HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors (a division of the State Construction Industry Licensing Board)

   Georgia requires HVAC contractors to hold a state license issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board (SCILB). Applicants must have 4 years of HVAC experience, pass a state exam, and provide proof of $500,000 liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

   Official government source

   $200 application fee + $100 exam fee·6–10 weeks

   $200 application fee + $100 exam fee

   6–10 weeks

1. City of Atlanta Business License (Occupation Tax Certificate)

   HVAC contractors operating in Atlanta must obtain a Business Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue. Separately, a mechanical permit must be pulled for each HVAC project through the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning's Office of Buildings, which issues building and trade permits and conducts the related inspections.

   Official government source

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page. Mechanical permit fees are set by the Office of Buildings' current fee schedule and scale with project valuation - confirm the current amount with the Office of Buildings.·1–3 weeks

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page. Mechanical permit fees are set by the Office of Buildings' current fee schedule and scale with project valuation - confirm the current amount with the Office of Buildings.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Atlanta Office of Buildings
• Georgia SCILB — HVAC Licensing

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