One service category
for example, companion or sitter only
$550
DCH fees to apply: $300 + $250
$250 DCH annual fee after that
Georgia · License fees and time frames · 111-8-25-.03
Georgia home care license: cost and timeline
DCH charges a $300 application fee plus $250 a year for each service category you offer, so $550 to $1,050 to apply. The initial review takes 30 business days, then a three-month provisional license runs until your initial survey. Here is every DCH fee, every step and the mistakes that cost money.
- Rule-verified September 30, 2026
- Quoted from Chapter 111-8-25 and DCH’s fee notices
- From DCH’s July 2026 application checklist
Quick answer
Cost: Georgia’s Department of Community Health (DCH) charges a $300 application processing fee and a license fee of $250 for each service category (companion or sitter, personal care, nursing), up to $750. The first license fee is the same as the annual fee, so applying costs $550 for one category, $800 for two and $1,050 for all three. Fees are not refundable.
Time: DCH’s initial review takes 30 business days from submission. If approved, a three-month provisional license follows, in which you admit at least three clients and email DCH to request your initial survey. After a successful survey, DCH issues the permanent permit. The license has no expiry date; what recurs is the annual fee, due October 1 to December 31.
DCH does not set the other start-up costs, such as fingerprint checks, a local business license, an RN or staff training.
What DCH charges
Every amount below is a state fee paid to DCH, set in its fee rule, Chapter 111-8-25-.03, and DCH’s Schedule of Licensure Activity Fees. None of them is a CareRulebook price.
| What for | DCH fee | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application processing fee | $300 | Paid when you submit a new application in GAHLES. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| First license fee | $250 per service category | The same as the annual fee for each category you apply for. The fee rule has it submitted with the application processing fee, and DCH requires it before the license is issued. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| Annual license fee | $250 per category, up to $750 | Companion or sitter, personal care and nursing are each a category. Paid October 1 to December 31 for the next calendar year. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| Late fee | + $150 | Added automatically on January 1 to an unpaid annual fee. The fee rule lists a $150 late fee for fees 60 days past due, per instance. | DCH annual fee notice |
| Change of ownership | $300 | The application processing fee applies to a change of ownership application, and the previous owner’s past-due fees must be paid first. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| Change in service level | $300 | For a change that requires an on-site visit. Adding a category also adds its annual fee. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| Name change | $300 | The application processing fee applies to a name change. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| Follow-up visit to a periodic inspection | $250 | Billed at the license renewal date. | DCH fee schedule |
| Replacement of a lost permit | $50 | Per request. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
| Involuntary application after an unlicensed complaint investigation | $550 | Charged when DCH finds an agency operating without a license after a complaint. | 111-8-25-.03(8) |
Moving office. DCH’s fee schedule lists no separate fee for a relocation. DCH fee schedule The rules ask for notice instead: "The department shall be provided 15 days notice in advance of any providers change in location." 111-8-65-.05(2)(c) DCH’s checklist lists the documents for a relocation, starting with a current local business license showing the agency’s name and address. DCH checklist Office and premises rules, including moves.
Accreditation discount. The fee rule marks private home care providers as eligible for a discount: "Eligible for a 25% discount if currently accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization approved by the department as having standards comparable to specific state licensure requirements", with a complete copy of the current decision sent at renewal or already on file. 111-8-25-.03(8) DCH’s schedule lists ACHC, CARF, CHAP, the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and The Joint Commission as approved for private home care. DCH fee schedule
Refunds. DCH’s checklist is short: "Application fees are non-refundable." The fee rule adds that fees are refunded only in extraordinary circumstances DCH decides on, and that decision cannot be appealed. 111-8-25-.03(8)
What it adds up to, by service category
The $300 application fee plus the first license fee of $250 for each category you apply for. Each later year, only the annual fee recurs.
Two service categories
for example, companion and personal care
$800
DCH fees to apply: $300 + $500
$500 DCH annual fee after that
All three categories
companion, personal care and nursing
$1,050
DCH fees to apply: $300 + $750
$750 DCH annual fee after that
DCH fees only, before any accreditation discount. Sources: 111-8-25-.03(8), DCH annual fee notice.
How the annual fee works
Georgia licenses do not expire. DCH says they "have issue dates and no expiration date" and are valid until surrendered or revoked, and "The department does not issue new licenses when annual fees are paid." DCH annual fee notice
- Your first year. "The initial license fee covers the remaining months of the calendar year the payment was made." DCH
- Every year after. "The annual fees are collected from October 1st through December 31st each year without penalty." "The renewal fee billed and payable during the renewal period of October through December is for the following calendar year." DCH
- Paying late. A $150 late fee is added to the unpaid balance on January 1. If annual fees are still unpaid 60 days after a written invoice, DCH may move to revoke the license, after written notice and the chance of a hearing on the amount owed. 111-8-25-.03(7)
- How to pay. Through DCH’s Healthcare Facility Regulation fee payment portal, by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express or electronic ACH. No cash. Some electronic payments add a convenience charge, which must be disclosed before you pay. DCH 111-8-25-.03(8)
One timing point worth planning for: if your license is issued late in the year, the first fee covers only the remaining months, and the annual fee for the next year is billed from October to December. Budget for both if you apply in the autumn.
Costs DCH does not set
The rules and DCH’s checklist require each of these, but do not state a price. We do not quote typical prices, because they vary and no official source publishes them.
Fingerprint background checks
The administrator and every individual owner of 10% or more need a GCHEXS fingerprint letter at application, and each direct access employee is fingerprinted on hire. Chapter 111-8-12 says a records check application includes "a records search fee to be established by the department by rule and regulation", but the rule does not state the amount.
111-8-12-.03(14); DCH checklist, item 7Background checks, step by step →
A local business license
A current city or county business license with the agency’s name and address. The fee is set by your local government.
Business registration
For a corporation, LLC or similar, evidence from the Georgia Secretary of State that it is registered. Filing fees depend on your business structure.
Notarized affidavits
The application includes a notarized Affidavit of Personal Identification and a notarized Affidavit of Compliance.
A registered nurse
DCH requires an RN for every initial application, whatever services you offer. The RN can also be the administrator or the owner.
Aide training
Personal care aides qualify through one of four routes. On the agency route, a 40-hour course run under an RN’s direction, with 20 hours before serving clients.
Bonding and vehicle cover, if they apply
Bond any employee with unlimited access to a client’s funds. If staff drive clients in a vehicle the client does not own, get a signed waiver or make reasonable efforts to confirm motor vehicle insurance. We found no other insurance requirement in Chapter 111-8-65.
Your written policies
DCH expects every required policy to exist when you apply, and checks them at inspections.
CareRulebook
Your written policies, ready before you apply
Your Affidavit of Compliance says the policies already exist. Answer a few questions and CareRulebook writes every policy Chapter 111-8-65 requires for the categories you offer, with your agency’s details filled in and the rule quoted under each one.
- 25 policies, 52 rule requirements mapped
- Only the categories you offer: companion, personal care, nursing
- Editable Word and PDF, delivered instantly
- 12 months of updates when Georgia changes the rules
Preview your manual
$199CareRulebook founding price for the first 50 Georgia agencies, then $249. Not a DCH fee.
How long it takes, step by step
DCH publishes two time frames: 30 business days for the initial review, and three months on the provisional license. How long preparation takes, and how quickly you admit three clients, is up to you. Tick the steps off as you go; your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Get ready to apply
Your pacePut your policies in place, since DCH expects them to exist when you apply. Get a local business license and, for a company, Secretary of State registration. The administrator and every individual owner of 10% or more get a GCHEXS fingerprint letter dated within 12 months of applying. Line up a Georgia RN, whom DCH requires for every initial application.
Apply and pay in GAHLES
Day 0Submit the application online with the $300 processing fee and the first license fee for each category. After you submit and pay, DCH sends an acknowledgement email.
DCH’s initial review
30 business daysApplications are reviewed in the order received. If DCH needs more documents it emails you a link; not uploading them leads to denial.
Provisional license
Months 1 to 3Once the application is approved, DCH issues a provisional license for three months. In that time you become operational and admit at least three clients.
Request the initial survey
Before month 3 endsEmail the Private Home Care Unit at hfrd.phcp@dch.ga.gov before the three months end. Missing this voids the provisional license.
Initial survey and permanent permit
After your requestAfter a successful initial survey, DCH issues the permanent permit. If the survey cites a rule, send a plan of correction within 10 days of the report.
Pay the annual fee each year
Every yearBetween October 1 and December 31, pay $250 for each category you hold, for the next calendar year. The license itself has no expiry date.
Re-licensure surveys
About every 18 to 24 monthsDCH surveys again roughly every 18 to 24 months. Keep serving clients: with none in the three months before a scheduled survey, you get 30 days to admit one.
More on each stage: the license application, the initial survey and re-licensure surveys, and the free license checklist for your agency.
Mistakes that cost money
Submitting before every document is ready
DCH says an incomplete submission may be delayed or rejected, and may forfeit the application fee. Not uploading documents DCH asks for leads to denial.
DCH checklist, p. 1Missing the three-month survey request
The provisional license is automatically voided, and a new application and full review are needed to start again.
DCH checklist, p. 2Paying the annual fee after December 31
A $150 late fee is added on January 1. Leaving it unpaid 60 days after an invoice puts the license at risk.
DCH; 111-8-25-.03(7)Serving clients before you are licensed
No private home care provider may operate without a license or provisional license. After an unlicensed complaint investigation, DCH’s fee rule lists a $550 involuntary application processing fee.
111-8-65-.05(1); 111-8-25-.03(8)Needing a follow-up visit
A follow-up visit to a periodic inspection costs $250. A plan of correction you follow on time is the best way to avoid one.
DCH fee scheduleBuying an agency with unpaid fees
All licensure fees, including the previous owner’s past-due fees, must be paid before DCH issues a permit after a change of ownership.
DCH checklist, p. 1Myths about cost and timing
Are Georgia home care license fees based on staff numbers?
No. Not any more. Older DCH material set fees by staff count. The current fee rule charges $250 a year per service category, up to $750, plus a $300 application processing fee.
"Private Home Care Providers ** Annually For each service offered: Companion Sitter, Personal Care and/or Nursing Maximum of $750 $250 (per service) Annually"
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."
Can you write your Georgia policies after you are licensed?
No. With the application you file a notarized Affidavit of Compliance confirming the required policies are already in place. 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."
Adopted July 9, 2026 · effective date not yet confirmed
Does the 2026 rule change affect fees?
No. The 2026 amendment changes rules .03, .05 and .09 of Chapter 111-8-65: background checks and health and TB screening. Fees are set in Chapter 111-8-25, which it does not touch. It may change a hiring cost, though: staff would need a satisfactory fingerprint result before client contact, and the annual TB test gives way to a health screening program.
What the 2026 rule change means for your agency →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Georgia home care license cost?
DCH charges a $300 application processing fee plus a license fee of $250 for each service category: companion or sitter, personal care and nursing. That makes $550 to apply for one category, $800 for two and $1,050 for all three. After that the license fee is $250 per category each year, up to $750. These are state fees paid to DCH.
How long does it take to get a Georgia private home care license?
DCH’s initial review takes 30 business days from the date you submit. If approved, you get a three-month provisional license, in which you admit at least three clients and email DCH to request your initial survey. The permanent permit follows a successful survey. How long the preparation takes, and how soon you can admit three clients, is up to you.
Do I have to renew a Georgia home care license every year?
There is no renewal application. DCH licenses have issue dates and no expiration date, and stay valid until surrendered or revoked. What recurs is the annual license fee, paid October 1 to December 31 for the next calendar year, with a $150 late fee added on January 1.
Are Georgia license fees refundable?
No. DCH’s checklist says application fees are not refundable, and the fee rule says fees are not refunded except in extraordinary circumstances that DCH decides on, with no appeal.
Do Georgia home care license fees depend on the number of staff?
No. The current fee rule charges per service category: $250 a year for each, up to $750, plus the $300 application processing fee.
Is there a discount for accredited agencies?
The fee rule marks the private home care annual license fee as eligible for a 25% discount if the agency is currently accredited by an organization DCH approves and sends a complete copy of the current decision at renewal, or already has it on file with DCH. DCH’s fee schedule lists ACHC, CARF, CHAP, the Council on Quality and Leadership and The Joint Commission for private home care.
How much does the fingerprint background check cost?
Chapter 111-8-12 defines a records check application as fingerprints plus a records search fee set by DCH, but the rule text does not state the amount. GCHEXS questions go to DCH’s Office of Inspector General on 404-463-7154 or gchexs.user@dch.ga.gov.
How do I pay DCH’s fees?
Annual fees are paid through the fee payment portal on DCH’s Healthcare Facility Regulation website, by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express or electronic ACH. DCH does not accept cash, and some electronic payments can add a convenience charge, which must be shown to you before you pay.
Know when Georgia’s fees or rules change
Leave your email and we will tell you when DCH changes its fees, confirms when the 2026 amendment takes effect, or changes a rule that affects your policies.
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Keep reading
Georgia
How to start a home care agency in Georgia
The license, the RN requirement, staff training and supervision.
Georgia
The Georgia license application
Every document DCH asks for, GAHLES and changes of ownership.
Georgia
The Georgia home care survey
The initial survey, re-licensure surveys and plans of correction.
Georgia
Georgia’s 2026 rule changes
Fingerprints before client contact and the new TB screening rule.
Tool
Georgia license checklist
Every step, tailored to your agency, emailed to you.
Manual
Georgia policy manual
Every policy Chapter 111-8-65 requires, written for your agency.
Texas
Texas license cost and timeline
A $2,625 HCSSA license for three years.
North Carolina
North Carolina license cost and timeline
DHSR fees and the steps to a license.
Virginia
Virginia license cost and timeline
OLC fees and the steps to a 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 111-8-25, General Licensing and Enforcement Requirements (incl. 111-8-25-.03 fees) · 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
- Private Home Care Providers Application Checklist (July 2026) · 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