Residential and General Contractors Menu

Residential Contractors: How to Guide

Information for all Residential Contractor application types.
Verify Application Status
Apply for a Residential Contractor License

How To Apply

After you Apply – What to Expect

  • Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume. 
    • If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
    • Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees. 
    • Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
  • Check Application Status >>
  • Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
    • Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.  
    • Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
  • Wait For It
    • You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license. 
    • Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.

Veterans Preference Points

Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>

  • If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>

Fees

Exam application

$200

Reciprocity application

$200

Prior approval application

$200

Reactivation application

$200

Reinstatement application

$300

Inactive status application 

$25

Renewal

$100

Late renewal

$200

Duplicate license 

$25

License verification (expedited options available)

$35

Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022

  • Online processing fee: $5.00

 

Residential Basic Individual Application by Examination

If you will be conducting business in your name or as a sole proprietorship, and if you have never been licensed before, you may apply for licensure By Examination.

Residential Basic Individual Application / Reactivation

If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.

Residential Basic Individual Application / Reciprocity

If you hold a current, equivalent license in Louisiana, Mississippi, or South Carolina that was obtained by Examination, you may apply for licensure by Reciprocity.

Residential Basic Individual Application / Reinstatement

If your license has lapsed, you may apply to reinstate your license.

Residential Basic Individual – Prior Approval

If you have held this same license type before, apply for licensure by prior approval.

Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Application / Reactivation

If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.

Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Application / Examination

If you will be conducting business in the name of a company that is registered with the Corporations Divisions, and if you have never been licensed before, you may apply for licensure By Examination.

Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Application / Reciprocity

If you hold a current, equivalent license in Louisiana, Mississippi, or South Carolina that was obtained by Examination, you may apply for licensure by Reciprocity.

Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Application / Reinstatement

If your license has lapsed, you may apply for reinstatement under the same company prior to lapse. If the company has changed, or if you want to be licensed under a different company, you may apply for licensure by Prior Approval or Examination.

Residential Basic Qualifying Agent – Prior Approval

If you have held this same license type before, apply for licensure by prior approval.

Residential Light Commercial Individual Application / Reactivations

If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation. A Residential Light Individual license covers residential basic and light commercial structures as limited by O.C.G.A. §43-41-1.

Residential Light Commercial Individual Application / Examination

To conducting business in your name or as a sole proprietorship, if you’ve never been licensed before, you may apply for licensure By Examination.

Residential Light Commercial Individual Application / Reinstatement

If your licensed has lapsed, you may apply to reinstate your license. A Residential Light Individual license covers residential basic and light commercial structures as limited by O.C.G.A. §43-41-1.

Residential Light Commercial Individual – Prior Approval

If you have held this same license type before, apply for licensure by prior approval.

Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent Application / Reactivations

If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation. A Residential Light Individual license covers residential basic and light commercial structures as limited by O.C.G.A. §43-41-1.

Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent Application / Examination

If you will be conducting business in the name of a company that is registered with the Corporations Divisions, and if you have never been licensed before, you may apply for licensure By Examination.

Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent Application / Reinstatement

If your licensed has lapsed, you may apply to reinstate your license. A Residential Light Individual license covers residential basic and light commercial structures as limited by O.C.G.A. §43-41-1.

Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent – Prior Approval

If you have held this same license type before, apply for licensure by prior approval.

Renewal

If you hold a license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before June 30th of the even numbered year it expires to avoid late fees.

How to File

To file online:

Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal. 

To file by mail:

Once your checklist is completed, please mail all documents to:

Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217

Please note, endorsement applications must be submitted by paper only.

 

Contact

Group 20

Related Resources

Contact Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors