Georgia renewal guide
Residential Basic 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
$200.00
Late penalty
$200.00
Bond requirement
No
Insurance requirement
Yes — General Liability
Continuing education
3 hours
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Finish the CE first
Complete the 3 required hours before you start the renewal.
- 2
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 3
File with the board
File through Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors and pay the $200.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 4
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 $200.00, with a 31-day grace period.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Georgia Residential Basic Contractor License
The Residential Basic Contractor license is the entry-level residential construction license in Georgia, issued by the State Licensing Board under the Secretary of State.
Requirements
- Experience: 2 years of on-the-job experience in residential construction
- Examination: Must pass the residential contractor exam
- Insurance: General liability insurance with minimum $300,000 per occurrence
- Application Fee: $200 plus $5 processing fee
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Renewal Information
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Renewal Fee: $200
- Late Penalty: $200 for late renewal
- Continuing Education: 3 hours required per renewal cycle
Scope of Work
Residential Basic Contractors can:
- Build single-family and multi-family residential structures
- Perform residential renovations and additions
- Manage residential construction projects
- Work on projects valued at $2,500 or more
Residential Light Commercial Upgrade
Contractors can upgrade to a Residential Light Commercial license with 4 years of documented experience or a relevant 4-year degree, expanding their scope to include light commercial work.
*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.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Proof of Insurance
- Examination Results
- Experience Documentation
Source notes
Georgia Secretary of State - State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
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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