Copyright 2024 by Forsyth County, Georgia

Business License Applications

Business License Renewal period begins December 1st.

A custom renewal form for each business was emailed on December 1st from businesslicense@forsythco.com. If your business has moved locations, changed suites, or is encompassing a larger space, please complete the Business Location Verification Process on the CSS portal.

Beginning October 21, 2022, a Business Location Verification Decision Letter is required when submitting a New Business License Application, a Commercial Location Change Application, and a Residential Location Change Application. For further assistance, please email businesslicense@forsythco.com.

All businesses operating within unincorporated Forsyth County must possess a current Occupational Tax Certificate, also known as a business license; such certificates need to be renewed annually.

You can find applications related to Occupational Tax Certificates and additional licensing applications below.


Applications

Business License Application

This application is for new businesses operating in unincorporated Forsyth County. A Business Location Verification Decision Letter is required with a completed application. Please visit the CSS portal to register and begin the verification process. New applications must be submitted to our office by mail or in person, emailed applications will not be processed. https://css.forsythco.com/EnerGov_Prob/SelfService#/home


Business Location Verification Instructions

Use these instructions to begin the Business Location Verification process. Please complete a BLV for each location address. Must be a physical address not a UPS store or post office box. This process is only for new businesses and location changes for current businesses. This process should not be completed for license renewals.


Business Name Change Application

This application is to be used for a business name change only. If a new entity has been created or a new employer identification number has been assigned, a new business license application will be required.


Closing Business Application

The business owner must fill out this application if the business is closing within the county for any reason.


Commercial Business Location Change Application

This application is to be used if the physical location of your commercial business has changed within Forsyth County. A Business Location Verification Decision Letter is required with a completed application. Please visit the CSS portal to begin the verification process. https://css.forsythco.com/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home


CSS Registration Instructions

Use these instructions to register on the CSS portal. This will give you access to complete the BLV process, renew your business license, make payments, and print your issued business license.


Mailing Address Change Application

This application is to be used to change the business mailing address only.


Non-Traditional Tobacco Paraphernalia Application

This application allows for the sale of non-traditional tobacco paraphernalia updated April 8, 2020.


Out of State Business Application

This application is for out of state contractors who are doing business within Forsyth County.


Pawnbroker and Pawn Shop Application

Application for pawnbrokers and pawn shop establishments.


Private Employer Affidavit (E-Verify)

This form is for private employer verification of number of employees.


Residency Affidavit

This application verifies residency status of an applicant as required by the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.


Residential Business Location Change Application

This application is to be used if the physical location of your residential business has changed within Forsyth County. A Business Location Verification Decision Letter is required with a completed application. Please visit the CSS portal to begin the verification process. https://css.forsythco.com/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home


Short Term Rental Business License Application

This application is for a business license, specifically for a short term rental. Short term rentals are only permissible in A1 or Ag-Res zonings with an approved conditional use permit. This application must be submitted along with the completed Short Term Rental License Application and the approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP).


Short Term Rental License Application

This application is for the short term rental license. Short term rentals are only permissible in A1 or Ag-Res zonings with an approved conditional use permit. This application must be submitted along with a completed Short Term Rental Business Application and the approved CUP.


Short Term Rental Local Contact Application

This application is used to change the local contact person for an existing short term rental.


Vapor and E-Cigarettes Permit Application

This application is required if alternative nicotine products, vape juice, or both constitute at least fifty percent of the business's aggregate retail sales.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit a business license application?

New applications may be submitted to our office in person or by mail. Prior to submitting and application, be sure you have completed the Business Location Verification Process and have received the Decision Letter. Visit the CSS portal to register and begin the process. 

How do I start my business?

If you wish to establish an LLC, Corporation, S-Corp, LLP, etc., you will need to contact the Georgia Secretary of State at www.sos.ga.gov. You will need to wait until the entity has been fully set up before you submit your county business license application.

What is a DBA?

A DBA is doing business as. A sole proprietor, LLC or Corporation that uses a different name then the legally established name. Example ABC LLC dba Forsyth Premiere Cleaner.

Where do I file for a DBA?

The Forsyth County Clerk of Court. Link www.forsythclerk.com

How do I apply for an EIN or Federal Tax ID for my business?

The IRS, link www.irs.gov

How do I apply for a Georgia Sales & Use Tax number?

The Department of Revenue, link www.dor.ga.gov

Where do I get my food service permit?

The Department of Environmental Health, call 770-781-6909

What do you mean by state license?

Any license that is regulated by the state of Georgia (i.e., cosmetology, general contractor, electrician, plumbers, etc.). To obtain a copy of state license please visit Georgia Secretary of State.

What is a secure and verifiable ID?

Current government issued driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card, etc. The ID must correspond with the applicant’s residency status. 

How much does a business license cost?

Business license fees are based on the number of employees (to include owners and officers); a fee schedule is located on the application.

What documents do I need to attach to my application?

Any documents that pertain to your business (i.e., if you have an LLC, a copy of the articles, if you have a state license then a copy of the current license, if your business involves food, a Food Service Permit or Food Service Establishment Permit, etc.) A detailed list is available on the cover page of the Business License Application.

What is a business commencement date?

The date the business starts operation or assumed date the business will begin operations in Forsyth County.

When does my business license expire?

All business licenses expire December 31st of each calendar year.

When can I renew my business license?

The renewal period begins December 1st and runs through March 31st each year.

When is my business license late?

Each business must apply within 30 days of commencing business. If a business submits after the 30-day window late fees and penalties will apply.

How much are late fees and penalties?

The penalty is 10% of the occupational tax fee, interest is compounded monthly and is 1.5% of occupational tax fee multiplied by the number of month(s) late.

How do I renew my business license online?

Businesses may renew on our Customer Self Service Portal.

How do I close my business?

Complete the business closing form and email it to businesslicense@forsythco.com

How do I change my business address?

Complete the Business Location Verification process and submit the location change application, once you have received the Decision Letter. Please email the completed application to businesslicense@forsythco.com.

How do I obtain my companies E-Verify information?