How to get a General Contractor license in Georgia
Yes — Georgia requires a General Contractor license, issued by GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience. The license fee is $210, and it renews every 2 years.
Georgia General Contractor license requirements at a glance
| License required | Yes (state) |
|---|---|
| Issuing board | GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors |
| Exam | Yes — GC & GC Limited Tier: NASCLA Commercial General Building exam + GA Business & Law exam; Residential Basic: state exam + Business & Law (PSI) |
| Experience | Residential Basic: 2 yrs proven experience + 2 projects in prior 2 yrs; GC/Limited Tier: 4 yrs aggregate (degree/experience combinations) |
| Bond | No |
| License fee | $210 |
| Renewal | Every 2 year(s) |
| Reciprocity | Commercial GC: LA, MS; Residential Basic: LA, MS, SC (3 yrs active, exam-obtained; GA Business & Law exam still required) |
Step by step
- Meet the experience requirement. Residential Basic: 2 yrs proven experience + 2 projects in prior 2 yrs; GC/Limited Tier: 4 yrs aggregate (degree/experience combinations)
- Pass the required exam. GC & GC Limited Tier: NASCLA Commercial General Building exam + GA Business & Law exam; Residential Basic: state exam + Business & Law (PSI)
- Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors with the $210 fee.
- Keep the license current. Renew every 2 years to stay eligible to pull permits.
Fee detail and fine print
GA Code §43-41 — separate board from CILB (§43-14). Fee = $200 examination application + $10 processing (GOALS fee schedule; Residential Basic same). Net worth: Residential Basic/Light Commercial/Limited $25k, Commercial GC $150k; GL insurance $300k–$500k/occurrence; $25k surety bond is one optional financial-responsibility path (Residential Basic). Renewal by Jun 30 of even years.
Already licensed in another state?
Commercial GC: LA, MS; Residential Basic: LA, MS, SC (3 yrs active, exam-obtained; GA Business & Law exam still required)
Georgia General Contractor reciprocity in detail →
Official source: GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors →
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a license to work as a general contractor in Georgia?
- Yes. Georgia requires a General Contractor license issued by GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors.
- How much does a General Contractor license cost in Georgia?
- The license fee is $210. GA Code §43-41 — separate board from CILB (§43-14). Fee = $200 examination application + $10 processing (GOALS fee schedule; Residential Basic same). Net worth: Residential Basic/Light Commercial/Limited $25k, Commercial GC $150k; GL insurance $300k–$500k/occurrence; $25k surety bond is one optional financial-responsibility path (Residential Basic). Renewal by Jun 30 of even years. Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
- How much experience do you need?
- Residential Basic: 2 yrs proven experience + 2 projects in prior 2 yrs; GC/Limited Tier: 4 yrs aggregate (degree/experience combinations)
- What exam do you have to pass?
- GC & GC Limited Tier: NASCLA Commercial General Building exam + GA Business & Law exam; Residential Basic: state exam + Business & Law (PSI)
- Is a surety bond required in Georgia?
- No surety bond is required for this license by GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. GA Code §43-41 — separate board from CILB (§43-14). Fee = $200 examination application + $10 processing (GOALS fee schedule; Residential Basic same). Net worth: Residential Basic/Light Commercial/Limited $25k, Commercial GC $150k; GL insurance $300k–$500k/occurrence; $25k surety bond is one optional financial-responsibility path (Residential Basic). Renewal by Jun 30 of even years.
- Does Georgia have reciprocity with other states?
- Commercial GC: LA, MS; Residential Basic: LA, MS, SC (3 yrs active, exam-obtained; GA Business & Law exam still required)
- How often do you renew?
- Every 2 years.
Now get operating
Finance your truck & equipment
General Contractors starting out finance the truck and tools rather than pay cash.
Financing options →Related
What it costs, in full:
Cost of a General Contractor license in Georgia →
Other trades in Georgia:
General Contractor licensing in other states:
Every figure is sourced to the official state board and may change — confirm before acting. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.