After registering your LLC, the next question is: do I need a license to work? The answer depends on what you do and where you do it.
Georgia doesn't have a "general business license" at the state level. But that doesn't mean you don't need anything. Depending on your trade and location, you may need licenses from the state, county, and city.
How the system works in Georgia
There are three levels of licenses:
State level: For regulated trades like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or pest control. Given by the state of Georgia.
County level: Many counties (Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb) require an occupation license or "business license" to operate there.
City level: Cities like Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta have their own requirements beyond the county.
You may need a license from all three levels, or from none — it depends on your situation.
Businesses that DON'T need a state license
Most basic service businesses don't require a state license in Georgia:
- House and office cleaning
- Landscaping and lawn care (without applying pesticides)
- Local moves (without crossing state lines)
- Painting
- Pressure washing
- Handyman (minor work without plumbing or electrical)
- Carpet cleaning
- Home organization
For these businesses, you only need to check your county and city requirements.
Businesses that DO need a state license
These trades are regulated by the state of Georgia and do require a license:
| Trade | Licensing entity |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors |
| Electrical | State Construction Industry Licensing Board |
| HVAC (heating and air) | State Construction Industry Licensing Board |
| Pest control | Georgia Department of Agriculture |
| General contractor (large projects) | State Licensing Board |
| Cosmetology / barbering | Georgia Board of Cosmetology |
| Real estate | Georgia Real Estate Commission |
If your work includes plumbing or electrical, even if "minor", you technically need a license or need to work under someone who has one.
County licenses in the Atlanta area
Each county has its own process. Here are the most common:
Gwinnett County:
- Requires "Business License" to operate in the county
- Obtained at the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner
- Cost: varies by type of business, generally $50-150/year
Cobb County:
- Business License required
- Processed at Cobb County Business License Division
- Need to show registered LLC and insurance (if applicable)
Fulton County:
- Business License required
- Online process available
DeKalb County:
- Requires Business License
- Also requires "Occupational Tax Certificate"
Tip: Search Google for "business license [county name] Georgia" to find your county's official site.
City licenses
If you work in an incorporated city, check that specific city's requirements. Examples:
City of Atlanta:
- Requires city business license
- Processed at Atlanta Department of Finance
Roswell:
- Business License required to operate within city limits
- Renewed yearly
Marietta:
- Occupational Tax Certificate required
Not all cities require an additional license. Unincorporated areas only follow county rules.
How to know what you need
Follow these steps:
- Identify your trade — Is it on the list of state-regulated trades? If yes, you need a state license.
- Identify where you work — In which county(s)? Inside any incorporated city?
- Contact the county — Call or visit the website of the Tax Commissioner or Business License Department of your county.
- Contact the city — If you work inside an incorporated city, verify their requirements.
- Ask directly — When in doubt, call. It's better to ask before than to receive a fine after.
Liability Insurance
Although it's not a "license", many clients and contracts require it.
General Liability Insurance covers damage you cause while working — if you break something at the client's house, for example.
- Typical cost: $400-800/year for small businesses
- Many counties ask for it to issue the business license
- Almost all commercial contracts (offices, buildings) require it
It's not required by law for all trades, but in practice you need it to work seriously.
Summary: what to do
- Register your LLC — That's first (if you haven't done it)
- Check if your trade requires a state license — If yes, get it
- Get your county license — Almost all metro Atlanta counties require it
- Check your city — If you work in an incorporated city
- Consider insurance — It's not a license, but you'll need it
What's next
With your LLC and licenses in order, your business is legal. But legal doesn't mean visible.
The next step is for people to find you when they search for your service on Google. That starts with your Google Business profile and your own website.