Handyman License Requirements in McDuffie County, GA
Official site https://www.thomson-mcduffie.gov (consolidated Thomson-McDuffie government site). One OTC from the Planning Commission, issued for the jurisdiction where the business is located (Thomson city vs unincorporated county); Dearing is a separate city. Fee is based on employee count.
McDuffie County requirements
Official site https://www.thomson-mcduffie.gov (consolidated Thomson-McDuffie government site). One OTC from the Planning Commission, issued for the jurisdiction where the business is located (Thomson city vs unincorporated county); Dearing is a separate city. Fee is based on employee count.
Source link: thomson-mcduffie.gov · thomson-mcduffie.gov · thomson-mcduffie.gov · checked November 2, 2026
County business license
Required
- Name: Occupation Tax Certificate (business license) -- McDuffie County (unincorporated) or City of Thomson; Dearing has its own application
- Office: Thomson-McDuffie Planning Commission administers OTCs for both McDuffie County and the City of Thomson (706-597-7285)
- Fee: Based on greatest number of full- and part-time employees in prior calendar year (schedule on application)
"The Planning Commission administers occupation tax certificates for McDuffie County and the City of Thomson, although code enforcement and public safety signatures may differ depending on the jurisdiction that the business is applying within."
Source: thomson-mcduffie.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
None found on official sources
- Name: No county/city contractor registration found; state-certified trades must bring copy of state certificate with OTC application
"If State Certification is required you MUST bring in copy of certificate."
Source: thomson-mcduffie.gov · checked November 2, 2026
The Georgia rule
Regulator: State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Residential Contractor Division and General Contractor Division), Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division. Trades: State Construction Industry Licensing Board (O.C.G.A.
License required where 'the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00' (O.C.G.A. 43-41-2(9)). So $2,500.00 exactly is NOT over the line; $2,500.01+ requires a license. Separate 'repair' exception (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(g); Board Rule 553-8-.01) with no dollar cap: written disclosure to owner of unlicensed status; no subcontracting/delegation of supervision (employees OK); no life-safety or structural work (no load-bearing walls/beams); must obtain local permits and inspections; does not cover Chapter 14 trade work.
What counts toward it: other: the higher of total value of the work/activity OR the contractor's compensation (effectively labor+materials value)
"where the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00."
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
No state handyman registration.
Source: sos.ga.gov · rules.sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Georgia
State filing fee: $100.
Source: sos.ga.gov · sos.ga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Georgia rule and confirm with State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Residential Contractor Division and General Contractor Division), Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division. Trades: State Construction Industry Licensing Board (O.C.G.A..
- Line up the McDuffie County items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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