Hiring a contractor in Georgia: check, red flags, complaints
Check the license on the Georgia SOS verification site and ask for proof of liability insurance. Complaints go through GOALS. (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.
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))
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))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- 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)
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