Pest Control 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)

2. EPA Federal Pesticide Requirements

   Federal law (FIFRA) requires all pesticide applicators to use only EPA-registered products and follow label instructions. Commercial applicators must maintain application records for at least 2 years.

   Official government source

   No federal fee·Ongoing compliance

   No federal fee

   Ongoing compliance

1. Georgia — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

   A Structural Pest Control Company License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Division is required, and the company must employ a Certified Operator. The Certified Operator needs two years of verifiable structural pest control experience (or a related degree plus one year), must pass the core exam plus a category exam, and recertifies every five years. All other technicians must hold a GDA Employee Registration.

   Official government source

   Company license $170 ($100 company license fee plus the required $70 research fee). Certified Operator: $45 examination fee per category plus a $100 certification fee, with a $100 renewal each odd-numbered year (expires June 30). Employee registration is $10, renewed at $10 by June 30.·Allow up to 45 days for GDA to approve a Certified Operator exam application, plus exam and company license processing.

   Company license $170 ($100 company license fee plus the required $70 research fee). Certified Operator: $45 examination fee per category plus a $100 certification fee, with a $100 renewal each odd-numbered year (expires June 30). Employee registration is $10, renewed at $10 by June 30.

   Allow up to 45 days for GDA to approve a Certified Operator exam application, plus exam and company license processing.

2. Georgia — Sales Tax / Business Registration

   Georgia taxes retail sales of tangible personal property plus a short enumerated list of services - accommodations, in-state transportation of individuals, sales of admissions, and charges for participation in games and amusement activities (O.C.G.A. 48-8-2(31), 48-8-30(f)(1)) - together with specified digital products since January 1, 2024. Pest control is not on that list, so pest control services are not taxable in Georgia; register only if you also sell taxable goods.

   Official government source

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.·Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.

   Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

1. Atlanta — General Business License

   Atlanta requires all businesses operating within city limits to obtain a general business license from the city. Pest control companies must renew annually and may be subject to additional zoning review.

   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. Georgia Department of Agriculture — Pest Control License

   Georgia requires pest control businesses to obtain a license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Structural Pest Control Division. All technicians performing work must be licensed or supervised by a licensed applicator.

   Official government source

   Exam and licensing fees vary; confirm the current fee schedule with the GDA Structural Pest Control Division (agr.georgia.gov/structural-pest-control or [email protected])·4–8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

   Exam and licensing fees vary; confirm the current fee schedule with the GDA Structural Pest Control Division (agr.georgia.gov/structural-pest-control or [email protected])

   4–8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

Official Sources

• Georgia Department of Agriculture — Pest Control License
• Atlanta City Business Licensing

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