How to get a contractor license in Georgia
The short version: 1) Apply in GOALS 2) Pass the exams 3) Show net worth 4) Get insured. (source: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (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.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
The 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))
Bonds and insurance
- Workers' comp: Only required if you have 3 or more employees.
- 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))
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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