General Contractor License

Georgia Commercial General Contractor License

Commercial construction in Georgia requires a General Contractor license from the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors under O.C.G.A. §43-41. The Board issues the license; all applications go through the GOALS portal — paper submissions are not accepted.

Renew every 2 years — no CE required

Renew through the GOALS portal by June 30 of even-numbered years:

• Biennial renewal fee: $100 (Board fee schedule)
• Late window: July 1–December 31 — a late renewal fee applies per Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-12-.05(3)
• No continuing education required for the commercial general contractor license

Missing the December 31 window requires a full reinstatement application.

Exam and 4 years experience required

Pass a Board-approved examination — the Board accepts NASCLA scores from approved member jurisdictions. Document your experience: four years of construction experience, with at least two years as or in the employment of a general contractor (O.C.G.A. §43-41-6). A 4-year degree in a relevant field may substitute for part of the experience requirement.

Application: $200 fee and $500,000 GL insurance required

• Application fee: $200 (Board fee schedule; non-refundable)
• Insurance: General liability with a minimum $500,000 per occurrence — proof required at application (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-4-.01)
• Required documents: proof of insurance, exam results, experience documentation, financial statement
• Apply through GOALS — paper applications not accepted
• Processing time: approximately 45 days

Unlicensed general contracting is a misdemeanor

Performing commercial general contracting without a valid license violates O.C.G.A. §43-41-12. Conviction carries a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment of three months for each offense. The Board may also issue cease and desist orders.