Get a Professional Certification or License
Many professions in Georgia require a license or certification before you can legally work in that field.
State agencies are responsible for licensing and certifying different professions. Application requirements vary by profession and licensing authority. Depending on your profession, you may also be able to transfer an out-of-state license or certification through reciprocity or endorsement.
How Do I … Get or Renew a Professional Certification or License?
-
Gather What You'll Need
When applying for a professional license or certification, you may need:
- Proof of identity, such as a valid passport, Social Security number, or driver’s license
- A completed application, as required by your profession and licensing agency
- Payment for applicable fees
- Documentation of an out-of-state license or certification, if transferring credentials to Georgia
- Proof of required education, training, or work experience, such as official transcripts or employment verification, if applicable
-
Find the Appropriate State Agency
Different state agencies oversee professional licensing and certification programs.
For example, many professional licenses, including those for nurses, architects, counselors, and plumbers, are administered by the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division. Other professions are regulated by specialized state agencies.
Visit the appropriate agency to apply for, renew, or verify licensing requirements and determine whether your out-of-state credentials may qualify for reciprocity or endorsement.
List of professions that need special certification in Georgia Profession or Industry State Organization Various (Architecture, Nursing, Therapy, etc.) Georgia Secretary of State Educators Georgia Professional Standards Commission Law State Bar of Georgia Physicians Georgia Composite Medical Board Insurance Agents Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Animal and Plant Industry Georgia Department of Agriculture Real Estate Agents Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board Dentists Georgia Board of Dentistry Pharmacists Georgia Board of Pharmacy Commercial Drivers Georgia Department of Driver Services -
Apply for or Renew Your Professional License or Certification
If your profession is regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division, licensing transactions are managed through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS).
- Existing license holders must verify their accounts in GOALS before accessing licensing services.
- New applicants must create a GOALS account to begin the application process.
- GOALS serves as the primary platform for license applications, renewals, updates, and other licensing transactions.
Please not that not all license and application types are available online. Certain professions, endorsement requests, and other specialized applications may still require paper forms and supporting documentation. Review the requirements for your specific profession before applying.
If your profession is regulated by another state agency, follow that agency's application and renewal instructions.
-
Next Steps
- Keep a copy of your license or certification for your records.
- Most professional licenses and certifications require periodic renewal.
- Review the applicable renewal schedule and expiration requirements for your profession to maintain an active license status.
Last updated June 2026