOS verification site. (source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))
- No proof of general liability insurance ($300,000 or $500,000 depending on license type). (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
- A Limited Tier commercial contractor taking a project over $1 million. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
How to complain
- Submit a written complaint online through GOALS with your details, the contractor's name, address and license number, a description and supporting documents. (source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))
- The board can discipline licensees and, for unlicensed practice, seek a cease and desist order or refer it for prosecution. Phone (404) 424-9966. (source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Georgia SOS license verification (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Do I need a license to build my own house in Georgia?
No, but you still have to follow local building codes. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
Can the board settle a billing dispute?
Generally no. The board deals with licensing violations, not fee or billing disputes. (source: Georgia SOS: How to submit a licensing complaint (opens in a new tab))