Georgia General Contractor License: How to Get Licensed in GA

Do you need a general contractor license in Georgia?

Yes, you need a license to work as a general contractor in Georgia. The only exception is if you’re building or renovating your own personal residence.

Georgia general contractor licenses are overseen by the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (SLBRCGC) within the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.

Licensed general contractors oversee the construction, repair, remodeling, and maintenance of residential or commercial properties.

Benefits of getting a general contractor license in Georgia

Getting licensed opens doors that unlicensed contractors simply can’t access:

• Legal compliance. Working without a license on projects exposes you to fines, penalties, and potential legal action from the state.
• Higher-value projects. A general contractor license lets you take on commercial jobs and residential projects of any size, rather than being limited to handyman-level work.
• Consumer trust. Homeowners and businesses check license status before hiring. A valid license tells customers you’ve met Georgia’s education, experience, and financial responsibility standards.
• Insurance eligibility. Many insurance carriers require an active license before issuing general liability or builder’s risk policies.
• Access to better contracts. Government agencies, property managers, and commercial clients typically require proof of licensure before awarding contracts.
• Earning potential. Licensed general contractors in Georgia earn significantly more than unlicensed workers, with averages around $95,143 per year according to Indeed.

Types of contractor licenses in Georgia

The SLBRCGC divides licenses into two divisions: residential contractors and general contractors. These license types determine the class of buildings and the size of contracts you can work on.

1. Residential contractor

Georgia offers two residential contractor license types based on the scope and size of the projects you plan to complete:

2. General contractor

Georgia offers two general contractor license types based on the size of the projects you plan to take on:

The board also separates general contractors into two categories:

1. GC individuals: You conduct business under your own name or as a sole proprietor with financials and insurance under your name.
2. GC qualifying agents: You conduct business in the name of a company registered with the Corporations Division.

Georgia general contractor license requirements

Before you apply for your residential or general contractor license, make sure you meet these requirements:

All applicants must also:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Pass the Business/Law exam and applicable trade exam
• Meet financial responsibility thresholds
• Carry required insurance coverage

How to get a general contractor license in Georgia

You can apply for a Georgia residential or general contractor license through one of three application paths: examination, prior approval, or reciprocity, depending on your qualifications. 

While the application process varies slightly for each path, most applicants must complete the following steps:

• Build up the necessary work and education experience for your license type.
• Pass the Business/Law and trade certification exams (if required for your application path).
• Provide your personal information or qualifying agent information and verify you’re over 21.
• Submit documentation of your work experience, completed projects, and affidavits for each.
• Include college transcripts, if you’re using education to help meet the experience requirements.
• Demonstrate the required level of financial responsibility:
  • Residential Basic: $25,000
  • Residential-Light Commercial: $25,000
  • General Contractor (Limited Tier): $25,000
  • General Contractor: $150,000
• Provide proof of general liability insurance:
  • Residential Basic: $300,000
  • Residential-Light Commercial: $500,000
  • General Contractor (Limited Tier): $500,000
  • General Contractor: $500,000
• Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance, if required.
• Complete the correct application and pay the applicable fees.

Application forms

Choose the application that matches your license type and eligibility path:

• Residential basic by examination
• Residential basic by prior approval
• Residential basic by reciprocity
• Residential-light commercial by examination
• Residential-light commercial by prior approval
• Individual GC by examination
• Individual GC by prior approval
• Individual GC by reciprocity

You can submit applications online through the SLBRCGC’s Professional Licensing Portal or mail them to:

Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217

The board provides detailed how-to guides for residential contractors and general contractors that walk you through each step.

Georgia general contractor exam

All residential and general contractors must pass the 50-question, two-hour Business/Law exam with a minimum score of 35 out of 50.

If you’re applying by examination, you’ll also need to pass the trade exam for your license type:

The exams are open-book. You’ll want to invest in the approved reference materials listed on the SLBRCGC how-to guide before sitting for your test.

Training programs and exam prep schools in Georgia

Passing the Georgia contractor exams on your first attempt saves you time and retake fees. Several accredited programs and prep courses can help:

• Georgia contractor exam prep courses. Multiple online providers offer focused study programs specifically for the Georgia Business/Law and trade exams. Look for courses that cover the approved reference list published by the SLBRCGC.
• Construction management degree programs. Georgia colleges including Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, and Kennesaw State University offer construction management programs that satisfy the education requirements for licensure.
• Trade apprenticeships. Local unions and contractor associations offer apprenticeship programs that build the supervised experience you need to qualify for your license.
• Continuing education providers. As of January 1, 2026, Georgia requires continuing education for license renewal. Check the SLBRCGC FAQ page for approved CE providers and requirements.

When choosing a program, confirm it’s recognized by the Georgia licensing board and covers the specific reference materials tested on the exams.

How long does it take to get a contractor license in Georgia?

The total timeline depends on where you’re starting:

• Building experience: 2-4 years, depending on your license type and education level. A bachelor’s degree in construction management reduces the experience requirement to 1 year for residential-light commercial and general contractor licenses.
• Exam preparation: Most applicants spend 4-8 weeks studying for the Business/Law exam and their trade exam.
• Application processing: The SLBRCGC typically processes complete applications within 4-6 weeks. Incomplete applications get returned and add time.
• Total from scratch: If you’re starting with no experience, expect 2-5 years before you hold a license in hand. If you already have the required experience, you could be licensed within 2-3 months of submitting your application and passing exams.

The fastest path is reciprocity. If you hold an active license in a state Georgia has an agreement with, you can skip the trade exam and apply directly.

How much does a general contractor license cost in Georgia?

The total cost runs around $240 for exam, application, and processing fees combined. Here’s the full fee breakdown:

Budget extra for exam reference materials, which can run $200-$500 depending on your license type and whether you buy new or used books.

Does Georgia reciprocate general contractor licenses?

Yes. Reciprocal license agreements let professionals from certain states apply directly for a Georgia contractor license without taking the trade exam.

Residential basic contractor reciprocity: Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina

General contractor reciprocity: Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee

You’ll still need to meet Georgia’s financial responsibility and insurance requirements, and pass the Business/Law exam. For full details, check the how-to guides for residential and general contractors, or the license comparison chart.

Renewing your general contractor license

All residential and general contractor licenses must be renewed every two years. The current renewal deadline is June 30, 2026. The late renewal period runs from July 1 through August 15, 2026.

New for 2026: As of January 1, 2026, all licensees are required to complete continuing education (CE) for renewal. Check the SLBRCGC FAQ page for approved CE requirements and providers.

To renew, go to the Georgia Online Professional Licensing portal and follow the instructions for your license type.

If you have questions about the renewal process, check the renewal section of the how-to guide for general contractors.

Who issues general contractor licenses in Georgia?

The State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (SLBRCGC) issues and regulates all contractor licenses in Georgia. The board operates under the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.

Contact information:

• Website: sos.ga.gov/state-licensing-board-residential-and-commercial-general-contractors
• Mailing address: Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217
• Online portal: Georgia Professional Licensing Portal
• FAQ page: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ

You can verify any Georgia contractor’s license status through the board’s online verification system.

General contractor salary in Georgia

Licensed general contractors in Georgia earn solid incomes. Here’s what the data shows:

• National average salary: $63,175 per year according to ZipRecruiter
• Georgia average: $53,344 per year

Construction managers in Georgia and across the US earn even more:

• National average salary: $106,980 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
• Georgia average: $95,143 per year according to Indeed 
• Top earners nationally: The highest 10% of construction managers earn more than $172,040 per year according to BLS

Your actual earnings depend on your license type, years of experience, specialization, and whether you work for someone else or run your own business. General contractors who run their own companies and take on commercial projects typically earn at the higher end of the range.

How to start a contracting business in Georgia

Once you have your license and some solid experience, you’re ready to start your own general contracting business.

First, determine which type of legal entity fits your business. Most contractors choose an LLC for liability protection, though some start as sole proprietors.

There are also practical considerations for starting a contracting business, including:

• Pricing your services to cover overhead and turn a profit
• Securing financing and setting up an accounting system
• Finding reliable equipment and material suppliers
• Setting up general contracting business software to manage quotes, scheduling, and invoicing
• Creating a sales strategy to win bids
• Generating leads through referrals, online marketing, and contractor platforms

For questions about registering your business entity, visit the Georgia Corporations Division website.

Originally published August 2023. Last updated July 7th, 2026