Georgia Contractor License Bond

In the state of Georgia, a contractor license bond is a mandatory surety bond for individuals or companies seeking to acquire a contractor's license. This bond acts as a financial assurance, confirming that the contractor will adhere to all state laws, regulations, and licensing criteria in Georgia. 

Example contractor at work

Pricing

Introducing our comprehensive pricing table for various types of contractor bonds. Here are the bond types and their respective bond amounts along with the starting prices:

Bond Type Bond Amount + Price
State Board for Residential and General Contractors Bond $25,000, starting at $225
Department of Revenue NonResident Contractors Tax Bond $1,000-$90,000, starting at $90
Department of Revenue NonResident Subcontractor Sales and Use Tax Bond $1,000-$90,000, starting at $90
Department of Natural Resources Pump Contractor Performance Bond $20,000, starting at $90
Department of Natural Resources Water Well Contractors and Drillers Performance Bond $30,000, starting at $90
Augusta/Richmond County Contractor Bond $1,000-$20,000, starting at $90
Bibb County Contractor Bond $1,000-$25,000, starting at $90
City of Douglasville Residential Contractor Bond $1,000-$25,000, starting at $90
City of East Point General Contractor Bond $25,000, starting at $113
City of East Point Tradesman Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Grovetown Contractor Bond Electrician & Low Voltage, Plumber, Mechanical HVAC $1,000, starting at $90
City of Grovetown Contractor Bond Specialty Contractor or Handyman, Pool Installer, Landscaper, Sprinkler System for Yard $5,000, starting at $90
City of Grovetown Contractor Bond Residential General Contractor $15,000, starting at $90
City of Grovetown Contractor Bond Commercial General Contractor $20,000, starting at $90
City of Harlem Contractor Bond Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Contractor $1,000, starting at $90
City of Harlem Contractor Bond Pool Contractors, Landscapers, Roofers, Yard Sprinkler Installers $5,000, starting at $90
City of Harlem Contractor Bond Residential Contractor $15,000, starting at $135
City of Harlem Contractor Bond Commercial Contractor $20,000, starting at $180
City of Lincolnton Contractor Bond $15,000, starting at $90
City of Lilburn Contractor Bond $25,000, starting at $90
City of Kennesaw Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Smyrna Contractor Bond $15,000, starting at $158
City of Thomson Contractor Bond $5,000, starting at $90
City of Valdosta Contractor Bond $1,000-$25,000, starting at $90
Columbia County Contractor Bond $1,000, starting at $90
Lincoln County Contractor Bond $15,000, starting at $135
McDuffie County Contractor Bond Subcontractor $1,000, starting at $90
McDuffie County Contractor Bond General or Residential Contractor $5,000, starting at $90
Monroe County Septic Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Newton County Residential Maintenance Bond $1,000-$90,000, starting at $90

 

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FAQs

What Contractors Are Required a Contractor License in Georgia?

In Georgia, any contractor working on a project valued over $2,500 must have a license. This requirement applies not only to general contractors, but also to specialty contractors.

General contractors licenses in Georgia are classified into four levels, each corresponding to the type of work performed. The appropriate classification is determined based on the nature of the contractor's work. The four classifications are:

  • General Contractor: These services can do many different kinds of work, offer bids for projects, or agree to perform various tasks.‍
  • General Contractor Limited Tier: These contractors can do any kind of work, but they can only work on contracts that are valued at less than $1,000,000.
  • ‍Residential-Basic Contractor: These contractors specialize in working on homes with one or two families, as well as single-family townhouses that are no taller than three stories.‍
  • Residential-Light Commercial Contractor: These contractors can do everything that is covered by the Residential Basic license, and additionally, they are allowed to work on projects related to multifamily and multi-use light commercial buildings and structures.

Additionally, the state of Georgia does licenses for contractors who specialize in:

Who Regulates Contractor Licensing in Georgia?

The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board is responsible for handling licenses for contractors in Georgia. If you have any licensing or general questions, you can contact them at 404-424-9966 or email Trades4@sos.ga.gov. 

What are the Basic Requirements for Georgia Contractor License?

To apply for a Georgia contractor license, regardless of the category, there are several core requirements that you must fulfill. The basic requirements for filing a Georgia contractor license application are:

  • At least 21 years old
  • Be a US citizen or a qualified alien
  • Pass a background check
  • Pay the application fee (depends on the license type)

What are the Financial and Insurance Requirements for General and Residential Contractors in Georgia?

Residential Basic Contractor

  • Proof of financial responsibility by one of the following: Minimum net worth of $25,000, Bank Credit Reference Form, $25,000 Surety Bond, $25,000 Line of Credit Letter, $25,000 Letter of Credit  
  • Proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000.00 per occurrence.
  • Proof of workers' compensation insurance as required by Georgia law (3 or more employees in Georgia)  
  • There are no financial limits to any project contracts.

Residential-Light Commercial Contractor

  • Proof of financial responsibility by one of the following: Minimum net worth of $25,000, Bank Credit Reference Form, $25,000 Surety Bond, $25,000 Line of Credit Letter, $25,000 Letter of Credit  
  • Proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000.00 per occurrence.
  • Proof of workers' compensation insurance as required by Georgia law (3 or more employees in Georgia).  
  • There are no financial limits to any project contracts.

General Contractor

  • Must affirm a minimum net worth of $150,000. Proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000.00 per occurrence.  
  • Proof workers' compensation insurance as required by Georgia law (3 or more employees in Georgia).  
  • There are no financial limits to any project contracts.

General Contractor Limited Tier

  • Must affirm a minimum net worth of $25,000.  
  • Proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000.00 per occurrence.
  • Proof of workers' compensation insurance as required by Georgia law (3 or more employees in Georgia).  
  • Financial limit as to any contract of no more than $1,000,000
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What are the Examinations Required for General and Residential Contractors in Georgia? 

Residential Basic Contractor

Residential-Light Commercial Contractor

General Contractor and General Contractor Limited Tier

Does Georgia have Licensing Reciprocity?

Yes, Georgia does have licensing reciprocity. A licensing reciprocity is when states acknowledge a license obtained in another state, allowing the contractor to avoid going through the entire process of obtaining a new license. It's similar to how your driver's license is recognized in different states, meaning you don't have to prove your driving abilities each time you visit a new state because they accept the validity of your driver's license from your home state.

If you are a general contractor licensed from these states, then you have licensing reciprocity:

  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • Tennessee

If you are a residential contractor licensed from these states, then you also have licensing reciprocity: 

  • Mississippi
  • South Carolina
  • Louisiana

What is the Georgia Veterans Preference Points?

The Geogia Veterans Preference Points is a program that provides additional points or advantages to military veterans during the application process for certain licenses, permits, or government jobs. The goal is to recognize and honor the service of veterans by giving them preferential treatment in selection processes.

Under Georgia's Veterans Preference Points program, veterans who are applying for a contractor license may be eligible for:

  • Point credit toward their examination
  • Expedited application process

You must meet one of the following categories to qualify for the program:

  • Category One: A veteran who served in the United States armed forces during wartime or any conflict when military personnel were committed by the President, and has been honorably discharged from active duty or is on active duty in the reserve component (including the National Guard) 
  • Category Two: Active or reserve member of the United States Armed Forces (including the National Guard)
  • Category Three: Transitioning service member of the military who is on active duty status, or on separation leave, who is within 24 months of retiring or 12 months of separation;
  • Category Four: The spouse of persons who qualify in category 2 and/or category 3

Additional Resources

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