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Last Updated:|Reflects current Georgia contractor bond requirements
✓ 2025 Requirements Verified

Georgia Contractor License Bond

$25,000 • Trade-Specific Licensing

Georgia's trade-specific licensing approach ensures specialized expertise across all construction sectors. Treasury-authorized surety carriers provide instant bond approval for Georgia contractors in the diverse Peach State market.

Secretary of State Approved
Instant Approval
All Trade Classifications

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Fast approval • Competitive rates

Fast approvalA- rated carriersAll 50 states
30-45
Days to License
$25,000
Standard Bond
6
Trade Classifications
2 Years
License Term

Georgia Trade Classifications

General Contractor
$25,000
4 years
Business & Law + General Contracting
Residential Basic Contractor
$25,000
2 years
Business & Law + Residential
Utility Contractor
$25,000
4 years
Business & Law + Utility
Electrical Contractor
$25,000
Master electrician
Business & Law
Low Voltage Contractor
$25,000
2 years
Business & Law + Low Voltage
Conditioned Air Contractor
$25,000
HVAC certification
Business & Law

Georgia Construction Markets

Atlanta Metro
Major corporate headquarters, international airport hub, diverse economy

Opportunities

Commercial high-rise, corporate facilities, transportation infrastructure

Specialties

LEED certification, international business facilities, airport construction

Savannah/Coastal
Historic preservation, port development, tourism infrastructure

Opportunities

Historic renovation, port facilities, resort development

Specialties

Historic preservation, maritime construction, hurricane resilience

Augusta/Columbus
Military installations, manufacturing, healthcare facilities

Opportunities

Government contracting, industrial facilities, medical centers

Specialties

Military construction, cybersecurity facilities, medical equipment

Complete Georgia Contractor Licensing Process

1
Determine Your Trade Classification
Choose from General Contractor, Residential Basic, Utility, Electrical, Low Voltage, or Conditioned Air. Each classification has specific experience requirements (2-4 years) and scope of work limitations.
2
Pass Required Examinations
Complete both the Business & Law exam and your trade-specific exam through PSI testing. Business exam covers Georgia construction law, contract requirements, and business practices. Trade exams test technical knowledge.
3
Verify Experience Requirements
Document your experience through employer verification, W-2s, or business tax returns. General and Utility contractors need 4 years; Residential Basic and Low Voltage need 2 years; Electrical and HVAC need specific certifications.
4
Obtain $25,000 Contractor License Bond
Purchase your Georgia contractor license bond from Treasury-authorized carriers. All classifications require the same $25,000 bond amount. Costs range from $250-$1,250 annually based on credit score.
5
Secure General Liability Insurance
While not required for licensing, general liability insurance is essential for most projects. Many clients require $1-2 million in coverage. Costs vary by classification and risk level.
6
Submit Application to Secretary of State
Complete Georgia Secretary of State application with exam scores, experience documentation, bond, and fees ($100-$300). Processing takes 30-45 days. Incomplete applications cause delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Georgia contractor license and bond?
To get a Georgia contractor license and bond, first determine your classification (General, Residential Basic, Utility, Electrical, Low Voltage, or Conditioned Air). Pass both the Business & Law exam and your trade-specific exam through PSI testing. Submit your application to the Georgia Secretary of State with 2-4 years of experience documentation, a $25,000 surety bond, proof of insurance, and fees ($100-$300). Processing takes 30-45 days. You can purchase your Georgia contractor license bond instantly through our online system while completing licensing requirements.
How much is a Georgia contractor license bond?
A Georgia contractor license bond ($25,000 requirement for all classifications) costs $250-$1,250 annually depending on your credit score. With excellent credit (750+), expect $250-$375 (1%). Good credit (680-749) costs $375-$625 (1.5-2.5%). Fair credit (620-679) ranges $625-$1,250 (2.5-5%).
What are Georgia Secretary of State contractor licensing requirements?
Georgia requires $25,000 bonds for all contractor classifications through the Secretary of State. Each trade has specific experience and examination requirements. The licensing system emphasizes trade-specific expertise and consumer protection.
Why is Atlanta a major construction market?
Atlanta hosts major corporate headquarters including Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot. The international airport hub, Fortune 500 presence, and diverse economy drive significant commercial construction, creating opportunities for licensed contractors across all trades.
How do Georgia trade classifications work?
Georgia has six main trade classifications: General Contractor, Residential Basic, Utility, Electrical, Low Voltage, and Conditioned Air. Each requires specific experience, examinations, and the $25,000 bond. Trade-specific licensing ensures specialized expertise.
What are historic preservation requirements in Savannah?
Savannah historic projects require compliance with Historic District regulations, specialized preservation techniques, and often additional bonding. Contractors must demonstrate experience with historic materials, architectural integrity, and preservation standards.
Can I do military construction work in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia has major military installations including Fort Benning and Kings Bay. Military construction requires federal bonding (performance and payment bonds) in addition to state licensing, plus potential security clearances for classified facilities.
How does LEED certification affect Georgia contractors?
Many Atlanta corporate projects require LEED certification. Georgia contractors benefit from green building expertise, as sustainable construction is increasingly common in commercial, institutional, and government projects throughout the state.
Are Georgia bonds backed by Treasury-authorized surety carriers?
Yes, Georgia contractor bonds must be issued by Treasury-authorized surety carriers authorized in Georgia. These carriers meet federal Department of Treasury standards, ensuring financial stability and claims payment ability for consumer protection.
What NASCLA benefits apply to Georgia contractors?
Georgia participates in NASCLA (www.nascla.org), enabling reciprocal licensing in other member states. This streamlines multi-state operations, reduces exam requirements, and facilitates expansion for Georgia contractors working regionally.
All Contractor Bonds

Southeastern & National Contractor Licensing Programs

Official Georgia Contractor Resources

Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.
Government Agency Links
Georgia Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing →

Official licensing agency. Access applications, bond requirements, exam information, and license verification.

U.S. Department of Treasury - Surety Bond Program →

Federal certification standards for surety carriers authorized in Georgia.

NASCLA - National Contractor Licensing Reciprocity →

Multi-state contractor licensing reciprocity information for Georgia contractors.

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