How to Get an Atlanta Business License: Complete Local Guide

If you’re planning to start a business in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll almost always need a business license, officially called an Occupational Tax Certificate. Whether you’re opening a restaurant in Midtown, running a salon on the Westside, or freelancing from your home in Buckhead, understanding how the Atlanta business license works will save you time, money, and stress.

This guide walks you through who needs a license, how to apply, costs, deadlines, and local tips specific to the City of Atlanta.

What Is an Atlanta Business License?

In Atlanta, a “business license” is generally referred to as an:

Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC)

It’s required for most for‑profit and many non‑profit activities operating:

• Within the City of Atlanta limits, and
• On a regular or ongoing basis, even if you work from home or online.

The business license:

• Registers your business with the City of Atlanta Office of Revenue
• Allows the city to collect occupational tax based on your gross receipts
• Helps ensure you meet zoning, safety, and other local regulations

Without a valid license, you may face fines, penalties, or even closure orders from the city.

Do You Need an Atlanta Business License?

Most businesses operating in the City of Atlanta need an Occupational Tax Certificate. That includes:

• Brick‑and‑mortar businesses (retail, restaurants, salons, gyms, etc.)
• Home‑based businesses (consultants, freelancers, online sellers based in Atlanta)
• Professional services (lawyers, accountants, real estate brokers, therapists)
• Contractors and trades (plumbers, electricians, general contractors)
• Short‑term rental operators (in combination with other specific permits)
• Non‑profits if they conduct certain taxable activities

Common situations:

You likely DO need a license if:

• Your business address is in an Atlanta ZIP code that’s inside city limits
• You regularly meet clients, sell goods, or provide services in Atlanta
• You run a home-based business and use your residence in Atlanta as your main office

You may NOT need a City of Atlanta license if:

• Your business is only in another city (like Decatur, Sandy Springs, East Point) and you do not operate in the City of Atlanta
• You are an employee receiving a W‑2 (not an independent contractor)

⚠️ City limits matter. An “Atlanta” mailing address is not always inside the City of Atlanta. If you’re unsure, you can:

• Check your property tax bill to see which city you’re in, or
• Use an address lookup tool from the City of Atlanta (often available via city resources) or call the city for clarification.

City of Atlanta vs. Fulton/DeKalb County

Parts of Atlanta are in Fulton County, and parts are in DeKalb County. You may need to interact with:

• City of Atlanta – business license / occupational tax, zoning, permits
• Fulton County or DeKalb County – property tax, some health or court functions

For the Atlanta business license, the key office is:

City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Line (commonly used): 404‑330‑6000 (ask for Business Licensing / Office of Revenue)

Always confirm any phone extensions or specific contact numbers through current city information, as they may change over time.

Types of Business Licenses & Related Approvals

In Atlanta, your core requirement is the Occupational Tax Certificate, but certain businesses need additional permits or approvals, such as:

• Alcohol licenses (bars, restaurants, liquor stores)
• Food service permits (restaurants, food trucks, caterers – via health authorities)
• Building permits (construction, remodeling, new signage)
• Fire inspections (assembly spaces, certain occupancy types)
• Short‑term rental registration (Airbnb, Vrbo-style operations)
• Special event permits (festivals, temporary outdoor sales)

You’ll often need these other approvals before or alongside your business license, especially if your business involves food, alcohol, public assembly, or construction.

Key Steps to Get an Atlanta Business License

1. Confirm You Are in the City of Atlanta

Before anything else, verify your location is inside city limits. This affects:

• Whether you apply to Atlanta vs. another city
• Your tax obligations and zoning rules

You can:

• Compare your address with City of Atlanta resources or
• Call the City of Atlanta and provide your address to confirm jurisdiction.

2. Choose & Register Your Business Structure

You’ll usually want to decide how your business is legally set up:

• Sole proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Corporation

Many Atlanta businesses register their name and structure with the Georgia Secretary of State. This is especially important if:

• You’re forming an LLC or corporation, or
• You’re using a trade name (doing business as “DBA”)

You will typically need your state registration or trade name details when completing the city’s business license application.

3. Check Zoning and Home Occupation Rules

Atlanta’s zoning laws control what type of business can operate in which area.

• For a storefront or office, you must ensure your chosen location is zoned for your use.
• For a home‑based business, there are “home occupation” rules, such as:
  • Limits on signage
  • Restrictions on customer visits
  • Limits on noise, parking, and visible activity

To check zoning:

• Contact the City of Atlanta’s Office of Zoning & Development or
• Visit Atlanta City Hall or a relevant permitting counter for guidance.

4. Gather Required Information

When applying for an Atlanta business license, you should be prepared to provide:

• Legal business name and any trade name/DBA
• Business address (and mailing address if different)
• Ownership information (names, addresses, contact details of owners/officers)
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number (if sole proprietor)
• Type of business activity (clear, specific description)
• Estimated gross receipts for your first year in Atlanta
• Number of employees (including owners in some cases)
• Required professional licenses (if applicable – for professions like law, accountancy, healthcare)
• Relevant state permits (for certain regulated activities)

Having this ready speeds up the process and reduces back‑and‑forth with the city.

5. Complete the Business License Application

The business license application typically includes:

• Business owner information
• Business location information
• Business activity description
• Projected gross receipts (which affects your tax)
• Statements of compliance (zoning, code, etc.)

You may be able to apply:

• Online (depending on the city’s current systems)
• By mail, sending forms to City Hall
• In person at Atlanta City Hall, Office of Revenue / Business Licensing counter

⚠️ Always use the most current version of the application, as forms are occasionally updated.

How Atlanta Calculates Business License (Occupational Tax) Fees

Atlanta’s occupational tax is usually a combination of:

1. Base fee – a flat amount every business pays
2. Gross receipts component – based on your prior year or projected year revenue
3. Administrative or regulatory fees – for certain business types or services

When you first apply, you often estimate your first year’s gross receipts. Later years are based on actual prior-year revenue.

Simple Example (Illustrative Only)

*Details can change. Always check the current City of Atlanta schedules and instructions.

Atlanta Business License Deadlines & Renewals

Once you have an Occupational Tax Certificate:

• It’s generally valid for one year
• Must be renewed annually, with:
  • Updated gross receipts information
  • Payment of the new year’s tax and related fees

If you:

• File late – you may owe penalties and interest
• Change your address – you usually need to update your license and may need new zoning approvals
• Change ownership – a new owner often must apply for a new license

Always read your renewal notice carefully. The city typically mails or makes renewal information available, but it is still your responsibility to renew on time.

Special Considerations by Business Type

Home-Based Businesses in Atlanta

If you’re operating from a home in the City of Atlanta:

• You usually still need an Occupational Tax Certificate
• You must comply with home occupation rules, which may include:
  • Limits on employees on site
  • Restrictions on customer visits to your residence
  • No exterior changes that make your home look like a business (in many residential zones)

Before you apply, it’s wise to:

• Confirm your address zoning
• Review any local home occupation conditions

Restaurants, Bars, and Food Businesses

Food and beverage businesses in Atlanta often need:

• Occupational Tax Certificate
• Health permits (often through county health authorities or related agencies)
• Alcohol license if serving or selling beer, wine, or liquor
• Possible grease trap, hood, and fire safety approvals

For alcohol, the City of Atlanta has a separate licensing process, which can include:

• Background checks
• Public notice/advertising requirements
• Public hearings for some licenses

This process can take longer than a standard business license, so plan ahead.

Contractors & Construction Trades

If you are a contractor operating in Atlanta:

• You’ll generally need an Occupational Tax Certificate if based in or regularly working in the city
• You may need state contractor licensing for certain work
• Many jobs also require building permits, inspections, and trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)

Short‑Term Rentals (Airbnb, etc.)

Short‑term rental hosts in the City of Atlanta may need:

• A short‑term rental registration or permit through the city
• An Occupational Tax Certificate, depending on how you operate
• Compliance with zoning, occupancy, parking, and safety rules

Atlanta has specific regulations for short‑term rentals, so be sure to check current requirements before listing a property.

Where to Go in Atlanta for Business License Help

City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue (Business Licensing)
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Common ways to get help:

• Phone – Call the main City of Atlanta number (commonly 404‑330‑6000) and ask for Business Licensing or the Office of Revenue.
• In person – Visit City Hall during normal business hours; go to the Office of Revenue or business licensing counter.
• Mail – Send completed applications and payments to the mailing address specified on the current forms.

When you visit or call, having the following ready helps:

• Your business name and address
• A brief description of what you do
• Any existing state registrations or professional licenses

Common Mistakes Atlanta Business Owners Make

Avoid these frequent problems:

• Assuming you don’t need a license because you work from home or online
• Using “Atlanta” in your address without confirming you’re actually inside City of Atlanta limits
• Starting to operate before approval, especially for food, alcohol, or public assembly
• Under‑estimating gross receipts to reduce tax now, then facing corrections or penalties later
• Forgetting to renew your Occupational Tax Certificate
• Not updating your license after a move, ownership change, or expansion of services

Practical Tips for a Smoother Atlanta Licensing Experience

• ✅ Start early. Build licensing and permitting time into your launch timeline, especially for food, alcohol, and construction-heavy projects.
• ✅ Keep copies. Save copies of all applications, approvals, and correspondence with the City of Atlanta.
• ✅ Coordinate with zoning and building departments. Make sure your location is legal for your use before signing a long lease.
• ✅ Be accurate with revenue estimates. It affects your occupational tax; it’s better to be realistic than face adjustments later.
• ✅ Ask questions. City staff are used to working with first‑time business owners; clarifying early can prevent costly missteps.

By understanding how the Atlanta business license (Occupational Tax Certificate) system works, confirming your location within city limits, and preparing the right documents, you can get your business on the right side of local law and focus on growing your work in Atlanta.