At a Glance
Quick Answer
Georgia requires a state-level contractor license for projects above $2,500 for any single project. Exam required. NASCLA accepted. Administered by Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
Context
Licensing & Bidding in Georgia
To legally bid and perform work in Georgia, contractors must be licensed through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors once a project reaches the $2,500 threshold. Any single project at or above that figure triggers the licensing requirement, so all but the smallest repair jobs require a credential before you can submit a compliant bid. Match your work to the correct classification: Residential Basic, Residential Light Commercial, or General Contractor. Bidding outside your classification exposes you to the same enforcement risk as bidding with no license at all.
Georgia requires passing an exam and accepts the NASCLA accreditation, which is valuable for firms that bid across state lines and want to avoid duplicate trade testing. Reciprocity is available with Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina, easing entry for established out-of-state bidders. Continuing education is not required for the general contractor tier, though residential classifications carry modest hourly requirements (3 hours for Residential Basic, 6 hours for Residential Light Commercial). Track your renewal cycle carefully: licenses and bonds expire on June 30 of even-numbered years, and a lapsed license can disqualify an otherwise winning bid.
The consequences of bidding unlicensed in Georgia hit directly at your ability to get paid. Contracts entered without a required license become unenforceable, meaning you may be unable to collect on the work, and you forfeit mechanics lien rights that would otherwise secure payment. Misdemeanor charges are also possible. Have your insurance documentation in order on the required ACORD certificate form, since the Board ties licensing and bonding together as a package.
Details
Key Facts & Fees
Key Facts
- GC License Required
- Yes
- Threshold
- $2,500 for any single project
- Exam Required
- Yes
- NASCLA Accepted
- Yes
Fees
- Application Fee
- $210
- License Fee
- Included in application
- Renewal Fee
- $100 biennially (even-numbered years by June 30)
Reference
Key Facts
License required for any project valued at $2,500 or more
Classifications include Residential Basic, Residential Light Commercial, and General Contractor
Licenses and bonds expire June 30 of even-numbered years
Certificate of Insurance must be submitted on ACORD form
Requirements
Insurance Requirements
Education
Continuing Education
None for general contractors; 3 hours for residential basic; 6 hours for residential light commercial
Interstate
Reciprocity States
Specialty
Specialty Licenses Required
Process
How to Apply
- 1Submit application to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
- 2Pass the trade exam and business exam (NASCLA accepted for trade)
- 3Obtain $25,000 surety bond in the name of your business
- 4Provide Certificate of Insurance (ACORD form) for general liability
- 5Demonstrate required net worth through financial statement
- 6Pay $210 application fee
Enforcement
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Contracts become unenforceable; forfeiture of mechanics lien rights; misdemeanor charges possible
Resources
Related Templates
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FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Do I need a contractor license in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a state-level contractor license for projects above $2,500 for any single project. The administering board is Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
Is an exam required in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a licensing exam. The state accepts the NASCLA standardized exam as an alternative to the state-specific exam.
What insurance is required in Georgia?
General Liability: $300,000 for residential basic; $500,000 for light commercial and unlimited GC. Workers Comp: Required if you have 3 or more employees. Bond: $25,000 surety bond required.
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Georgia?
Contracts become unenforceable; forfeiture of mechanics lien rights; misdemeanor charges possible
What project size requires a contractor license in Georgia?
Georgia requires a license for any single project valued at $2,500 or more. Below that amount, a state license is generally not triggered. Because most repair and improvement jobs exceed $2,500, contractors should assume licensure is needed and confirm their classification before submitting a bid.
When do Georgia contractor licenses expire?
Georgia contractor licenses and their associated bonds expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. Tracking this two-year cycle is critical, since a lapsed license can disqualify a winning bid. Renew well ahead of the deadline and keep your bond and insurance current to stay eligible to bid public and private work.
Does Georgia accept the NASCLA exam for contractor licensing?
Yes. Georgia accepts the NASCLA accreditation, letting multi-state contractors avoid duplicate trade examinations. Georgia also maintains reciprocity with Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina, which can streamline qualification for established out-of-state firms looking to bid Georgia projects without retaking a full state-specific exam.