Georgia Business License
You can obtain a Georgia business license online. This is also referred to as a seller's permit or general business license in Georgia or the Georgia Buying Service License. Like other states, this is a business tax certificate, used to collect corporate income tax.
Learn how to get federal, state, and local licenses and permits for your small business, including the occupational tax certificate seller’s permit.
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How to Get a Business License in GA
Get a business license online for your limited liability company or other legal business entity by applying with the correct licensing or regulatory agency for your business.
Business licensing requirements in Georgia, generally depend on your business’s activity and location (zoning requirements).
There are three main licensing jurisdictions:
- State
- Local
- Federal
State of Georgia Business Licensing
The main state-level permit or license in Georgia is the seller’s permit.
You must obtain a seller's permit if you:
- Are engaged in business in Georgia
- Intend to sell or lease goods or services subject to sales tax.
Visit the Georgia Tax Center to obtain a seller’s permit.
Additionally, some industries and professions are required to obtain additional licenses or permits. Check with the Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division for more information.
Steps for Obtaining a Business License in Georgia
Georgia Seller’s Permit
You can obtain a Georgia seller’s permit online. You will need to register as a new business, which then allows you to register for any other required taxes.
Apply for a Georgia Seller’s Permit
Apply Online With the Georgia Tax Center
Apply OnlineFee: None
Other Georgia Business Licenses
The processes for obtaining additional Georgia business licenses you may need vary. Contact the Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division and your local government office for more information.
Renewal
Georgia seller’s permits do not be renewed. Check with other relevant state or local government offices about renewal processes for other licenses your business has.
Local Georgia Business Licensing
Local business owners in Georgia may face a range of regulations when it comes to obtaining the proper licensing for their operations. Depending on the nature of the business, certain signage permits from local city governments may be necessary to comply with zoning ordinances and other safety regulations.
For example, the City of Atlanta requires all businesses to obtain a general business license. They also require certain professions to get a separate regulatory permit.
An alcohol license may also be required for those businesses that sell liquor.
Businesses that are involved in health care or social services will need to apply for additional certifications from the state government which regulates business licenses.
In addition, it is important for business owners who wish to operate in multiple counties or cities across Georgia to understand which local authorities require specific permitting and licensing procedures.
For example, some cities have special requirements related to noise pollution levels or sanitation practices that must be followed by all businesses operating within their jurisdiction.
Contact your local county or city government office for more information about local business licenses you may need.
Federal Business Licenses and Permits
You can get a business license by applying with the correct licensing and regulatory agency for your business. Business licensing requirements depend on your business’s activity and location (zoning requirements).
If your business conducts activities that are regulated by the federal government, you will need to apply for the appropriate business license or permit.
Choose a business activity below to learn how to apply:
Agriculture
Alcoholic beverages
Aviation
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
Fish and wildlife
Commercial fisheries
Maritime transportation
Nuclear energy
Radio and television broadcasting
Transportation and logistics
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GA Business License FAQ
Who needs a Georgia business license?
Any business that sells taxable goods or services needs a Georgia seller’s permit. Businesses in certain professions or locations may also need additional licenses and local permits, environmental permits, or other such licenses through the Superior court.
What licenses do I need to open a business in Georgia?
Most Georgia businesses will at least need a seller’s permit. Businesses in certain professions or locations in Georgia may also need additional licenses.
What is a seller’s permit?
A seller’s permit is the common name for a license or permit that allows you to sell products or services. In Georgia, a seller’s permit is a common name for the state’s sales and use tax registration through the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division. This permit is used for business taxes, to collect sales tax.
How much does a Georgia business license cost?
There is no fee for a Georgia seller’s permit, i.e business license. The cost of other state and local licenses varies. A new business should check with the Georgia Department of Revenue and Internal Revenue Service for more information about Georgia licenses and getting an Employer Identification Number. The local Chamber of Commerce can help with specific licenses used within the city limits at the local level.
How do I get a Georgia business license?
You can obtain a Georgia seller’s permit online with the Georgia Tax Center website. The processes for getting other Georgia business licenses vary.
Do I have to renew my Georgia business license?
You do not have to renew a seller’s permit in Georgia. Check with other relevant state or local government offices about renewal processes for other licenses your business has.