Georgia Contractor License Lookup

About Georgia contractor licensing

Georgia uses a statewide licensing structure through the Secretary of State for major contractor categories. For homeowners, that means there is an official statewide check for residential and general contractors, but you still need to understand whether your project falls into the threshold and category that actually requires that state license.

How licensing works in Georgia

Georgia licenses residential and general contractors through state boards under the Secretary of State system. The state distinguishes residential contracting from broader general contracting, and the size and type of project affect which license is required. Smaller repair work may not trigger the same state licensing rules, while larger builds, additions, or major renovations often do. Homeowners should verify that the contractor's state credential aligns with the actual scope, not just the marketing description on the company's website.

What to verify in Georgia

Use Georgia's official verification portal and search under the building and contractor professions. Look for active status, the exact license type, expiration date, and the individual or company tied to the credential. Compare that record to the legal name on the proposal and ask who the qualifying license holder is for your job. If the contractor says no state license is required, ask them to explain why based on the project's scope and price.

State-specific tips

• › For new homes and major additions, ask whether the company is operating under a residential or general contractor credential.
• › If the contract is near a threshold, do not let the contractor downplay materials or subcontractor costs to avoid state licensing rules.
• › Verify the qualifier's connection to the company, especially if the business name sounds new or recently rebranded.
• › Metro Atlanta permit offices may ask for information that is easier to confirm once you know the exact state license category.
• › If a contractor works in both Georgia and South Carolina, verify the Georgia record separately; reciprocity assumptions are common and often overstated.