At a glance
The fastest way to orient yourself in Georgia is to know these key signals.| Signal | Value |
|---|---|
| Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, low voltage, utility) | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Residential and commercial general contracting | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Highway / DOT work | Prequalification required (3 years experience + CPA audit) |
| Out-of-state contractor bond | 10% of contract price |
| Revenue registration trigger | Contracts exceeding $10,000 |
| Reciprocity model | Board-specific and limited (residential: 3 states; general: 2 states) |
Frequently asked questions
Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
Is there a dollar threshold that triggers licensing in Georgia?
Is there a dollar threshold that triggers licensing in Georgia?
No. Georgia licenses by trade category, not by contract value. If the work involves a regulated trade (electrical, plumbing, conditioned air, low voltage, underground utility) or general/residential contracting, a state license is required regardless of the contract amount. Contracts exceeding $10,000 must be registered with the Department of Revenue. See Construction work regulated.
Do I need a separate license for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work?
Do I need a separate license for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work?
Yes. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, conditioned air, low voltage, medical gas, underground utility) is licensed through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which is entirely separate from the board that licenses residential and commercial general contractors. Each trade has its own exam, experience, and CE requirements. See Requirements.
Where do I go to get licensed in Georgia?
Where do I go to get licensed in Georgia?
Georgia has at least 6 regulatory agencies. Trade contractors go to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Residential and commercial general contractors go to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Highway work goes to Georgia DOT. Asbestos and lead paint go to DNR EPD. Boiler and elevator work goes to the Insurance Commissioner. See Who regulates construction.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
How much does it cost to get licensed?
Application fees across all trade and general contractor categories are $100 each, with $100 renewal fees. Exam fees vary by trade: Georgia Business & Law is $60, residential and general contractor exams are $72 each, electrical exams are $288, conditioned air exams are $267, and plumbing and low voltage exams are $207. See Requirements.
What are the requirements for out-of-state contractors?
What are the requirements for out-of-state contractors?
Out-of-state contractors must post a bond equal to 10% of the contract price with the Department of Revenue. Any contract exceeding $10,000 must be registered (application fee: $10). The bond releases automatically 2 years after the department receives completion notification. See Out-of-State Contractor Registration.
Can I use my out-of-state license in Georgia?
Can I use my out-of-state license in Georgia?
Reciprocity is limited. Residential contractors have reciprocity with Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. General contractors have reciprocity with Louisiana and Mississippi. In all cases, you must still pass the Georgia business and law exam, and your out-of-state license must be active and in good standing. Trade licenses have no reciprocity. See Reciprocal agreements.
What exams are required?
What exams are required?
All contractor classifications require a two-part exam administered by PSI: one covering the trade or license classification and one covering business and law. Electrical contractors need 4 years of experience, conditioned air needs 3 years, plumbers need 1 to 5 years depending on level, and low voltage needs 1 year. See Requirements.
Does Georgia require licensing for roofing work?
Does Georgia require licensing for roofing work?
Roofing falls under general contractor licensing. Since Georgia licenses by work type rather than dollar threshold, any residential or commercial roofing project requires the appropriate general contractor license from the Residential and General Contractors Board. See Construction work regulated.
Does Georgia require licensing for residential work?
Does Georgia require licensing for residential work?
Yes. Residential contractors must be licensed through the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. A two-part exam (residential contractor + business and law) is required. Reciprocity is available with Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, but the Georgia business and law exam must still be passed. See Requirements.
What about highway or DOT projects?
What about highway or DOT projects?
Georgia DOT requires prequalification: 3 years of experience, CPA-audited financial statements (for prime contractors), and approximately 30 days processing time. Prequalification is valid for 24 months. See Highway Prequalification.
What continuing education is required?
What continuing education is required?
All trade licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board require at least 4 hours of CE per year. Renewal documentation must show completion. Renewal cycles vary by trade — electrical expires June 30 of even years, conditioned air expires November 30 of odd years, plumbing expires November 30 of even years. See Requirements.
Start with your goal
Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.Is licensure triggered?
Start with work type — Georgia licenses by trade category, not contract value.
Find the right regulator
Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Georgia board.
Application and renewal details
Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
Reciprocity direction
Find out which boards recognize out-of-state credentials.
Special considerations
Different roles need different things from a Georgia page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
- All trade work (electrical, plumbing, conditioned air, low voltage, utility) requires a state license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
- Residential and commercial general contractors are licensed separately through the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
- Out-of-state contractors must post a bond equal to 10% of the contract price with the Department of Revenue.
- Contracts exceeding $10,000 must be registered with the Department of Revenue regardless of license status.
- Exams are required for all contractor classifications — PSI is the test vendor.
- Reciprocity is available only for residential (LA, MS, SC) and general (LA, MS) contractor licenses. You must still pass the Georgia business and law exam.
Readiness checklist
Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Georgia as “ready” for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.Identify the work type
Determine whether the project involves a regulated trade, general building, highway work, or a specialty like asbestos or boilers.
Route to the correct board
Georgia has multiple licensing boards. Trade work goes to the Construction Industry Licensing Board; general contracting goes to the Residential & General Contractors Board.
Check out-of-state obligations
If you are an out-of-state contractor, confirm the
10% bond requirement and $10,000 revenue registration threshold with the Department of Revenue.If you can identify work type, correct board, out-of-state obligations, and requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a Georgia readiness check.
Navigation
Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.- New state evaluation if you are screening Georgia for the first time.
- Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare Georgia with nearby jurisdictions.
- Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns for cross-state context.
Construction work regulated
Georgia regulates construction by trade category rather than by dollar threshold. If your work falls into a regulated lane, licensure is required regardless of contract value.| Work lane | What triggers regulation |
|---|---|
| Conditioned air (HVAC) | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Electrical | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Low voltage | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Plumbing and medical gas | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Underground utility | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Residential and commercial general contracting | State licensure required — no dollar minimum |
| Highway / DOT work | Prequalification required (3 years experience + CPA-audited financials) |
| Asbestos / lead-based paint | Certification required through DNR EPD |
| Boiler / elevator | License required through Insurance Commissioner |
| Out-of-state contractors | Bond of 10% of contract price; contracts over $10,000 registered with Revenue |
Some municipalities and counties may require additional licensure or permits for trades not covered at the state level.
Common determination scenarios
If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.Commercial or residential building project
Commercial or residential building project
Route to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. All classifications require a two-part exam (trade knowledge + business and law) administered by PSI. Residential has reciprocity with Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina; general has reciprocity with Louisiana and Mississippi.
Electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work
Electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work
Route to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Each trade has separate experience, exam, and CE requirements. Electrical licenses expire June 30 of even years; conditioned air expires November 30 of odd years; plumbing expires November 30 of even years. Four hours of CE per year is required for all trades.
Highway or DOT project
Highway or DOT project
Contact Georgia DOT for prequalification. Three years of experience required; prime contractors must provide CPA-audited financial statements. Processing time is approximately 30 days. Prequalification is valid for 24 months.
Out-of-state contractor entering Georgia
Out-of-state contractor entering Georgia
Post a bond equal to 10% of the contract price with the Department of Revenue. Register any contract exceeding $10,000 (application fee: $10). The bond releases automatically two years after the department receives completion notification.
Asbestos or lead-based paint work
Asbestos or lead-based paint work
Route to the Georgia DNR Environmental Protection Division. Since December 2010, EPD administers the lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting (RRP) rule. Both the RRP firm and individual renovator must be certified separately.
Who regulates construction
Georgia splits construction regulation across at least six agencies. Use this directory to find the board that owns the lane you need. Each entry includes address, phone, and website.Trade contractors (conditioned air, electrical, low voltage, plumbing, medical gas, utility) — Construction Industry Licensing Board
Trade contractors (conditioned air, electrical, low voltage, plumbing, medical gas, utility) — Construction Industry Licensing Board
Residential and commercial general contractors — State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
Residential and commercial general contractors — State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
Highway prequalification — Georgia Department of Transportation
Highway prequalification — Georgia Department of Transportation
Asbestos and lead-based paint — DNR Environmental Protection Division
Asbestos and lead-based paint — DNR Environmental Protection Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1456, East Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334Phone: (404) 363-7026 | Fax: (404) 362-2607Website: epd.georgia.gov
Boiler and elevator contractors — Office of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner
Boiler and elevator contractors — Office of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 702, West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334Phone: (404) 656-2070 | Toll-Free: (800) 656-2298Website: oci.georgia.gov
Non-resident contractor tax registration — Department of Revenue
Non-resident contractor tax registration — Department of Revenue
1800 Century Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30345Phone: (404) 417-6605 | Toll-Free: (877) 423-6711Website: dor.georgia.gov
Requirements
Each Georgia board has its own application inputs, exams, fees, and renewal cycles. Expand the trade that applies to your situation. Fee tables are included in each section.General and Residential Contractors
General and Residential Contractors
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Two-part exam covering the license classification and business and law, administered by PSI |
| Experience | Required for all classifications (specifics vary by license type) |
| Reciprocity | Residential: LA, MS, SC. General: LA, MS. Must pass GA business and law exam. License must be active and in good standing. |
| Exam Type | Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| Georgia Business & Law | $60 |
| Georgia Residential Contractor | $72 |
| Georgia General Contractor | $72 |
| NASCLA Accredited Exam for Commercial General Building Contractors | $106 |
Electricians
Electricians
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years |
| Exam | Written exam required |
| Continuing education | At least 4 hours per year; renewal must document completion |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years |
| License Type | Application Fee | Exam Fee (PSI) | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $100 | $288 | $100 |
| Low Voltage | $100 | $207 | $100 |
Low Voltage
Low Voltage
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of low voltage experience |
| Exam | Exam required |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire August 31 of odd-numbered years |
| License Type | Application Fee | Exam Fee (PSI) | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Voltage | $100 | $207 | $100 |
Conditioned Air (HVAC)
Conditioned Air (HVAC)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 3 years |
| Exam | Exam required |
| Continuing education | At least 4 hours per year; renewal must document completion |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years |
| License Type | Application Fee | Exam Fee (PSI) | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditioned Air Contractor | $100 | $267 | $100 |
Plumbers
Plumbers
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience (Master) | 5 years total, at least 2 as a licensed journeyman. Class II Master requires commercial or industrial experience. |
| Experience (Journeyman) | 1 year minimum |
| Exam | Required for both master and journeyman |
| Medical gas certification | Requires current master or journeyman plumbing license plus completion of a certification program |
| Continuing education | At least 4 hours per year; renewal must document completion |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire November 30 of even-numbered years |
| License Type | Application Fee | Exam Fee (PSI) | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Plumber | $100 | $207 | $100 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $100 | $207 | $100 |
Utility Contractors
Utility Contractors
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Utility contractor | Must employ a licensed utility manager and maintain a safety program |
| Utility manager | 2 years experience plus written exam |
| Utility foreman | Must complete an approved safety-training course |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire April 30 of odd-numbered years |
| License Type | Application Fee | Exam Fee (PSI) | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Contractor | $100 | N/A | $100 |
| Utility Foreman | $100 | N/A | $100 |
| Utility Manager | $100 | $207 | $100 |
Highway Prequalification
Highway Prequalification
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 3 years minimum |
| Financial | Prime contractors must provide CPA-audited financial statements |
| Validity | 24 months |
| Processing time | Approximately 30 days |
Out-of-State Contractor Registration
Out-of-State Contractor Registration
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bond | 10% of contract price, released 2 years after completion notification |
| Revenue registration | Contracts exceeding $10,000 must be registered |
| Application fee | $10 |
Reciprocal agreements
Georgia’s reciprocity is limited to the Residential and General Contractors Board. Trade licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board do not carry reciprocity. Always confirm that your out-of-state license is active and in good standing before applying.Reciprocity in Georgia requires passing the Georgia business and law examination regardless of the reciprocal state.
| Board | Reciprocal states | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Contractors | Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina | 3 states |
| General Contractors | Louisiana, Mississippi | 2 states |
| Construction Industry Licensing Board (trades) | None | Limited |
Types of licenses
This section lists the credential categories Georgia offers across its major boards. Use it when you need to confirm the exact license name for an application or comparison.General Contractors
General Contractors
- General Contractor
- Residential Contractor
Electrical
Electrical
- Electrical
- Restricted Electrical
Low Voltage
Low Voltage
- Low-Voltage, General
- Low-Voltage, Alarm
- Low-Voltage, Telecommunications
- Low-Voltage, Unrestricted
Plumbing
Plumbing
- Unrestricted Master Plumber
- Restricted Master Plumber
- Unrestricted Medical Gas Piping
- Journeyman Plumber
Conditioned Air
Conditioned Air
- Conditioned Air
- Restricted Conditioned Air
- Unrestricted Conditioned Air
Utility
Utility
- Utility Contractor
- Utility Manager
- Utility Foreman
See also
South region guide
Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.
Contractors guide
Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
Regulators guide
Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
Louisiana
Residential and general contractor reciprocity with Georgia.
Mississippi
Residential and general contractor reciprocity with Georgia.
South Carolina
Residential contractor reciprocity with Georgia.