50-State Real Estate Broker Licensing Compliance Guide
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Georgia Real Estate License

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Licensing requirements for Georgia brokerage firms.

A business entity offering real estate brokerage services to the public typically must register with the real estate commission before conducting business activity. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Company Licenses

Georgia Real Estate Company Licenses

Georgia Real Estate Firm License

Agency:Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies 
  • Limited Partnerships 
  • General Partnership 
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Financial Requirements:

If the firm and its agents receive real estate escrow/trust funds, the institute name and account number are required. 

Insurance Requirements:

Firms that provide community association management services and collect, maintain, control, have access to or disburse community association funds must be covered by a fidelity bond or fidelity insurance if those funds at any time total more than $60,000.00. That coverage must be for an amount at least equal to three months' assessments due from all members of the association or associations managed plus any reserves that the association or associations require the broker to maintain.

Qualifying Individual Requirements:

The qualifying broker must:

  • Attach a notarized Lawful Presence Verification form and a Secure and Verifiable Document.
  • Attach a Georgia Criminal Information Center report (GCIC) if you are a Georgia resident. If you are not a resident of Georgia, attach an equivalent report from your state of residency. This report must not be more than 60 days old.
  • Submit a `Real Estate Reciprocal Application' along with the application if the Broker needs to become licensed in Georgia
  • Ensure  the qualifying broker is a partner (if partnership), a member or the manager (if LLC), or an officer (if a corporation), or has ownership interest in the firm (sole proprietorship)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application to Open a Real Estate Firm
Lawful Presence Verification

Instructions:
  1. This form can be filled out on-line.
  2. Print TWO copies: one to sign and submit for processing and one for your records.
  3. If a fee and/or documentation are required, attach to the application and mail to the address above.
Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$275

Turnaround:

Once the completed application, including all supporting documents, is received the license will be issued within 15 business days. An application requiring background investigation will require additional time to process.

Penalties:

Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed and result in a $25.00 charge

Before you Apply:
  • Firm Name for a Sole Proprietorship must include the Broker's First and Last Name or a ttach a copy of the Registered Trade Name Certification 
  • Firm Name for a Corporation or LLC must match the Certificate of Organization or Authority or attach a copy of the Registered Trade Name Certification
How to Apply:
  • The control number from the Georgia Secretary of State is required with this application.  You can locate this number on the certificate issued or on the website. (www.sos.state.ga.us).
Required Attachments:
  • Resident Corporations: attach a Certificate of Incorporation
  • Resident Limited Liability Companies: attach a Certificate of Organization
  • Resident Limited Partnerships: attach a Certificate of Partnership
  • Resident General Partnership: attach a Partnership Agreement
  • Foreign Corporations: attach a Certificate of Authority
  • Foreign Limited Liability Companies: Certificate of Authority
  • Foreign Limited Partnerships: attach a Certificate of Authority
  • Foreign General Partnerships:  attach a Partnership Agreement
  • Broker: Attach a notarized Lawful Presence Verification form and a Secure and Verifiable Document and a Georgia Criminal Information Center report (GCIC) if you are a Georgia Resident. If you are not a resident of Georgia, attach an equivalent report from your state of residency. This report must not be more than 60 days old. A report from a party other than a law enforcement agency is not acceptable
Bond Amount:

Firms that provide community association management services and collect, maintain, control, have access to, or disburse community association funds must be covered by a fidelity bond or fidelity insurance if those funds at any time total more than $60,000.00. That coverage must be for an amount at least equal to three months' assessments due from all members of the association or associations managed plus any reserves that the association or associations require the broker to maintain.

Background Check Requirements: ACCESS PREMIUM DATA

Registration Renewal

Form:

Mail-in Firm Renewal

Agency Fee:

$125

Due:

Every 4 years by date of issuance.

Individual Licenses

Georgia Individual Real Estate Licenses

Georgia Real Estate Broker License

Agency:Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$170

Notes:

License applications are provided after passing the exam.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Mail-In Renewal Application for Individual Licensee

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$125

Due:

Every 4 years.

Georgia Real Estate Salesperson License

Agency:Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$170

Notes:

License applications are provided after passing the exam.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Mail-In Renewal Application for Individual Licensee

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$125

Due:

Every 4 years.

Learn about real estate licensing in other states:

Associate Broker - Associate brokers are qualified to work independently as a broker, but choose to work under the authority of a designated broker.

On-Site Manager - A broker or salesperson who oversees the operations of a branch office under the authority of the designated broker.

Qualifying Broker/Designated Broker - An experienced and licensed real estate broker responsible for management and operation of a real estate firm.

Real Estate - Land, buildings, and their permanent improvements and fixtures. Also called "real property" in contrast to personal property.

Real Estate Agent - This term refers generally to any licensed real estate professional.

Reciprocity - Reciprocity makes it easier for out-of-state real estate firms to gain approval to operate in a foreign state by streamlining some licensing requirements.

Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO)
Offers a license verification database accross 43 jurisdictions.

NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Agencies
Aid education, research, and advocacy efforts in the real estate industry.

National Association of Realtors
Real estate trade organization that provides information and resources for development of the real estate industry.

Urban Land Institute
Research and education association concerned with responsible land use and creating sustainable communities.