Georgia Contractor License Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Georgia is one of the states that requires contractor licensing at both the state and local levels. The State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, operating under the Georgia Secretary of State, oversees licensing for residential and commercial general contractors statewide. Meanwhile, the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates specialty trades including electrical, plumbing, conditioned air (HVAC), low-voltage, and utility contractors.

Any person performing construction work as a general contractor on projects exceeding $2,500 in combined materials and labor must hold a valid state license. Specialty trade contractors—electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and low-voltage installers—must also obtain state-level trade licenses regardless of project value. Beyond state requirements, most Georgia cities and counties require a local business license or occupational tax certificate, and some require additional local contractor registration.

This guide covers every license type, the requirements for each, exact fees, exam details, insurance and bonding rules, renewal procedures, reciprocity agreements, and the penalties for working without a license in Georgia.

Types of Contractor Licenses in Georgia

Georgia issues contractor licenses through two primary boards. The State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors handles general and residential contractors, while the Construction Industry Licensing Board (with five divisions) handles specialty trades. Here is every license classification available.

Residential and General Contractor Licenses

These are governed by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 41 and administered by the Secretary of State.

Specialty Trade Licenses (Construction Industry Licensing Board)

These trades are governed by O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 14 and regulated through five divisions of the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Electrical Contractor

• Class I (Restricted): Low-voltage, single-phase electrical installations not exceeding 200 amperes
• Class II (Unrestricted): All electrical installations, including systems exceeding 200 amperes

Conditioned Air (HVAC) Contractor

• Class I (Restricted): Systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling
• Class II (Unrestricted): No limitations on system size

Master and Journeyman Plumber

• Journeyman Plumber: May perform plumbing work under supervision
• Class I Master Plumber (Restricted): Limited to single-family dwellings, dwellings for not more than two families, and commercial structures not exceeding 10,000 square feet
• Class II Master Plumber (Unrestricted): No restrictions on project type or size

Low-Voltage Contractor

• Class LV-A: Alarm and general systems
• Class LV-T: Telecommunication and general systems
• Class LV-G: General systems only
• Class LV-U: Unrestricted (all low-voltage work)

Utility Contractor

• Installation of utility infrastructure (water, sewer, gas, and storm drainage systems)

Licensing Requirements

General and Residential Contractor Requirements

All applicants for residential and general contractor licenses must meet these baseline requirements:

• Age: At least 21 years old
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or qualified alien with legal presence
• Background check: Must pass a criminal background check demonstrating good moral character
• Examination: Must pass the required licensing exams (see Examination Requirements)
• Insurance: Must carry general liability insurance (see Insurance and Bond Requirements)
• Financial responsibility: Must demonstrate financial responsibility through a surety bond or alternative (see Insurance and Bond Requirements)

Experience and Education Requirements

Per Georgia Administrative Code Chapter 553-4 (General Contractor Division) and Chapter 553-3 (Residential Contractor Division), applicants must meet one of the following:

1. Four-year degree from an accredited university in engineering, architecture, project management, or building construction
2. Combination of college coursework and experience: Some college-level coursework in a related field plus at least four years of relevant construction work experience
3. Four years of field experience with at least two years working under a licensed general contractor. At least one year must include engineering, supervision, project management, administration, accounting, or marketing responsibilities

Electrical Contractor Requirements

• Age: At least 21 years old
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Minimum 4 years (approximately 8,000 hours) of electrical installation experience. Two years of accredited classroom training may substitute for one year of work experience
• Class I: Must have experience in at least six of the Primary Experience areas defined by the board
• Class II: Must have experience in all Primary Experience areas and experience with electrical installations exceeding single-phase, 400-ampere systems under a Class II licensed contractor
• References: Three notarized reference letters from licensed professionals

Conditioned Air (HVAC) Contractor Requirements

• Class I (Restricted): Minimum 4 years of experience, including 2 years of residential installation as a lead mechanic, 1 year as a service technician (must hold EPA certification), 1 year of residential supervisory experience, plus completion of a board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course
• Class II (Unrestricted): Minimum 5 years of experience, including 2 years of installation as a lead mechanic (at least 1 year must be commercial), 1 year as a service technician or service supervisor (EPA certification required), 2 years of commercial supervisory experience, plus completion of a board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course
• Education credit: A diploma from a technical school in engineering or engineering technology may substitute for up to 2 years of experience. A vocational-technical certificate may substitute for up to 1 year
• EPA certification: Type II or higher required
• References: Three letters of reference required

Master and Journeyman Plumber Requirements

• Journeyman Plumber: Minimum 3 years of plumbing experience (primary or secondary)
• Master Plumber (Class I or II): Minimum 5 years of plumbing experience as covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code, with at least 2 years licensed as a Journeyman Plumber
• References: Three notarized reference forms from licensed plumbers, including at least one licensed Master Plumber

Low-Voltage Contractor Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in low-voltage wiring in the category for which you are applying
• Education credit: Courses in electronics from an engineering technology or technical trade school may substitute for up to 6 months of experience
• References: Three letters of reference

Application Process

As of November 2025, all license applications in Georgia must be submitted through the GOALS portal (Georgia Online Application Licensing System). Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Step-by-Step: General/Residential Contractor License

1. Accumulate experience. Ensure you meet the education and/or experience requirements for your desired license classification
2. Pass the required exams. Register with PSI to take the NASCLA trade exam and the Georgia Business and Law exam. Both exams must be passed before applying
3. Obtain insurance. Secure general liability insurance meeting the minimum coverage for your license type
4. Obtain a surety bond or financial responsibility proof. Arrange a surety bond or prepare alternative financial documentation
5. Submit your application through GOALS. Upload all required documents including exam score reports, proof of insurance, financial responsibility documentation, and experience verification
6. Complete the background check. The board will process your criminal background check as part of the application
7. Pay all applicable fees. Application fee and license fee are paid through the portal
8. Receive your license. Processing typically takes 20 business days for complete applications

Step-by-Step: Specialty Trade License (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Low-Voltage)

1. Accumulate the required experience for your specific trade and license class
2. Gather references. Obtain the required notarized reference letters from licensed professionals in your trade
3. Submit your exam application through the GOALS portal. For plumbing, the application must be received at least 60 days before the exam date
4. Pass the trade examination administered by PSI with a score of 70% or higher
5. Submit your license application with all supporting documents through GOALS
6. Pay all fees and receive your license

Examination Requirements

General and Residential Contractor Exams

General and residential contractor applicants must pass two exams, both administered by PSI:

Georgia accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. You can apply for the exam through the NASCLA website. Once your application is approved, you have one year to take the exam and may attempt it up to three times. Failed exams require a 30-day waiting period before retaking.

Specialty Trade Exams

All specialty trade exams are administered by PSI and require a minimum score of 70%. Exams are open-book with a four-hour time limit (unless otherwise noted).

You can find testing locations and schedule your exam through the PSI Georgia contractor testing portal.

License Fees and Costs

General and Residential Contractor Fees

Note: Fee amounts may vary. Verify current fees through the Georgia Secretary of State or the GOALS portal before applying.

Specialty Trade License Fees

Additional Costs to Budget For

• General liability insurance: $500–$3,000+ per year depending on license type and coverage amount
• Surety bond: Premium typically 1%–3% of the bond amount (e.g., $250–$750 per year for a $25,000 bond)
• Workers' compensation insurance: Required if you have 3 or more employees; cost varies by payroll and risk classification
• Exam prep courses: $200–$600 for NASCLA prep courses
• Reference books for open-book exams: $100–$300

Insurance and Bond Requirements

General Liability Insurance

Georgia requires all licensed contractors to maintain general liability insurance. The minimum coverage amounts vary by license type:

The Georgia Secretary of State Licensing Board requires proof of active insurance coverage before a license is issued or renewed. Your insurance carrier must file proof of coverage directly with the board.

Financial Responsibility (Surety Bond or Alternatives)

Georgia requires contractors to demonstrate financial responsibility. The amounts differ by license classification:

You can satisfy the financial responsibility requirement through any of the following:

• Surety bond in the required amount
• Proof of minimum net worth equal to the required amount
• Irrevocable letter of credit
• Line of credit
• Bank reference letter

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Under Georgia law, any business with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. This includes corporate officers who count toward the employee threshold. A contractor with one office employee and two field workers meets the three-employee threshold and must carry workers' comp. You can learn more from the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

General and Residential Contractor Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every two years, by June 30 of even-numbered years
• 2026 renewal: Renewals opened April 6, 2026. Licenses expire June 30, 2026. Late renewal period: July 1–31, 2026
• Renewal fee: $100
• Late renewal penalty: $100 additional fee during the July 1–31 grace period
• After July 31: License lapses and reinstatement is required
• Renewal portal: Submit through GOALS

Continuing Education — General/Residential Contractors

Georgia requires continuing education for residential and general contractors. The annual hours depend on your license type:

Important CE rules:

• The CE year runs July 1 through June 30
• A maximum of 50% of your CE hours may be completed online; the remainder must be in-person
• You must keep documentation of CE activities for a minimum of five years
• Courses must be from board-approved providers

Specialty Trade Renewal and CE

• Electrical contractors: Renew biennially. 4 hours of approved CE per year (8 hours per renewal cycle). See approved CE providers
• Plumbers: Renew by November 30 of even-numbered years. 4 hours of CE per year (8 hours per renewal cycle). Courses must be from a college, vocational-technical school, or approved trade association
• Conditioned air (HVAC): Renew biennially. 4 hours of CE per year required
• Low-voltage: Renew biennially. CE requirements apply; verify current hours with the board
• Renewal fee: $75 per biennial cycle for specialty trades

Reciprocity with Other States

Georgia participates in both direct reciprocity agreements and accepts NASCLA accredited examinations.

NASCLA Accredited Exam

Georgia accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. The NASCLA exam is recognized in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia. If you pass the NASCLA exam for Georgia, your exam scores may transfer to these other states (subject to each state's requirements).

Direct Reciprocity Agreements

Commercial General Contractors may apply for reciprocity from these states:

• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Tennessee

The applicant must hold a current, active commercial contractor license with a "building construction" classification obtained by state examination.

Residential Contractors may apply for reciprocity from:

• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• South Carolina

The applicant must hold a current, active Residential Builders license obtained by state examination.

Requirements for Reciprocal Applicants

Even with reciprocity, all applicants must:

• Pass the Georgia Business and Law exam with a score of 70% or higher
• Meet all insurance and financial responsibility requirements
• Pass the criminal background check
• Submit a complete application through GOALS

Contractors who have held a NASCLA-accredited license for 3 or more years in a neighboring state may also be eligible for reciprocity. The reciprocity application form is available from the Georgia Secretary of State website.

How to Verify a Contractor's License

Georgia provides two free online tools to verify any contractor's license status:

1. GOALS Licensee Search: goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/licensee-search — Search by completing at least two fields (name, license number, license type, etc.). Results show license status, classification, expiration date, and disciplinary history.
2. Secretary of State Verification: verify.sos.ga.gov/verification — An alternative verification portal.

Board Contact Information

Penalties for Working Without a License

Georgia takes unlicensed contracting seriously. The penalties are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 43-41-12 and related statutes.

Criminal Penalties

Any person who violates the provisions of O.C.G.A. Chapter 41 (Residential and General Contractors) is guilty of a misdemeanor. This applies to performing contracting work over $2,500 without a valid license.

Contract Unenforceability

Under O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17, any contract entered into on or after July 1, 2008, for work requiring a license that is between an owner and a contractor who does not hold a valid and current license is unenforceable in law or in equity by the unlicensed contractor. This means:

• An unlicensed contractor cannot sue to collect payment for work performed
• An unlicensed contractor cannot file a mechanic's lien against the property
• An unlicensed contractor cannot file a bond claim for labor, services, or materials provided

Administrative Penalties for Licensed Contractors

Licensed contractors who violate board rules face these potential sanctions:

• Probation or formal reprimand
• License revocation or suspension for up to one year
• Mandatory financial restitution to the consumer
• Administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation
• Required continuing education
• Assessment of investigation and prosecution costs

Consumer Protection

Georgia homeowners who experience issues with contractors can file complaints through the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. The Secretary of State also accepts complaints against licensed contractors through the GOALS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state license for small projects?

For general contracting, no license is required for projects under $2,500 in combined materials and labor. However, specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, low-voltage) require a state license regardless of project value. Additionally, many cities and counties have their own licensing thresholds and requirements.

Does Georgia have a separate handyman exemption?

Georgia does not have a formal "handyman license." If your work falls under general contracting and the project value stays below $2,500, no state license is required. However, you cannot perform any licensed specialty trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) without the appropriate trade license, regardless of project size.

Do I need both a state license and a local license?

Yes. In addition to your state license, most Georgia cities and counties require a local business license or occupational tax certificate. Some municipalities require additional local contractor registration and may require you to show proof of your state license. Contact your local building and zoning department for specific requirements.

How long does the application process take?

The Georgia State Licensing Board typically processes complete applications within 20 business days. Incomplete applications will be delayed. The total timeline from starting your experience to receiving a license is typically 4+ years, accounting for the experience requirement.

Can I use my Georgia license in other states?

Georgia participates in NASCLA and has reciprocity agreements with several states (Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina). However, each state has its own requirements, and you will typically need to pass that state's business and law exam and meet their insurance requirements. Your NASCLA exam scores may transfer, potentially waiving the trade exam in participating states.

What is the difference between General Contractor Limited Tier and Unlimited?

The Limited Tier license allows you to perform any type of construction work, but individual contracts are capped at $1,000,000. The Unlimited license has no contract cap. The financial responsibility requirement is also different: $25,000 for Limited Tier versus $150,000 for Unlimited. Both require $500,000 in general liability insurance per occurrence.

Conclusion

Georgia maintains a thorough contractor licensing system that covers both general/residential contractors through the Secretary of State and specialty trade contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Whether you are pursuing a Residential-Basic license, a General Contractor Unlimited license, or a specialty trade credential, the path requires documented experience, passing the appropriate exams, meeting insurance and financial responsibility requirements, and submitting a complete application through the GOALS portal.

Start your application at the GOALS portal, and contact the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors at (404) 424-9966 or the Construction Industry Licensing Board for trade-specific questions. The board office is located at 3920 Arkwright Rd., Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210.