Georgia Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

Overview of Georgia Contractor Licensing

Georgia’s contractor licensing is administered under the Georgia Secretary of State. Two boards handle the major trades: the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates electrical, plumbing, and conditioned air (HVAC), and the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors oversees residential-basic, residential-light commercial, and general contractor (unlimited) licenses. PSI administers the required examinations statewide.

Most core trades are regulated at the state level. Cities and counties commonly require business licenses and permits to operate locally, and you must hold the appropriate Georgia state license to contract for regulated trades and to pull permits. Roofing is not licensed at the state level; local jurisdictions may require business licensing and proof of insurance to obtain roofing permits.

Because some requirements can vary by jurisdiction—especially for business licensing and permit procedures—always verify with your local building department before starting work. Official board information, application portals, and how-to guides are available from the Secretary of State.

Electrician Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates electrical work with 4 license types:

• Class I Electrical Contractor
• Class II Electrical Contractor
• Low Voltage Contractor – General
• Low Voltage Contractor – Alarm

Need help comparing Class I vs. Class II scope or picking references? Review Georgia’s official how-to guides above and consider targeted prep resources to speed up exam readiness. Browse Georgia contractor license practice tests and study material.

Plumbing Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates plumbing work with 3 license types:

• Journeyman Plumber
• Master Plumber – Class I (Restricted)
• Master Plumber – Class II (Unrestricted)

Georgia plumbing candidates should review PSI’s bulletin for permitted references and scheduling policies. For additional exam prep resources across all GA licenses, browse Georgia contractor license practice tests and study material.

HVAC Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates HVAC contractors with 2 license types:

• Conditioned Air Contractor – Class I (Restricted)
• Conditioned Air Contractor – Class II (Unrestricted)

Most HVAC technicians work under a licensed Conditioned Air Contractor; Georgia does not license mechanics/technicians separately. To compare Class I vs. II scopes and prep materials, browse Georgia contractor license practice tests and study material.

General Contractor Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates general contractors with 3 license types:

• Residential Basic Contractor
• Residential-Light Commercial Contractor
• General Contractor (Unlimited)

Georgia law requires state licensure for residential and general contracting. For step-by-step prep across all Georgia contractor categories, browse Georgia contractor license practice tests and study material.

Roofing Licenses in Georgia

Georgia does not license roofing contractors at the state level. However, cities and counties commonly require local business licensing/registration and may require you to show proof of appropriate state licensure if roofing work falls within a regulated contractor scope (for example, when roof work is part of broader residential or general contracting). Always verify permit and registration requirements with the local building department where you plan to work.

Local Licensing Requirements

Major Cities with Local Requirements:

• City of Fayetteville: Provides contractor licensing requirements summary and emphasizes state law mandates for general/residential contractor licensing. Review city procedures to ensure you have the proper credentials to pull permits. Fayetteville Contractor Licensing Requirements

Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.

Specialty Trade Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates specialty trades with 1 license type under the low voltage category:

Looking for low voltage exam coverage across Alarm, General, and Telecommunications? One place to start is the Georgia category for trade-specific practice resources. Browse Georgia contractor license practice tests and study material.

Application Process

1. Complete online application form or download and submit by mail. Online portal: https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/mylicense
2. Provide employment affidavit(s) and document experience/education requirements.
3. Submit background authorization, identification, and relevant documentation (such as tax records, W-2s, certificates).
4. Pay required application and examination fees.
5. Schedule and pass PSI licensing exam(s) for trade and Business & Law, as required.
6. Submit proof of insurance (general liability and/or bond for certain trades).
7. If approved, pay license fee and receive license number.
8. Renew online prior to expiration, maintaining required insurance/bond and CE (if applicable).

Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks from application to exam eligibility; additional time varies pending exam scheduling and background checks.

Reciprocity

Georgia has reciprocity with: Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina (Residential only).

Requirements: Hold a valid, equivalent license in a reciprocal state, be in good standing, and provide documentation of licensure and examination. Georgia still requires you to pass the Georgia Business & Law exam.

Limitations: Trade tests may be waived under formal agreements, but the Business & Law exam is always required. Reciprocity applies only to states with which Georgia has formal agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & References