Business License in Atlanta, GA: What You Need to Know to Get Legal and Stay Compliant

If you’re planning to start a business in Atlanta, Georgia—whether it’s a small home-based operation, a storefront in Midtown, or a consulting practice—you’ll almost always need a business license, officially called an Occupational Tax Certificate.

This guide walks you through how business licenses work in Atlanta, who needs one, how to apply, what it costs, and how to stay in good standing with the City of Atlanta and, when needed, Fulton or DeKalb County.

What Is a Business License in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, what many people call a “business license” is legally an Occupational Tax Certificate issued by the City of Atlanta.

It serves three main purposes:

• Authorizes you to legally operate a business within the city limits
• Registers your business with the city for occupational tax and fee purposes
• Helps the city track, regulate, and zone businesses for safety and planning

If your business location is inside the Atlanta city limits, you typically need a City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate, even if you:

• Work from home
• Operate online or by appointment
• Are a freelancer, consultant, or independent contractor

You may also need additional local, state, or special permits, depending on your industry (for example, alcohol sales, food service, or professional licensing).

City of Atlanta vs. County and State: Who Regulates What?

Atlanta spans multiple counties, primarily Fulton County and DeKalb County. It’s important to know which government handles what:

• City of Atlanta

  • Occupational Tax Certificate (business license)
  • Zoning approval and home occupation rules
  • Many local permits and inspections

• Fulton County / DeKalb County

  • Property tax and some additional permitting
  • Health department permits for certain food or personal-care businesses
  • Some unincorporated areas have separate business licensing, but if you are inside the City of Atlanta, you deal with the city for your main license.

• State of Georgia

  • State-level professional licenses (barbers, real estate agents, contractors, etc.)
  • Alcohol licensing at the state level
  • Sales and use tax registration

Most Atlanta-based businesses will need to interact with all three levels at some point, but your core “business license” for Atlanta is issued by the City of Atlanta.

Who Needs a Business License in Atlanta?

In general, you must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate if you:

• Operate a business location in Atlanta (office, retail, restaurant, warehouse, salon, etc.)
• Run a home-based business within city limits
• Provide services in Atlanta on an ongoing basis as an independent contractor
• Use your Atlanta address for business mailing or operations

Common examples that typically require a business license:

• Restaurants, bars, coffee shops
• Retail stores, boutiques, and pop-up shops with a recurring location
• Professional offices (lawyers, accountants, consultants)
• Salons, barbershops, spas, tattoo studios
• Contractors and trades (if headquartered in Atlanta)
• Rideshare fleets or transportation companies based in Atlanta
• Short-term rental operators, in coordination with specific STR rules

Situations that may need extra review:

• Nonprofits operating within the city
• Home-based businesses with customer visits or deliveries
• Businesses working only temporarily in Atlanta (events, short-term projects)

The City of Atlanta generally expects any for-profit activity conducted from an Atlanta address to be licensed, even if it’s part-time.

Key Offices and Contact Information in Atlanta

Here are some key offices involved in business licensing:

City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue
(Handles Occupational Tax Certificates / business licenses)

• Typical downtown location: Atlanta City Hall or nearby city offices
• General phone lines and email are usually available during business hours
• Walk-in services may be offered; hours can vary, so checking ahead is recommended

Zoning and Planning (City of Atlanta)

• Reviews whether your proposed use is allowed at your address
• Important for both commercial and home-based businesses

Fulton County & DeKalb County Health Departments

• Involved when your business handles food, certain personal services, or environmental health issues

Because office locations and phone numbers can occasionally change, many residents confirm office hours and contact details through the City of Atlanta’s main information line or via the city’s official site before visiting.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Business License in Atlanta

1. Confirm Your Business is Inside Atlanta City Limits

Before you do anything else, verify that your business address is actually within the City of Atlanta boundaries, not just “Atlanta” by mailing address.

• Some addresses say “Atlanta, GA” but are in unincorporated Fulton/DeKalb or a nearby city.
• If you are in another jurisdiction, you may need that city or county’s license instead.

The City of Atlanta and counties typically offer online GIS/locator tools or map assistance, or you can call the city to confirm.

2. Check Zoning and Use Approval

Atlanta will only issue a license if your proposed business matches the zoning for the property.

Expect to:

• Provide your physical address
• Describe your type of business (for example, “nail salon,” “professional office,” “short-term rental,” “retail clothing”)
• Confirm parking, signage, and occupancy plans if relevant

If you’re leasing commercial space, ask your property manager or landlord if your intended use is allowed. In many Atlanta commercial buildings, certain uses are already anticipated, but you still need city sign-off.

For home-based businesses in Atlanta, there are often rules like:

• Limited number of customers visiting the home
• Restrictions on signage
• Limitations on noise, traffic, and commercial vehicles
• No industrial or disruptive activities from a residence

Make sure your planned activities comply with home occupation rules if you won’t be in a commercial space.

3. Register Your Business with the State of Georgia (If Required)

Before the city will issue your license, you may need to:

• Choose a business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership)
• Register with the Georgia Secretary of State if you form an LLC, corporation, or some partnerships
• Obtain a Sales and Use Tax number from the Georgia Department of Revenue if you sell taxable goods or certain services

If you’re a sole proprietor using your legal name only and not forming an LLC or corporation, you may not have to file with the Secretary of State. However, if you use a trade name (DBA), county-level registration is often required.

4. Gather the Information You’ll Need

For an Atlanta business license application, you can generally expect to need:

• Business name and any trade names
• Physical business address in Atlanta
• Mailing address, if different
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (for sole proprietors)
• State business registration details (for LLCs/corporations)
• Description of business activities
• Estimated gross revenue (the city’s occupational tax is partly based on this)
• Ownership information (names, addresses, and percentages)
• Any required professional or state licenses (for example, cosmetology, contractor, etc.)
• For some uses: fire, health, or building inspections may be needed before final approval

5. Complete the City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Application

Atlanta allows applications to be completed through:

• Online portals for many users
• In-person submission at city offices for those who prefer to or must apply directly
• Mailed applications in certain cases, though online and in-person methods offer faster processing

On the application, you’ll:

• Identify your NAICS code or description of business activities
• State your number of employees
• Estimate your gross receipts or choose a revenue range
• Answer questions related to location use, such as hours of operation and whether customers visit

Be as accurate and honest as possible; underreporting revenue or misclassifying your business can cause issues later.

6. Pay the Occupational Tax and Any Associated Fees

Atlanta’s business license cost typically includes:

• An occupational tax based on gross receipts or a revenue range
• A base administrative fee
• Possible additional fees for specific industries (such as alcohol-related businesses)

Because fee schedules and tax rates can change periodically, many business owners:

• Use the city’s published fee tables or online calculators, or
• Ask for help from staff at the Office of Revenue when estimating amounts

Payments may be accepted:

• Online (card or electronic check)
• In person (card, check, money order; cash policies may vary)

Keep your payment receipts and any confirmation numbers; you may need to reference them when renewing or if questions arise.

7. Receive Your Occupational Tax Certificate

Once your application is approved and payments are processed, the City of Atlanta will issue your Occupational Tax Certificate.

Common expectations:

• You’ll receive a paper certificate to post or keep on-site at your business
• You may receive a digital copy or confirmation, depending on how you applied
• Some businesses must display the certificate in a visible location (common in restaurants, salons, and retail)

If you don’t receive your certificate within the expected timeframe, contacting the Office of Revenue with your application details can help track its status.

Typical Timeline and Processing Tips

The time it takes to get a business license in Atlanta can vary:

• Simple, low-risk businesses (like a small office-based service) often move faster
• Food service, alcohol, or high-traffic uses can take longer due to inspections and additional approvals

To avoid delays:

• Make sure all sections of your application are filled out
• Double-check that your business address is accurate and within Atlanta city limits
• Confirm you have zoning clearance before applying
• Have state registrations and professional licenses ready to present if needed

Special Cases: Home-Based, Short-Term, and Regulated Businesses

Home-Based Businesses in Atlanta

If you run a business out of your home in Atlanta (for example, a consulting firm, Etsy business, or tutoring service), you’ll usually still need an Occupational Tax Certificate.

Key points to know:

• Atlanta limits commercial traffic and signage in residential neighborhoods
• Certain activities (like loud manufacturing, major auto repair, or heavy storage) are generally not allowed in homes
• Some home-based businesses may be restricted from having customers regularly visit the residence

When you apply, you may need to sign a home occupation affidavit or provide extra details about how you’ll use the space.

Food Trucks, Pop-Ups, and Mobile Businesses

If you operate a food truck, pop-up shop, or mobile service business that is based in Atlanta, expect to need:

• A business license through the City of Atlanta
• Possible mobile or itinerant merchant permits
• Health department approval if handling food

Locations such as food truck parks, breweries, or event venues in Atlanta may also have their own requirements and agreements.

Businesses Serving Alcohol

If your Atlanta business will sell or serve alcohol, additional steps usually include:

• City-level alcohol license
• State of Georgia alcohol licensing
• Zoning and distance requirements to schools, churches, or other sensitive uses
• Compliance with hours of sale, age-verification rules, and server requirements

These types of businesses often face longer review periods and more detailed applications.

Professional and Specialty Licenses

Many professionals working in Atlanta must hold a state license in addition to a city business license, including:

• Barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians
• Real estate agents and brokers
• Architects, engineers
• Certain medical and mental health providers
• Contractors and trades, depending on scope

The City of Atlanta may ask to see proof of your state license as part of the Occupational Tax Certificate process.

Renewing Your Atlanta Business License Each Year

In Atlanta, your Occupational Tax Certificate must be renewed annually.

Key things to expect when renewing:

• You’ll be asked to report your actual gross revenue from the previous year
• Your occupational tax will be recalculated based on what you actually earned
• You must update any business information that has changed (address, ownership, business type, etc.)

Failure to renew can lead to:

• Late fees and penalties
• Interest on unpaid occupational taxes
• Possible suspension or revocation of your license
• Enforcement actions that may include fines or orders to cease operation

Mark your calendar for Atlanta’s renewal deadline, which is typically at the beginning of the calendar year, and watch for mailed or emailed reminders from the city.

Common Mistakes Atlanta Business Owners Make—and How to Avoid Them

1. Assuming a mailing address equals city jurisdiction
Many “Atlanta, GA” addresses are technically outside the City of Atlanta. Always confirm jurisdiction before applying.

2. Skipping zoning verification
Signing a lease or setting up at home without confirming zoning can cause expensive setbacks if your use is not allowed.

3. Underestimating gross revenue
Atlanta’s occupational tax is partly based on your gross receipts. Intentionally low-balling can create problems during renewal or audits.

4. Forgetting to renew on time
Late renewals can quickly add fees. Keeping your license current is usually easier and cheaper than fixing a lapse.

5. Ignoring other required permits
A business license alone doesn’t replace health permits, fire inspections, or professional licenses where needed.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Business License Basics

Practical Next Steps if You’re Starting a Business in Atlanta

1. Confirm your address is inside Atlanta city limits.
2. Check zoning with the City of Atlanta for your proposed use.
3. Choose your business structure and, if needed, register with the Georgia Secretary of State.
4. Obtain a Sales and Use Tax number if you’ll sell taxable goods or certain services.
5. Gather your business details: name, EIN or SSN, ownership info, estimated revenue, and activity description.
6. Apply for the City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate (online or in-person) and pay required fees.
7. Post or keep your business license at your place of business.
8. Renew annually and report your actual gross revenue to stay compliant.

By following these steps and working directly with the City of Atlanta’s offices when questions arise, you can secure the business license you need in Atlanta, GA and operate with confidence that you’re meeting local requirements.