How to Register for a Business License Profile

All new business license applications should be submitted through our Business Tax Portal. Learn how to apply for a new business license (PDF). 

Alcohol License Applications

Applications are processed Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, though we are unable to accept payments after 4:00pm.

Business License Application Requirements

Home-Based Businesses

• Driver’s License: Attach a copy of the owner, officer, partner, or member’s Georgia driver’s license or Georgia identification card to your application. The address on the driver’s license or ID card must be the same as the home-based business address.
• State Licensed Professionals/Occupations: Attach a copy of your State license if your profession/occupation is regulated by any state licensing board.
• Home Based Businesses Disclosure: Attach a copy of your signed agreement outlining the requirements and restrictions you must adhere to as a business in a residential area.

Commercial Businesses

• Certificate of Occupancy: Attach a copy of your Certificate of Occupancy reflecting your business' DBA name or obtain an authorized Tenant Name Change permit. If you need assistance obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy or Tenant Name Change permit, please call 678.518.6000 and ask for the customer service team or email at
  P&D-CustomerService@gwinnettconty.com
• State Licensed Professionals/Occupations: Attach a copy of your State license if your profession/occupation is regulated by any state licensing board.

Additional Requirements

• If sales of goods are being conducted, you must acquire a Sales and Use Tax ID from the Georgia Department of Revenue.
• Food sales must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Environmental Health or the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
• Certain types of businesses are subject to Special Use Permits (car dealerships, personal care homes, and day cares).

Fee Scale

Business Occupation Tax Certificate: Gwinnett has established 6 tax classes, with rates ranging from $0.65 per thousand dollars of gross revenue to $1.30 per thousand dollars of gross revenue (see item #10 on the application form). There is a non-refundable and non-prorated $80 flat fee associated with the issuance of the Business/Occupation Tax Certificate. To determine an estimated cost, use the Tax Calculator. 

Certificate of Occupancy: The typical Certificate of Occupancy is $180. This includes the services of Building Plan Review and Fire Plan Review. 

Tenant Name Change Permit: This is required in place of a Certificate of Occupancy when there is no construction taking place.

How to Renew a Business License

For fast and efficient service, all business and alcohol licenses can be renewed online by visiting the Business Tax Portal. 

Renew Business License

Business License Renewal

The deadline to renew a business license is February 15. If renewal takes place after the deadline, a $25 late fee will be assessed. If payment for the renewal is received after March 31, a 10% late fee will be assessed to the total amount due in addition to the late fee. Interest compounds by 1.5% each month. 

Alcohol License Renewal

The deadline to renew an alcohol license is November 30. Renew your alcohol license at the State of Georgia Tax Center. Pay for your alcohol license through the Gwinnett County Business Tax Portal.