Get a Professional Certification or License

Your profession may require a license or certification to work in Georgia.

State agencies certify and license different types of professionals. Certification or license applications vary by industry and state organization. You may be able to transfer your out-of-state certification to a state equivalent.

How Do I … Get or Renew a Professional Certification or License?

Gather What You'll Need

Proof of identity, such as a valid passport, Social Security number, or driver’s license.
Application, which may vary by profession and certifying state organization.
Form of payment.
Your certification or license from another state, if you are transferring an existing out-of-state license. Some out-of-state certificates for certain professions, such as teachers, may be eligible for interstate reciprocity.
Proof of required experience, if applicable. For example, if your certification requires formal education or training, you may need to provide official transcripts.

Find a State Agency

Different state organizations are responsible for certifying various industry professionals. For example, many professional certifications, such as nurses and plumbers, are processed by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS). Visit the respective state organization to apply for or renew your professional license, or to learn if your out-of-state license is transferrable.

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 certified by SOS, you can purchase or renew your professional license or certification through the Professional Licensing Boards Division’s online portal . If your profession is certified by another organization, please follow their application instructions.

Next Steps

Please keep a copy of your certification for your records.
Your license or certification may have to be renewed regularly. See list of license expiration and renewal dates .