Georgia renewal guide
General Contractor License
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Issuing authority
Renewal period
Every 24 months
Renewal fee
$100.00
Late penalty
$100.00
Bond requirement
No
Insurance requirement
Yes — General Liability
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 2
File with the board
File through Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors and pay the $100.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 3
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 45 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $100.00, with a 31-day grace period.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Georgia General Contractor License
The Georgia General Contractor license is issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, a division of the Georgia Secretary of State. This license is required for commercial construction projects valued at $2,500 or more.
Requirements
- Experience: 4 years of combined education and experience in the construction industry, including at least 2 years in general contracting
- Examination: Must pass the NASCLA General Contractor examination
- Insurance: General liability insurance with a minimum $300,000 per occurrence
- Application Fee: $200 (non-refundable) plus $5 processing fee
- Education Alternative: Baccalaureate degree in construction management plus 1 year experience
Renewal Information
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Renewal Fee: $100
- Late Penalty: $100 for late renewal (July 1 - July 31)
- Continuing Education: Not required for Commercial General Contractor license
- Online Renewal: Through GOALS portal
License Tiers
Georgia offers a General Contractor license and a General Contractor Limited Tier license for smaller projects. The limited tier has reduced experience requirements.
Scope of Work
General Contractors can manage and perform commercial construction, including new construction, renovation, and demolition of commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and public infrastructure.
Important Notes
All applications must be submitted through the GOALS online portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Georgia Secretary of State.*
2025 Update: Georgia HB 137 (effective July 1, 2025) raised the public project bond threshold from $100,000 to $250,000. Public projects under $250,000 no longer require a payment and performance bond. This affects contractors bidding on smaller public projects.
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Proof of Insurance
- Examination Results
- Experience Documentation
- Financial Statement
Source notes
GA SOS Licensing Board . Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-6-.01 (fees), 553-12 (renewal/CE). O.C.G.A. §43-41. Verified March 2026.
Rules move. Check Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
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Printable checklist
Georgia checklist
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