§ 01
How it works
The Georgia licensing system in plain English
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.
§ 03
What to verify
Before you sign anything
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.
§ 04
Homeowner tips
Practical guidance for Georgia
- 01 For new homes and major additions, ask whether the company is operating under a residential or general contractor credential.
- 02 If the contract is near a threshold, do not let the contractor downplay materials or subcontractor costs to avoid state licensing rules.
- 03 Verify the qualifier's connection to the company, especially if the business name sounds new or recently rebranded.
- 04 Metro Atlanta permit offices may ask for information that is easier to confirm once you know the exact state license category.
- 05 If a contractor works in both Georgia and South Carolina, verify the Georgia record separately; reciprocity assumptions are common and often overstated.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Georgia-specific licensing questions
01 What work requires a licensed contractor in Georgia? ▸
Under O.C.G.A. §43-41, Georgia requires a contractor license for residential projects valued at $2,500 or more and commercial general contracting projects at $100,000 or more. Licenses are issued by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Specialty trades — electrical, plumbing, HVAC — are separately licensed under O.C.G.A. §43-14 regardless of project value.
02 What is the difference between bonded, licensed, and insured in Georgia? ▸
Licensed means the contractor has passed the Georgia State Licensing Board exam and met experience requirements under §43-41. Bonded means a surety bond is in place to compensate homeowners if the contractor defaults. Insured means the contractor carries general liability and, where required, workers' compensation coverage. Request and verify proof of all three independently before signing any contract.
03 Is there a dollar threshold below which I do not need a licensed contractor in Georgia? ▸
Yes. Residential projects under $2,500 and commercial projects under $100,000 are below the Georgia licensing threshold under §43-41. Specialty trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separately licensed tradespeople regardless of project value. Even for below-threshold projects, require a written contract, proof of insurance, and verifiable references before work begins.
04 Can I do my own home improvement work without a licensed contractor in Georgia? ▸
Yes. Georgia allows owner-builders to perform construction on their own residence under §43-41-17 without a contractor license, provided the work is for personal occupancy and the property is not sold within one year. The exemption does not apply to specialty trades — electrical and plumbing work on owner-occupied property still requires licensed tradespeople where required by local code.
05 What license does a general contractor need in Georgia? ▸
Georgia issues several classifications under §43-41: Residential-Basic (new residential structures), Residential-Light Commercial (residential plus light commercial), Residential General (broader residential scope), and General Contractor (commercial projects $100,000 or more). The license class must match the project type. Verify the exact classification at verify.sos.ga.gov before hiring.
06 How do I verify a contractor's license in Georgia? ▸
Use the Georgia Secretary of State's online license verification at verify.sos.ga.gov. Search by name or license number, confirm the license status is Active, verify the classification covers your project type, and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints on file through the Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
07 What does an active vs. inactive license mean in Georgia? ▸
An Active license means the contractor is currently authorized to perform work under their classification and has met all renewal requirements. An Inactive license means the contractor is not authorized to perform licensed work — caused by failure to renew, incomplete continuing education, or voluntary status change. Do not hire a contractor with an inactive Georgia contractor license.
08 What insurance and bond does a licensed contractor need in Georgia? ▸
Georgia licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance with minimum amounts varying by license classification. Workers' compensation is required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-1 for contractors with three or more employees. Surety bond requirements also vary by classification. Request a current certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured and verify coverage directly with the issuer.
09 What happens if a contractor works without a license in Georgia? ▸
Under §43-41-20, performing contracting work without the required Georgia license is a misdemeanor and can result in civil fines up to $500 per day per violation. An unlicensed contractor cannot enforce a contract or pursue payment in Georgia courts. The Georgia State Licensing Board can order unlicensed contractors to stop work immediately and assess penalties.
10 My contractor's license expired mid-project — what now? ▸
Immediately verify status at verify.sos.ga.gov and send written notice that work must stop until the license is renewed. Under §43-41, work performed under an expired license carries the same legal exposure as unlicensed work. File a complaint with the Georgia State Licensing Board if the contractor refuses to renew or abandons the project.
11 Am I liable if an unlicensed worker gets hurt on my property in Georgia? ▸
Potentially yes. Under O.C.G.A. §34-9-1, if a contractor does not carry workers' compensation insurance and has three or more employees, you may be exposed to liability as a statutory employer if a worker is injured on your property. Always require a certificate of workers' compensation insurance before work begins and keep a copy on file.
12 How do I file a complaint against a contractor in Georgia? ▸
File a complaint with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors through the Secretary of State at sos.ga.gov. The board investigates license violations, fraud, and substandard work. For consumer fraud, contact the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at law.georgia.gov/consumer-protection.
state Georgia agency Secretary of State License Verification tier 1
Secretary of State License Verification is the official source for contractor licensing information in Georgia. Always verify a contractor's license before hiring. Jaspector is not affiliated with Secretary of State License Verification; this page is informational guidance only.