Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Georgia Master Plumber License

   Required to perform or contract for plumbing work in Georgia. Issued by the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, one of the five sub-boards of the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, administered by the Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division. Requirements include qualifying plumbing experience, passing a state exam, and proof of required insurance; confirm current experience, insurance and fee requirements with the Division.

   Official government source

   Confirm current application and examination fees on the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers fee schedule·4–8 weeks

   Confirm current application and examination fees on the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers fee schedule

   4–8 weeks

2. Georgia Business Registration (if LLC/Corporation)

   File with the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division to register your business entity. Required for LLCs and corporations.

   Official government source

   $110 to file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) - a $100 filing fee plus a $10 service charge, the same online or on paper - effective September 6, 2025. Every LLC and corporation then owes a $60 annual registration, due April 1 each year. Source: Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division Filing Fees Schedule.·7-10 business days for online filings; about 15 business days for paper filings. Optional expedited review costs $120 (two business days), $275 (same day), or $1,200 (one hour) on top of the filing fee.

   $110 to file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) - a $100 filing fee plus a $10 service charge, the same online or on paper - effective September 6, 2025. Every LLC and corporation then owes a $60 annual registration, due April 1 each year. Source: Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division Filing Fees Schedule.

   7-10 business days for online filings; about 15 business days for paper filings. Optional expedited review costs $120 (two business days), $275 (same day), or $1,200 (one hour) on top of the filing fee.

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

   All businesses operating in Atlanta must obtain an Occupation Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. This is required annually and is based on the number of employees or profitability class.

   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.·1–2 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.

   1–2 weeks

2. City of Atlanta — Contractor Registration

   Plumbing work in Atlanta requires a Georgia Master or Journeyman Plumber license from the Secretary of State's construction licensing board, and the Office of Buildings requires the contractor's license as a supplemental document during permit review and closeout. A plumbing contractor doing business in the city also needs a City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) from the Office of Revenue. No separate city-issued contractor registration number is published by the Office of Buildings.

   Official government source

   No published city contractor registration fee. The city cost is the Occupational Tax Certificate: for tax year 2026, a $191 registration fee plus a $50 flat tax plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt) plus (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 times the NAICS class rate, renewed by February 15.·Have the state license and Occupational Tax Certificate in hand before applying for trade permits; trade permits are handled by the Office of Buildings Trades workstream.

   No published city contractor registration fee. The city cost is the Occupational Tax Certificate: for tax year 2026, a $191 registration fee plus a $50 flat tax plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt) plus (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 times the NAICS class rate, renewed by February 15.

   Have the state license and Occupational Tax Certificate in hand before applying for trade permits; trade permits are handled by the Office of Buildings Trades workstream.

Official Sources

• Georgia Secretary of State — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• City of Atlanta Office of Buildings

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