Georgia renewal guide
Residential Light Commercial 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
$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 $100.00 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 Light Commercial Contractor License
The Residential Light Commercial Contractor license expands upon the basic residential license, allowing holders to perform both residential and limited commercial construction work in Georgia.
Requirements
- Experience: 4 years of documented work experience in a related field, OR a 4-year degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related field
- Examination: Must pass the residential light commercial contractor exam
- Insurance: General liability insurance with minimum $300,000 per occurrence
- Application Fee: $200 plus $5 processing fee
Renewal Information
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Renewal Fee: $100
- Late Penalty: $200 for late renewal
- Continuing Education: 3 hours per renewal cycle
Scope of Work
Residential Light Commercial Contractors can:
- All work permitted under the Residential Basic license
- Light commercial construction projects
- Small commercial renovations and build-outs
- Mixed-use residential/commercial projects
Upgrade Path
From this license, contractors can pursue the full General Contractor license with additional experience and examination.
*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
- degree_or_education_documentation
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
Turn it into a handoff.
Once the rule is clear, these tools help you hand it off cleanly or turn it into a cost plan.
Printable checklist
Georgia checklist
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Keep Residential Light Commercial Contractor License dates, proof, and official links with the rest of your license work.