Missing documents on request
If DCH asks for more and you do not upload it, the application is denied.
DCH checklistGeorgia · Private home care provider license · GAHLES
Georgia home care license application: GAHLES, documents and fees
Every Georgia home care license application goes through DCH’s GAHLES portal. Here is each document on DCH’s checklist, what happens after you submit, the fees, the three-month provisional license, and how changes of ownership work.
- Rule-verified September 30, 2026
- From DCH’s July 2026 application checklist
- Quoted from Chapter 111-8-65
Quick answer
You apply for a Georgia private home care provider license online, in DCH’s GAHLES portal: "The online application portal can be accessed at https://gahles.dch.georgia.gov/". Upload the documents on DCH’s application checklist and pay DCH’s $300 application fee plus $250 for each service category you will offer.
DCH says "Applications are reviewed in the order they are received by our office. The initial review timeframe is 30 business days from the application submission date." If approved, you get a three-month provisional license: admit at least three clients, then email DCH to request your initial survey. After you pass, DCH issues the permanent permit.
You do not upload policies. You confirm in a notarized affidavit that they already exist, and DCH checks them at the survey.
The documents DCH asks for
From DCH’s Private Home Care Providers Application Checklist (July 2026), in its order, plus the fee. "Please do not submit your application unless all required documents are complete and ready for upload in the GAHLES portal."
- 01
Notarized Affidavit of Personal Identification
With a copy of the photo ID you showed the notary.
- 02
Notarized Affidavit of Compliance
You select Private Home Care Providers and confirm the policies the rules require already exist.
- 03
A current local business license
From your city or county, with the agency’s name and address. If you cannot get one, a written explanation from the local government.
- 04
Secretary of State registration
Evidence the corporation or LLC is registered, or other documents showing legal authority.
- 05
The electronic Owner Form
Completed in GAHLES, listing every individual owner, signed and dated.
- 06
Fingerprint letters for owners and the administrator
A satisfactory GCHEXS determination, dated within 12 months, for every administrator and every owner of 10% or more. No 10% owners? A signed letter on letterhead saying so.
- 07
Administrator job description and orientation
Name, qualifications and a signed, dated job description giving full authority for the agency, plus evidence of orientation items 1 to 4.
- 08
A Georgia RN license
A copy of a current Georgia registered nurse license. DCH requires an RN for every initial application, whatever services you offer.
DCH, Private Home Care Providers Application Checklist (July 2026)
Applying, step by step
Tick steps off as you go; progress is saved in this browser only.
Have every document ready first
Before day 0DCH asks you not to submit until every required document is complete and ready to upload. Incomplete applications can be delayed or rejected, and the fee forfeited.
DCH checklistApply in GAHLES and pay
Day 0Create the application at gahles.dch.georgia.gov, upload the documents and pay DCH’s $300 application fee plus the first license fee of $250 for each service category.
DCH checklist; fee scheduleDCH emails an acknowledgement
Day 0After you submit and pay, DCH sends an acknowledgement email. Status updates go to the contact email on your application.
DCH checklistThe initial review
About 30 business daysDCH reviews applications in the order received. The initial review takes about 30 business days.
DCH checklistUpload anything DCH asks for
When askedIf DCH needs more, it emails a link and code from HFRD_do_not_reply@dch.ga.gov. If you do not upload the requested documents, the application is denied.
DCH checklistProvisional license: three months
Months 1 to 3If approved, DCH issues a provisional license. In three months you must become operational and admit at least three clients.
DCH checklistEmail DCH to request your initial survey
Before month 3 endsBefore the three months end, email the Private Home Care Unit at hfrd.phcp@dch.ga.gov. Miss it and the provisional license is voided automatically.
DCH checklistPass the survey: permanent permit
After the surveyDCH surveys your agency in operation, including your policies. After you pass, it issues the permanent permit, which has no expiry date.
DCH checklist
CareRulebook
Your affidavit confirms your policies are ready
You confirm this before you apply, and DCH reviews your policies at your survey and at inspections after that. CareRulebook writes every policy Chapter 111-8-65 requires, for the services you offer, with your agency’s details filled in and the rule quoted under each one.
- 25 policies, 52 rule requirements mapped
- Personal care, companion and nursing options
- Editable Word and PDF, delivered instantly
Preview your manual
$199CareRulebook founding price for the first 50 Georgia agencies, then $249. Not a DCH fee.
Fees
DCH charges per service category, not per staff member: a $300 application fee and an annual license fee of $250 for each service you offer, up to $750. The first license fee is paid with the application, so applying costs $550 for one category, $800 for two and $1,050 for all three. DCH fee schedule
The license has no expiry date, but the annual fee is due every year, from October 1 to December 31 without penalty; DCH adds a $150 late fee from January 1. DCH Application fees are not refundable. These are DCH fees, not CareRulebook prices.
Why applications fail
Submitting before you are ready
Incomplete applications can be delayed, rejected and the application fee forfeited. Application fees are not refundable.
DCH checklistNo RN on the application
DCH requires an RN for every initial application, even companion-only.
DCH checklistFingerprint letters out of date
Each GCHEXS determination must be dated within 12 months of submitting.
DCH checklistNo clients in the first three months
The provisional license is voided if you do not admit three clients and request the survey in time, and you start again.
DCH checklistChanges, new offices and buying an agency
Changes of ownership go through GAHLES. For questions about counties, surveys, permits or administrator changes, DCH points private home care providers to hfrd.phcp@dch.ga.gov.
Change of ownership
30 days before
Apply in GAHLES. You can apply while the sale is pending and send the bill of sale at closing. Reviews typically take 30 to 60 days and are not expedited.
DCH CHOW FAQSelling an LLC
Depends
An asset transfer by an LLC is a change of ownership; a transfer of membership interest is not. DCH does not advise on individual deals.
DCH CHOW FAQMoving office
15 days before
Give DCH 15 days’ notice before changing location. A new location needs its own license.
111-8-65-.05(2)A second office
New license
Each office location needs its own license.
111-8-65-.05Denied application
10 calendar days
Request a hearing in writing within 10 calendar days of receiving the denial, or it becomes final.
DCH CHOW FAQLooking up a Georgia home care license
DCH’s GaMap2Care Find a Facility tool lets you "click the icons on the page to access facility listings, inspection reports, license verification". It is the quickest way to check that an agency you plan to buy holds a license, or to see who already serves your area. DCH, GaMap2Care
Clients can complain about a licensed agency to DCH’s Complaint Intake Unit on 1-800-878-6442 or online, and your notice of client rights must give DCH’s contact details. DCH
Myths about applying
Can you write your Georgia policies after you are licensed?
No. With the application you file a notarized Affidavit of Compliance swearing the required policies already exist. DCH does not ask you to upload them; it checks them at inspection, and deficient policies can bring sanctions.
"hereby attest that in furtherance of its application ... for licensure, said entity has developed policies and procedures mandated under the rules and regulations indicated below."
Does a companion-only agency in Georgia need a registered nurse?
Yes. To apply. DCH’s current application checklist requires an RN for every initial application, whatever services you offer. The RN can also be the owner or administrator. The rules themselves let the administrator supervise companion work, so this is a DCH application requirement rather than rule text.
"Regardless of the service level provided, an RN is required for the initial application."
Do you have to renew a Georgia home care license every year?
No. There is no renewal application. The license has no expiry date. What recurs is the annual fee, due between October 1 and December 31, with a $150 late fee from January 1.
"The licenses issued by the department have issue dates and no expiration date. The licenses are valid until surrendered or revoked."
Can you stay on a Georgia provisional license while you find clients?
No. Only for three months. In that time you must admit at least three clients and email DCH to request your initial survey, or the license is automatically voided and you start again.
"The Private Home Care Provisional license will be active for three (3) months by which you must become operational and have admitted at least 3 clients."
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a home care license in Georgia?
Online through DCH’s GAHLES portal (gahles.dch.georgia.gov). You upload the documents on DCH’s Private Home Care Providers Application Checklist, including two notarized affidavits, a local business license, fingerprint letters for owners and the administrator, the administrator’s job description and orientation, and a Georgia RN license, and pay DCH’s $300 application fee plus $250 for each service category.
Where is the Georgia private home care provider license packet?
DCH now publishes an application checklist rather than a paper packet, and every application goes through GAHLES. The older 2022 packet asked only for an administrator and one other employee; the current checklist requires an RN on every initial application.
How long does a Georgia home care license take?
DCH says the initial review takes about 30 business days from submission. If approved you get a three-month provisional license, then the permanent permit after you pass the initial survey.
How much does a Georgia home care license cost?
DCH charges a $300 application fee and $250 a year for each service category (nursing, personal care, companion or sitter), up to $750. So applying costs $550 for one category and $1,050 for all three. These are DCH fees, not CareRulebook prices, and application fees are not refundable.
Do I submit my policies with the application?
No. You confirm in a notarized Affidavit of Compliance that the required policies already exist, and DCH checks them at unannounced inspections, starting with your initial survey.
How do I look up a Georgia home care license?
Use DCH’s GaMap2Care Find a Facility tool, which gives facility listings, inspection reports and license verification.
Who do I contact about my application?
General application questions go to the HFRD Applications and Waivers Team at hfrd.applicationswaivers@dch.ga.gov; payment problems to hfrd.payments@dch.ga.gov; rules, surveys and permits to the Private Home Care Team at hfrd.phcp@dch.ga.gov.
Know when the 2026 amendment takes effect
DCH adopted changes to Chapter 111-8-65 on July 9, 2026, covering fingerprint checks and TB screening. Leave your email and we will tell you when they take effect and what changes in your policies.
No spam. Only emails about Georgia home care rule changes. How we use your email.
Keep reading
Georgia
How to start a home care agency in Georgia
The license, the RN requirement, staff training and supervision.
Tool
Georgia license checklist
Every step, tailored to your agency, emailed to you.
Georgia
Georgia home care policies and procedures
The policies the affidavit covers, rule by rule.
Manual
Georgia policy manual
Every policy Chapter 111-8-65 requires, written for your agency.
North Carolina
The North Carolina license application
How North Carolina does it: by mail, with a $510 yearly license.
Sources
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 111-8-65, Rules and Regulations for Private Home Care Providers · Georgia DCH (text via Cornell LII, checked against the Secretary of State text) · retrieved September 30, 2026
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 111-8-12, Rules and Regulations for Criminal Background Checks · Georgia DCH (text via Cornell LII) · retrieved September 30, 2026
- GaMap2Care: Find a Facility · Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation · retrieved September 30, 2026
- Healthcare Facility and Medical Service Provider Change of Ownership (CHOW): Frequently Asked Questions · Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation · retrieved September 30, 2026
- Private Home Care Providers Application Checklist (July 2026) · Georgia Department of Community Health · retrieved September 30, 2026
- Private Home Care Providers Application Packet (posted March 2022) · Georgia Department of Community Health · retrieved September 30, 2026
- Annual License Fee Payments and Schedule of Licensure Activity Fees (October 2024) · Georgia Department of Community Health · retrieved September 30, 2026