Residential Basic / Residential-Light Commercial
State license required to build or remodel one- and two-family dwellings (Basic) and certain light commercial projects (R-LC). Experience, exam, insurance, and financial responsibility apply.
Getting your Georgia license starts here...
In Georgia, contractors are licensed through the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards. Residential and General Contractors, as well as trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and low-voltage, must meet board requirements that often include exams, insurance, and proof of financial responsibility (such as a $25,000 bond or alternatives).
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps you navigate Georgia’s licensing process so you can get licensed faster and stay compliant.
Official resource: Georgia Secretary of State – Professional Licensing Boards
Delaware Construction License Categories:
Georgia Contractor Licensing
Georgia licenses contractors at the state level through the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards. Residential/General contracting and several trade divisions (electrical, plumbing, conditioned air, low-voltage) require state credentials; some cities/counties may add local permits.
Residential & General Contractors (State Board)
General Contractor (Unlimited) / GC Limited Tier
For commercial building work (scope depends on classification). Requires qualifying agent, exam, experience, general liability coverage, and financial responsibility.
State Trade Divisions (Construction Industry Licensing Board)
Electrical Contractors
Statewide licensing for Electrical Contractors (Class I/II) and qualifying experience per board rules.
Plumbers (Master/Journeyman)
State licensing for plumbing; experience and exam required.
Conditioned Air (HVAC)
State licensing for HVAC contractors (Conditioned Air); applications and renewals via GOALS portal.
Low-Voltage Contractors
State licensing for low-voltage work (communications, alarms, etc.).
Bond / Financial Responsibility
- Residential & General Contractors: You must show financial responsibility—commonly by a $25,000 surety bond, or by alternatives such as minimum net worth, line of credit, or bank reference (as listed in Board forms). Check the current application packet for accepted options.
- Trades: Electrical/Plumbing/Conditioned Air typically require experience, exams, and insurance; trade boards do not generally require a universal license bond, but local jurisdictions may require permit/license bonds.
- Local/Project Bonds: Cities/counties may require license or permit bonds; public works may require bid, performance, and payment bonds.
Official Resources
RECIPROCAL STATES
Georgia Contractor License Reciprocity
Reciprocity can waive the Georgia trade exam for eligible applicants, but you must still meet Georgia’s licensing requirements (insurance, fees, qualifying agent, and any state law/administrative conditions).
Residential – Basic (Qualifying Agent)
- Louisiana – Residential Building Contractor
- Mississippi – Residential Building Contractor
- South Carolina – Residential Builder
General Contractor – Commercial (Individual)
- Louisiana – Commercial “Building Construction”
- Mississippi – Commercial “Building Construction”
- North Carolina – Commercial “Building”
- Tennessee – Commercial “Building”
- License in the reciprocal state must be active and in good standing for the required period (typically 3+ years) and obtained by examination.
- Applicants must submit the GA SOS reciprocity application, pay fees, and provide required insurance (e.g., $500,000 GL for Commercial GC Individual).
- Reciprocity lists and requirements can change — always confirm using the current GA SOS forms.
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