Contractors

State law and local ordinances dictate that contractors must be licensed to perform certain work or to obtain permits to perform work under the jurisdiction of the Department of Inspection and Fees.

Single Trade Contractors
Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and certain other specialty trades must hold a valid "state card" issued by the Georgia Secretary of State office.

Residential/General Contractors
In 2008 a new Georgia law went into affect requiring certain general and residential contractors to hold a valid contractors "state card." For additional information on this requirement, including a copy of this law, please visit the Secretary of State website (off site).

Information about exemptions for certain types of specialty contractors can be found here (off site).

License Verification
If you need to verify the issuance of a "state card" from the Secretary of State office click here (off site).

Business License
In addition to a valid "state card" contractors must register their Georgia business license (except in Georgia municipalities where a license is not required) with the Department of Inspection and Fees before they can obtain a permit for trade or construction work.

Registration
Contractors desiring to register with the Department of Inspection and Fees can fax their current business license (Georgia municipalities only), along with the appropriate Georgia "state card" if applicable, to 478-751-7268.