Personal Trainer Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

1. 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. No State License Required for Personal Trainers in Georgia

   Georgia does not require a state-issued license to work as a personal trainer or to own a personal training studio. Industry certifications (NASM-CPT, ACE-CPT, NSCA-CSCS, ACSM) are industry credentials expected by clients and commercial gym operators, but are not government mandates.

   Official government source

   $400–$1,000 (varies by certifying organization)·Self-study: 3–6 months; exam: 1 day

   $400–$1,000 (varies by certifying organization)

   Self-study: 3–6 months; exam: 1 day

2. Georgia Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

   If operating as an LLC or corporation, register with the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division. Sole proprietors using a trade name should file with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Fulton County.

   Official government source

   $110 total ($100 filing fee + $10 mandatory service charge)·5–7 business days (online)

   $110 total ($100 filing fee + $10 mandatory service charge)

   5–7 business days (online)

3. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Personal training services are generally not subject to Georgia sales tax. However, if you sell retail products (supplements, merchandise), you must collect and remit the 4% state sales tax plus local option tax (total ~8.9% in Fulton County). Registration is free.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via Georgia Tax Center)

   Free

   Immediate (online via Georgia Tax Center)

1. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

   Required for any personal trainer operating a studio or independent fitness business within Atlanta city limits. Issued by the Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue. Renewed annually.

   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.·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.

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Atlanta Certificate of Occupancy (for fitness studio)

   Opening a dedicated personal training studio in a commercial space in Atlanta requires a Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of City Planning's Office of Buildings, confirming the space is approved for the intended fitness use. A change of use from a prior tenant triggers plan review through the Commercial or Light Commercial workstream; fire and life safety review applies to assembly-type uses.

   Official government source

   Set by the City of Atlanta's adopted permit fee schedule and driven by project scope and valuation. The Office of Buildings assesses and invoices permitting, arborist, fire, and stormwater review fees at closeout and they are paid in the online permitting portal - ask for a fee estimate at intake rather than budgeting a flat amount.·2-6 weeks including plan review and inspections; longer if a change of use or build-out is involved.

   Set by the City of Atlanta's adopted permit fee schedule and driven by project scope and valuation. The Office of Buildings assesses and invoices permitting, arborist, fire, and stormwater review fees at closeout and they are paid in the online permitting portal - ask for a fee estimate at intake rather than budgeting a flat amount.

   2-6 weeks including plan review and inspections; longer if a change of use or build-out is involved.

Official Sources

• City of Atlanta — Occupational Tax Certificate
• City of Atlanta — Office of Buildings Permits and Inspections
• Georgia Secretary of State — Corporations Division
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Georgia Tax Center

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