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Frequently Asked Questions for Business Licenses Does my business require a license? Any individual or business must obtain a business license prior to conducting any business in the county. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial businesses prior to the application for the license. How do I apply for a business license? Applications are available either online or at the Planning & Development Office located in the Government Center at 25 Justice Way, Suite 2322, Dawsonville, GA 30534 during office hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. What is a state license? A state license is a certification through the State of Georgia: Electricians, General Contractors, Plumbers, HVAC, Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Physicians, etc. Proof of certification is required to obtain a business license. For further information, contact the Georgia Secretary of State’s office at www.sos.state.ga.us How do I obtain a state tax identification number? State tax identification numbers are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue at www.state.ga.us/departments/dor . This agency also provides information regarding state taxes, unclaimed money, and unclaimed property as well as licensing to sell retail products (alcohol and tobacco) in the State of Georgia. To obtain a federal tax identification number (EIN), contact the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov/businesses/small Do I need to register my business as a DBA (doing business as)? The State of Georgia requires all businesses not registered as Corporations, Limited Liability Company, Limited or General Partnership to register their business name. Dawson County cannot issue a business license without verification of this type of registration. All registrations are done at the Dawson County Clerk of Courts office located in the Government Center at 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, GA 30534. The only exception for a sole proprietor is if your full legal name is part of your business name (example: John L. Doe Jewelry Company).