At a Glance: Georgia Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | $2,500 labor + materials |
| Application Fee | $200–$500 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI Exams |
| Exam Cost | $100–$155 |
| Experience Required | 2 years supervised experience |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($300,000 minimum); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual; $200–$400 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Georgia Contractor License
- Choose license category (General, Residential-Basic, Residential-Light Commercial)
- Document 2 years experience
- Pass Business & Law and trade exams via PSI
- Obtain insurance and Workers' Comp
- Apply via GA SOS portal with fee
- License issued in 4–6 weeks
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI Exams
Cost: $100–$155
Topics covered: Business & Law, Trade Knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability ($300,000 minimum); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Georgia requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Georgia has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Georgia licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Georgia
Georgia requires both a state license AND local permits. Atlanta and other counties may have additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Georgia?Yes. In Georgia, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at $2,500 labor + materials. The licensing is managed by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a Georgia contractor license cost?The application fee for a Georgia contractor license is $200–$500. An exam fee of $100–$155 is also required for the PSI Exams exam. Renewal is Annual; $200–$400.
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Is an exam required for a Georgia contractor license?Yes. Georgia requires passing the PSI Exams exam (cost: $100–$155) covering Business & Law and Trade Knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Georgia contractor license?Georgia requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($300,000 minimum); Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in Georgia?Getting a Georgia contractor license typically involves 6 steps: obtaining required experience (2 years supervised experience), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.