GA Business License Basics
If you have a business in Georgia you are required to have a license to operate. There are many different types of Georgia business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t understand the licensing rules in Georgia and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Georgia
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in any of these federally regulated activities you will need to get a federal business license.
Activities that'll be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Many Georgia businesses must obtain some kind of state business license so as to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Georgia business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Georgia governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some type of local business license in order to operate in Georgia.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Georgia Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Georgia will vary depending on which type of business license you have to get. Regardless of what type of license you are attempting to get you will have to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you will have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of Georgia business licenses they need to get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need assistance with licensing, the SBA is the perfect place to learn more.
Maintaining Your Georgia Business License
Once you get your Georgia business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Monitor when licenses and permits have to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you intend to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.