Georgia Contractor License Requirements & Application Guide 2025

Georgia's thriving construction market offers excellent opportunities for licensed general contractors. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining your Georgia contractor license, including requirements, exam preparation, and the application process for 2025.

Georgia General Contractor License Types

Georgia offers several types of general contractor licenses based on project scope and value:

• Residential-Basic Contractor - Single-family residential projects under $2,500
• Residential-Light Commercial Contractor - Residential and light commercial projects under $500,000
• General Contractor - All types of construction projects
• Specialty Contractor - Specific trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC

License Classifications

• Class A - Projects over $500,000
• Class B - Projects $100,000-$500,000
• Class C - Projects under $100,000

Georgia Contractor License Requirements

Experience Requirements

• General Contractor: 4 years of construction experience
• Residential-Light Commercial: 2 years of construction experience
• Residential-Basic: 1 year of construction experience

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED - Minimum education requirement
• Construction Education - Can substitute for some experience
• Trade School - Relevant construction training accepted

Georgia Contractor License Application Process

Step 1: Complete Application

• Application Form - Complete all required sections
• Experience Documentation - Detailed work history
• Education Records - Transcripts and certificates
• Application Fee $200 for most license types
• Background Check - Criminal history verification

Step 2: Pass Required Examinations

• Business and Law Exam - Required for all license types
• Trade Exam - Specific to your license classification
• Exam Fees - $100 per exam attempt
• Passing Score - 70% or higher required

Step 3: Obtain Required Insurance and Bonds

• General Liability Insurance - Minimum $500,000 per occurrence
• Workers' Compensation - Required if you have employees
• Surety Bond - Amount varies by license type

Georgia Contractor License Costs

Application and Exam Fees

• Application Fee: $200
• Business and Law Exam: $100
• Trade Exam: $100
• License Fee: $200 (biennial renewal)
• Background Check: $25

Insurance and Bonding Costs

• General Liability Insurance: $1,200-3,600 per year
• Workers' Compensation: $2,000-6,000 per year
• Surety Bond: $200-1,000 per year

Georgia Contractor License Renewal

Renewal Requirements

• Biennial Renewal - License expires every 2 years
• Continuing Education - 6 hours of approved courses required
• Renewal Fee - $200 every 2 years
• Insurance Verification - Current coverage required

Georgia Construction Market Overview

Major Construction Sectors

• Residential Construction - Growing housing market
• Commercial Development - Office and retail projects
• Infrastructure - Roads, bridges, and utilities
• Healthcare Facilities - Hospitals and medical centers

Key Georgia Markets

• Atlanta - Major metropolitan area
• Savannah - Port city and industrial center
• Augusta - Healthcare and technology hub
• Columbus - Manufacturing and military

Conclusion

Obtaining your Georgia contractor license opens doors to a thriving construction market with diverse opportunities. The process requires careful preparation, proper documentation, and successful completion of required examinations.

Once licensed, focus on building your professional reputation through quality work, proper insurance coverage, and a strong online presence. A professional contractor website helps establish credibility and attract quality clients in Georgia's competitive construction market.