Georgia general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

We're still verifying this, check the official board: Georgia SOS website (opens in a new tab).

Experience and steps

1. Apply in GOALS Create a GOALS account, pick the license type and apply. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
2. Pass the exams After board approval, book with PSI. You get 3 sittings in a year. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
3. Show net worth $25,000, or $150,000 for an unlimited Commercial General Contractor. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
4. Get insured General liability of $300,000 (Residential Basic) or $500,000 (other types). (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by PSI. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))

• Once approved you get 3 exam sittings within one year. There is no grandfather clause. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))

Bond

We're still verifying this, check the official board: Georgia SOS website (opens in a new tab).

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))

Renewal

Continuing education: 3 hours a year for Residential Basic, 6 for Residential Light Commercial, none for Commercial. Report CE in CE Broker from 1 January 2026. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))

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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

• Louisiana: Unlimited Commercial General Contractor and Residential Basic. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
• Mississippi: Unlimited Commercial General Contractor and Residential Basic. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))
• South Carolina: Residential Basic only. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))

• You need a license obtained by exam, residency (or a business chartered) in that state, and 3 years active with no discipline. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab))

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))