The Georgia Composite Medical Board Physician Assistant Initial Application is the form a PA files online to get licensed to practice in Georgia, and it is reviewed and approved by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB). You file it through the Board’s eGov Licensure Gateway or by email, you pay a $300 fee, and you attach a set of supporting forms that prove who you are, where you trained, and that you passed your national exam.
Each year, thousands of new PAs and out-of-state PAs apply to work in Georgia, and the Board’s own guidance lists a 6 to 8 week processing time when a file is clean. The trouble is that one missing signature, a mismatched date, or a reference from the wrong person can push your file to the next monthly board meeting and cost you weeks. This guide walks you through every screen and every attachment so your file moves on the first pass.
Here is what you will learn:
- 🗂️ Which exact forms you need (Form A, Form A2, Form D, Form F, Form K, Utilization Form) and who signs each one.
- 🖥️ How to complete every section of the online application, screen by screen, in the right order.
- 👤 Three full walkthroughs for a new grad, a PA with a supervising physician, and an out-of-state PA.
- ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that cause holds, denials, and delays, and how to dodge them.
- 💵 The current fees, deadlines, filing channels, and what happens after you hit submit.
What the PA Initial Application Is and Who Must File It
The Georgia PA Initial Application is the legal request you make to the Georgia Composite Medical Board for permission to practice as a physician assistant in the state. The Board is the state agency that licenses physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), and it draws its power from O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 34, the Georgia Medical Practice Act. You must file this form before you accept any PA job in Georgia, because practicing without a license is a violation that can trigger fines and a permanent mark on your record.
You must file if you are a new PA graduate who just passed the national exam and wants your first license. You must also file if you already hold a PA license in another state and want to practice in Georgia, since Georgia does not honor another state’s license on its own. The Board’s PA/AA guidance splits filers into three groups: new graduates, prior out-of-state license holders, and people reinstating a lapsed Georgia license.
The form solves a simple problem for the state: it lets the Board confirm you are trained, tested, and fit to treat patients before you ever see one. Get it right and you get a license number that lets you work. Get it wrong and the Board issues a deficiency notice, your file waits, and your start date slides.
The deadline that governs the form is the monthly board meeting. You must submit a complete file with all documents and clarifications 5 business days before the board meeting, or your application waits for the next meeting. There is no late penalty in dollars, but the penalty in time is real, since the Board meets only once a month.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather everything before you log in, because the online form and its uploads must match each other date for date and name for name. A single gap or mismatch can stall the whole file. The PA/AA General Information sheet and the Simple Checklist list each item.
Here is your pre-filing checklist:
- Your full legal name as it appears on your ID. The Board cross-checks every document; a nickname or maiden name mismatch triggers a hold.
- A government photo ID (driver’s license or U.S. passport), front and back. This becomes your “ID PHOTO” upload and proves your identity.
- A 2×2 inch passport-style photo. This goes in the box on Form A; without it the affidavit is rejected.
- Your NCCPA certification details (number, exam date, score). The Board needs NCCPA to verify you passed the PANCE.
- Your PA school name, attendance dates, and degree conferral date. These must match the Form K your school sends.
- Two MD or DO references who are board certified. They complete Form D and cannot be your supervising physician.
- Your supervising physician’s GA license ID number (if applying with one). This is required on the Utilization Form and Form F.
- An NPDB self-query report (only if you held a prior PA/AA license). It must match your license history exactly.
- Your current CV or resume with city and state for each job. Gaps over 30 months need a written explanation.
- A credit card or e-check for the $300 fee. Payment is online only, and you keep the receipt as proof.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, also gather your visa or immigration ID, front and back, because the Board runs a statewide SAVE verification. If you served in the military, pull your DD-214 showing honorable discharge and your military photo ID. If you changed your name, find your marriage certificate or current driver’s license to prove it.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The PA Initial Application lives inside the Board’s online portal, the Licensure Gateway, at gateway.medicalboard.georgia.gov. You do not download the main application as a paper PDF; you fill it out on screen. The supporting forms (Form A, A2, D, F, K, and the Utilization Form), though, are downloadable PDFs found on the Board’s Print Forms page.
To start, go to the Gateway and register for an account if you do not have one. Once logged in, choose “Physician Assistant Application” from the list of available applications in the top right of your screen. A left-hand menu then shows every section you must complete in order.
The Board accepts your file through two channels only. The first is the eGov Portal itself, where you complete the application and upload your PDFs. The second is email to gcmb.paandaa@dch.ga.gov for documents that must come from you. Paper mail is not accepted for the application, though some third parties (your school, NCCPA, your references) may mail their forms directly to the Board.
Confirm you have the current version of each PDF before you fill it in. The Board updates these forms, and an old Form F or Reference Form D can be rejected. Open each form fresh from the Print Forms page on the day you start, rather than reusing a copy saved months ago.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Georgia PA Initial Application Line by Line
This is the heart of the process. Complete each online section in the order the left-hand menu lists it, then prepare your upload forms. Every field below tells you what it asks, how to answer, what a real entry looks like, the edge cases, the common mistake, and the myth to drop.
1. Address Information (Personal Address)
This field asks for your home address, called your primary or residential address. Enter a real physical street address and pick the type as Primary, then fill in Country, Address 1, Address 2 if needed, Zip, City, State from the dropdown, and County. Maria Lopez enters 1420 Peachtree St NE, Apt 5, Atlanta, GA 30309, Fulton County. The most common edge case is living out of state when you apply; if your mailing address is outside Georgia, you must attach a written note explaining your plan to move and an estimated date like 08/2026.
The number-one mistake here is entering a P.O. Box, which the system rejects because the Board requires a physical address for its records. A second mistake is leaving County blank, which stalls the screen. People wrongly believe this address will be published; it stays in the Board’s records and is not made public.
2. Previous Names
This field asks whether you have ever gone by a different legal name. If any document you submit shows a different name, add each previous name with First, Middle, Last, and Suffix. Maria Lopez, who married last year, adds her maiden name Maria Garcia here. The edge case is a name that changed more than once; add a separate record for each version.
The common mistake is skipping this field when your diploma or NCCPA record shows your old name, which creates a name mismatch and a hold. You must also submit notarized proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, or the Board cannot connect your documents. Many filers think the system will figure out the match on its own; it will not, and an unexplained name difference always stops the file.
3. Military Services
This field asks if you have ever served in the U.S. military. If yes, add a record for each period with Branch from the dropdown, Start Date, and End Date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Marcus Bell enters Army, 06/15/2014 to 06/14/2018. The edge case is active-duty status, which can speed your file under Georgia’s military licensing rules; mark “YES” on the questionnaire and email your DD-214 and military photo ID to the Board.
The common mistake is claiming service but failing to attach the DD-214 showing honorable discharge, which voids any military benefit you hoped to claim. Leave this section empty if you never served, since a blank record here can error out the page. Some applicants think any discharge qualifies for expedited handling; the Board’s guidance points to an honorable discharge as the proof it wants.
4. Affidavit
This section asks mandatory yes-or-no questions about your training and fitness to practice. Answer each honestly, such as whether a U.S. or Canadian school granted your degree and whether you have any untreated condition that impairs your practice. For every “YES,” type a clear explanation in the comments box and upload supporting documents at the end. Marcus answers “YES” to a past treated condition and writes that it is fully resolved and under no current restriction.
The edge case is a “YES” tied to a legal incident; you must attach court documents showing the current disposition. The common mistake is answering “NO” to hide a past issue, which the Board treats as a false statement and can deny you for, far worse than the original event. People wrongly think a “YES” answer means automatic denial; in truth, a well-documented explanation usually clears review.
5. Health Notice
This screen shows the Board’s policy on health conditions that could impair safe practice. Read it, then check the box to confirm you have read and understand it. Maria reads the statement and checks the acknowledgment box. There is no data to type here; it is an attestation.
The edge case is having a condition mentioned in the policy; pair your acknowledgment with the explanation you gave in the Affidavit. The common mistake is clicking the box without reading, then giving answers that contradict the policy, which raises questions during review. Some filers fear that acknowledging the policy flags them; it does not, since every applicant must check this box.
6. Practice Information
This field asks for your current practice address if you are working now. Enter Practice Name, Practice Type, Country, Address 1 and 2, Zip, City, State, and County, with no P.O. Box. Aisha Khan, already a PA in Florida, enters Coastal Urgent Care, 88 Bay Rd, Tampa, FL 33602, Hillsborough County. The edge case is telehealth practice; if you use telemedicine, give the registered address and set the specialty section to Telemedicine.
You must enter at least one primary practice address before the screen lets you continue. The common mistake is listing a hospital, ER, urgent care, or correctional facility as your only setting without naming an alternate on Form F, which the Board requires for those settings. Many new grads think they must have a job to apply; you can apply before employment, but you then confirm you understand Georgia’s work and practice rule.
7. Education
This field asks for every school you attended on the path to your PA degree. Add a record for each with Country, Attendance Start Date, Attendance End Date, Graduation Date, and School Name, all in MM/DD/YYYY format. Maria enters Emory University, attendance 08/15/2022 to 05/10/2024, graduation 05/10/2024. The edge case is a bridge or prior degree program; list each separately.
The most damaging mistake here is a graduation date that does not match the date on your Form K from the school, which creates a conflict the Board must resolve before approval. The graduation date can never fall after the date your school official signs Form K. People think transcripts cover this section; they do not, since the Board relies on the dates you enter matching the school’s verification.
8. Other State Licenses
This field asks you to list every current or past license held in any U.S. state or Canadian province, including training, temporary, provisional, limited, and full licenses. Enter the state, license type, license number, issue date, and expiration date for each. Aisha enters Florida, PA full license, PA-78451, issued 06/01/2021, expires 03/31/2027. The edge case is a license you let lapse; list it anyway, since hiding it is a false statement.
You must request official verification for each license sent directly from the issuing state to the Board. The common mistake is leaving out an old training permit, which then surfaces on your NPDB report and flags a mismatch. Many applicants believe only active licenses count; the Board wants every license you have ever held, active or not.
9. Examinations
This field asks for your exam history, which for PAs is the NCCPA. Enter Type as NCCPA, the Date, the Score, and whether you passed. Maria enters NCCPA, 06/20/2024, passed: Yes. The edge case is a pending exam; provide a copy of the NCCPA eligibility letter and the email showing your scheduled date and location.
You must also have NCCPA send an official letterhead verification with its logo directly to the Board, since a printed certificate is not accepted. The common mistake is uploading your own NCCPA certificate and assuming it counts; only a direct verification from NCCPA satisfies the Board. People think entering the score is enough; the entry and the NCCPA direct report must both be on file.
10. Hospital Privileges
This field asks for every hospital where you currently hold staff privileges. Enter Hospital Name, Country, Address, Zip, City, State, Start Date, and End Date if it applies. Aisha lists Tampa General Hospital, start 07/01/2021. The edge case is no privileges yet as a new grad; leave it empty, but make sure your other sections still account for all your time.
The key rule is that your education, privileges, and activities together must cover all time since PA school with no gap over 90 days. The common mistake is a timeline gap that the Board reads as unexplained, which triggers a request for a written explanation and delays you. Some filers think privileges are optional detail; they are part of the gap-free timeline the Board checks closely.
11. Activities
This field asks for all professional activities since you graduated PA school. Enter Facility or Activity, address fields, Start and End Dates, and an Explanation if a gap exists or the activity is not obvious. Maria, a new grad, enters “Job search and NCCPA exam prep, Atlanta, GA, 05/2024 to 07/2024.” The edge case is time off for travel, caregiving, or illness; name it plainly so there is no mystery gap.
This section is where you close any hole in your timeline so the 90-day gap rule is satisfied. The common mistake is leaving gaps unexplained, which forces the Board to send a deficiency letter. Many applicants think only paid clinical work belongs here; any activity that fills your timeline belongs, including study time and unemployment.
12. DEA Information
This field asks for any DEA registration you hold or have held. Enter the DEA Number, Issue Date, Expiration Date, and State. Aisha enters her Florida DEA number, issued 08/2021, expires 08/2027. The edge case is a new grad with no DEA number yet; leave it blank, and you can register later once licensed.
On the questionnaire, mark “Y” for DEA if you hold one and provide the number. The common mistake is entering an expired DEA without noting it, which raises a question during review. People think you need a DEA before you can be licensed; you do not, since the license comes first and the DEA registration follows.
13. Background Check
This field collects the personal data the Board uses to run your background check. Enter First, Middle, and Last Name, Date of Birth, citizenship, country, city, and state of birth, plus language, gender, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color. Marcus enters his full details, DOB 03/14/1990, U.S. citizen, born in Macon, GA. The edge case is non-citizen status, which routes you through SAVE verification and requires your visa copy.
You then certify the information is true and agree it is used for this application only. The common mistake is a name or DOB here that differs from your ID upload, which breaks the background match and holds the file. Some filers think this duplicates other sections; the background screen feeds a separate check, so accuracy here is its own requirement.
14. Attestation
This section asks you to read and accept the legal statements that bind your application. They cover your familiarity with Georgia’s laws and rules, your authorization for the Board to investigate and release records, and your understanding of the penalties for false statements. Maria reads each statement and checks the box affirming her agreement under penalty of law. The edge case is none; every applicant must accept these terms to submit.
The common mistake is rushing past the attestation without grasping that it makes every prior answer a sworn statement. A false answer anywhere in the file becomes a legal problem once you check this box. People think attestation is a formality; it is the legal backbone that lets the Board act on false or hidden answers.
15. Verification and Confirmation
This screen lets you review every entry before you pay. Read each section, and if something is wrong, use the left menu to go back and fix it. Aisha catches a typo in her Florida license number and corrects it here before moving on. The edge case is finding a date conflict; fix it now, since changes after payment are harder.
The common mistake is skimming this page and submitting an error you saw but did not fix, which then triggers a deficiency notice. Treat this as your last free chance to match every date and name across the file. Many applicants think the Board will just call about small errors; it sends formal notices that cost you a board cycle.
16. Payment and Submission
This screen takes your $300 fee and submits the application. Pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover) or e-check, knowing a small non-refundable convenience fee applies to card payments. Marcus pays $300 by Visa and saves the PDF receipt. The edge case is reinstatement, which costs $400, or an inactive license at $200, per the Fee Schedule.
Once you pay, a confirmation page shows your submission date and a confirmation number, which you should print. The common mistake is treating submission as approval; it is not, and you must still upload documents and answer Board requests. People think paying ends the process; in reality, your file is only complete once the Board reviews every attachment and sends a “Complete Status” email.
17. Form A — Affidavit of Application (With Photo)
This upload form is your sworn affidavit of identity with a photo. Sign and date it yourself, place a 2×2 photo in the box, fill in all geographic details (city, county, state), then have it notarized with a seal, signature, and date. Maria signs Form A on 07/15/2026, attaches her 2×2 photo, and a notary seals it the same day. The edge case is a notary date that drifts from your signature date; keep them current and aligned with your application date.
Save and upload it as a PDF named “FORM A.” The common mistake is omitting the 2×2 photo or using a casual snapshot, which makes the affidavit invalid. Many filers think any notarization works; the Board wants a clear seal, the notary’s signature, and a current date that matches your filing.
18. Form A2 — Affidavit of Citizenship/Lawful Presence
This upload form proves your lawful presence in the United States. Sign and date it, state the proof type (passport, driver’s license, and so on), attach a front-and-back copy of that proof, and have it notarized. Marcus marks “U.S. Passport” on Form A2, attaches the copy, and signs on 07/15/2026. The edge case is non-citizen status, which adds SAVE verification and requires your visa or immigration ID, front and back.
Upload it as a PDF named “FORM A2,” and make sure your proof is on the Board’s approved-document list. The common mistake is attaching only the front of the ID, which leaves the proof incomplete. People think this form duplicates Form A; it is a separate lawful-presence affidavit required by Georgia law.
19. Reference Form D (PA References)
This form gathers two professional references about your clinical work. Submit two Reference Form D documents, each from a board-certified MD or DO who has worked with you within the last 7 years, with dates as MM/DD/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY. Dr. Patel, a board-certified MD who supervised Maria’s surgery rotation, completes one Form D covering 01/08/2024 to 02/10/2024. The edge case is a new grad with short rotations; name a limitation timeframe of at least 4 weeks, or get one or two extra references of at least a week each if a rotation ran shorter.
The reference must come straight from the physician, sent by a business email like john.smith@piedmont.org, not from you and not from a personal email. The common mistake is using your future supervising physician as a reference; that person cannot be both, and it voids the form. People think any doctor works; the references must be board-certified MDs or DOs, and the specialty does not matter.
20. Form F — Basic Job Description (PA)
This form describes your PA job and ties you to a supervising physician. Use Form F for PAs (Form E is for AAs), have it signed and dated by you with “pending” on the license ID line, and signed and dated by your supervising physician with their GA ID number. Maria’s supervising physician, Dr. Nguyen, GA ID #PA-supervising number, signs Form F and lists one ER alternate. The edge case is a hospital, ER, or correctional setting, which requires at least one named alternate physician with full name, signature, and date.
Upload it as a PDF named “FORM F,” and do not complete the old AC1 form, which the Board will not accept. The common mistake is using the same physician for both Form F and a reference, which is not allowed, or naming a supervisor who already covers 4 PAs (the legal limit). People think the supervisor’s name can differ across forms; it must match the name on your Utilization Form exactly.
21. Utilization Form
This form states whether you are applying with or without a supervising physician. If with one, list all supervising physician information including the GA Physician License ID number, leave the middle name blank if there is none, and confirm the 4-PA limit is met. Maria marks “with supervising physician” and enters Dr. Nguyen’s full details and GA license ID. The edge case is applying without a physician; mark that option and confirm in writing that you understand Georgia’s work and practice rule.
Upload it as a PDF named “UTILIZATION FORM.” The common mistake is a supervisor who already has 4 PAs in the system; you then need a Form H Separation Notification filed at the same time. People think they must already be employed; you can apply without a noted physician, but you cannot start work until you are licensed and a supervisor is on file.
22. Form K — School Verification
This form is your PA program’s official verification of your degree. Ask a school official to complete it, since transcripts do not replace it, and it must show your name, degree type, and conferral date. Emory’s program director completes Form K for Maria and emails it from jsmith@emory.edu with the embossed seal. The edge case is a graduation date question; the date on Form K must match your Education section and cannot fall after the official’s signature date.
It must come directly from the school, by PDF from a verifiable school email, with the embossed seal and original signatures. The common mistake is sending it yourself, which the Board rejects because it must come from the program. People think a sealed transcript is enough; only Form K from the school satisfies this requirement.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three walkthroughs follow the most common filers from start to finish. Use them to see how the pieces fit for your situation.
Scenario 1: Maria, a New Grad Applying With a Supervising Physician
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Personal Address | 1420 Peachtree St NE, Apt 5, Atlanta, GA 30309, Fulton County |
| Education | Emory University, 08/15/2022 to 05/10/2024, graduation 05/10/2024 |
| Examinations | NCCPA, 06/20/2024, passed: Yes |
| Activities | Job search and exam prep, Atlanta, GA, 05/2024 to 07/2024 |
| Utilization Form | With supervising physician: Dr. Nguyen, GA ID listed |
| Form F | Signed by Maria (pending ID) and Dr. Nguyen, one ER alternate named |
| Reference Form D (x2) | Dr. Patel and Dr. Ruiz, both board-certified MDs, emailed directly |
| Form A | Signed, 2×2 photo attached, notarized 07/15/2026 |
| Payment | $300 by Visa, confirmation number printed |
Scenario 2: Marcus, a New Grad Applying Without a Supervising Physician Yet
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Personal Address | 55 Oak Ridge Dr, Macon, GA 31201, Bibb County |
| Military Services | Army, 06/15/2014 to 06/14/2018, DD-214 emailed |
| Education | Mercer University, 08/2022 to 05/2024, graduation 05/2024 |
| Examinations | NCCPA, 07/2024, passed: Yes |
| Utilization Form | Without supervising physician; written rule acknowledgment uploaded |
| Affidavit | “YES” to a treated condition, explanation in comments box |
| Reference Form D (x2) | Two board-certified MDs from clinical rotations, emailed directly |
| Form A and A2 | Both signed, photo attached, notarized, U.S. Passport proof |
| Payment | $300 by e-check, receipt saved |
Scenario 3: Aisha, an Out-of-State PA Endorsing Into Georgia
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Personal Address | Florida address now, with a written note on her Georgia move plan |
| Practice Information | Coastal Urgent Care, Tampa, FL, current practice |
| Other State Licenses | Florida PA-78451, issued 06/01/2021, expires 03/31/2027 |
| Hospital Privileges | Tampa General Hospital, start 07/01/2021 |
| DEA Information | Florida DEA number, issued 08/2021, expires 08/2027 |
| NPDB Self-Query | Report uploaded as “NPDB,” matches license history |
| Examinations | NCCPA verification sent directly from NCCPA |
| Reference Form D (x2) | Two board-certified MDs from the last 7 years, emailed directly |
| Payment | $300 by Visa, confirmation printed |
How to File the Completed Form
Georgia accepts your PA application through two channels, and you will use both for different pieces. The main channel is the eGov Licensure Gateway, where you complete the online form, pay, and upload your PDFs. The second is email to gcmb.paandaa@dch.ga.gov for documents and clarifications that come from you.
For the online portal, the address is gateway.medicalboard.georgia.gov, the fee is $300 for an initial application, and payment is by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover) or e-check, with a small non-refundable card convenience fee. Processing runs about 6 to 8 weeks for a clean file. Your proof of filing is the on-screen confirmation page with your submission date and confirmation number, which you should print and save.
For the email channel, you send PDFs to gcmb.paandaa@dch.ga.gov, with no fee since the fee is paid in the portal, and you should email the Board to say you have uploaded documents. Third parties use email too: your school sends Form K from a school address, NCCPA sends its verification from an NCCPA address, and your references send Form D from business emails. Keep every sent-email confirmation as your proof.
Paper mail is not accepted for the application itself. Some primary-source documents may be mailed by the issuing party, and the Board estimates 3 to 5 days for mail delivery, or up to 2 weeks during holidays. Always confirm your email address in the portal is correct, since email is the Board’s main and time-sensitive channel for updates.
What Happens After You File
After you submit and pay, the Board sends a confirmation email that it received your application. Your file then enters review, where staff check every uploaded form and wait for the third-party items (Form K, NCCPA verification, references, and license verifications) to arrive directly. The full review takes roughly 6 to 8 weeks when nothing is missing.
If something is wrong or missing, the Board emails you a deficiency notice listing each item to fix. You must respond to every line item in that email, because email is the main channel and the messages are time-sensitive. A clean response keeps you on track for the next monthly board meeting, while a slow or partial response pushes you to a later one.
Once every document passes review, you receive a “Complete Status” email, and your file goes to the Board for approval at its monthly meeting. Do not accept a Georgia PA job offer until you have written approval of your license, since starting early risks practicing without authorization. When approved, your license number issues and you can register your DEA and begin work under your supervising physician.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each of these errors maps to a real field, and each carries a direct cost in time or denial.
- Using a P.O. Box for your home address, which the system rejects and stalls the address screen.
- Omitting the 2×2 photo on Form A, which makes the affidavit invalid and delays the file.
- Letting your notary date drift from your signature date, which the Board flags as out of sync.
- Using your supervising physician as one of your two references, which voids that reference form.
- Sending Form K yourself instead of from the school, which the Board refuses to accept.
- Uploading your NCCPA certificate instead of a direct NCCPA verification, which does not satisfy review.
- Leaving a timeline gap over 90 days unexplained, which triggers a deficiency notice.
- Entering a graduation date that does not match Form K, which creates a conflict the Board must resolve.
- Naming a supervisor who already has 4 PAs without filing Form H, which blocks your utilization.
- Answering “NO” to hide a past legal or health issue, which the Board treats as a false statement and can deny.
- Submitting fewer than 5 business days before the board meeting, which pushes you to the next month.
- Using a personal email for a reference instead of a business email, which makes the reference unacceptable.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Do use your full legal name on every document, because the Board cross-checks names and any mismatch holds the file.
- Do gather all attachments before you start, since the online entries must match each PDF date for date.
- Do confirm your email is correct in the portal, because email is the Board’s main and time-sensitive channel.
- Do have third parties send Form K, NCCPA, and references directly, since the Board rejects items you forward yourself.
- Do print your confirmation page, because it is your proof of filing and submission date.
- Do respond to every line item in a deficiency email, since a partial reply costs you a board cycle.
Don’t:
- Don’t accept a Georgia PA job until you have written license approval, because early practice risks acting without authorization.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box for home or practice addresses, since the system requires a physical address.
- Don’t reuse old form versions, because an outdated Form F or D can be rejected.
- Don’t complete the AC1 form, since the Board will not accept it.
- Don’t leave timeline gaps unexplained, because any gap over 90 days triggers a request for explanation.
- Don’t assume payment means approval, since your file is only done after a “Complete Status” email.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With a Credentialer
Many PAs use a credentialing service or employer credentialer, while others file themselves. Here is how the two compare so you can choose.
Pros of filing on your own:
- You save the cost of a credentialing service, since you only pay the $300 Board fee.
- You control the timeline directly, because you respond to Board emails yourself without a middle layer.
- You learn the rules firsthand, which helps with future renewals and supervising-physician changes.
- You avoid miscommunication, since the Board communicates only with you or a registered POA.
- You keep all your documents organized in one account you own.
Cons of filing on your own:
- You carry the full risk of missing a field-level rule, which can cost a board cycle.
- You must chase third parties yourself for Form K, NCCPA, and references.
- You may misread the gap, reference, or supervisor-limit rules without expert help.
- You spend more of your own time on uploads, follow-ups, and deficiency responses.
- You lack a safety net if a document arrives in the wrong format.
How New Graduate vs. Out-of-State Filing Differs
| Filing Element | New Graduate | Out-of-State PA |
|---|---|---|
| NPDB self-query | Not required if never licensed | Required, must match license history |
| Other State Licenses section | Usually empty | Lists every prior license with verification |
| References (Form D) | May use short-rotation timeframes (min 4 weeks) | Use work within the last 7 years |
| Supervising physician | Often “without” at first | Often lined up with a Georgia employer |
| Initial fee | $300 | $300 (reinstatement is $400) |
FAQs
Do I have to apply online?
Yes. The Board accepts PA applications only through the eGov Licensure Gateway or by email to gcmb.paandaa@dch.ga.gov. Paper mail is not accepted for the application itself.
Do I need a supervising physician before I apply?
No. You can apply without a noted physician by marking that option on the Utilization Form and confirming in writing that you understand Georgia’s work and practice rule.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Previous Names section?
Yes. Add your maiden name (and any prior name) there if your documents show it, and attach notarized proof such as a marriage certificate.
Do I put a P.O. Box in the address field?
No. Both the personal and practice address fields require a physical street address, and a P.O. Box will be rejected by the system.
Do I need a 2×2 photo on Form A?
Yes. A 2×2 passport-style photo must go in the box on Form A, or the affidavit is invalid and your file is delayed.
Do my references have to be board certified?
Yes. Both references on Reference Form D must be board-certified MDs or DOs, and neither can be your supervising physician.
Do I leave the license ID line blank on Form F?
No. Write “pending” on the PA license ID line of Form F, since you do not yet have a Georgia license number.
Do I send Form K to the Board myself?
No. Form K must come directly from your PA program by PDF from a school email, with the embossed seal and original signatures.
Do I upload my own NCCPA certificate?
No. The Board needs a direct verification from NCCPA with its logo; a printed certificate uploaded by you is not accepted.
Do I have to explain timeline gaps?
Yes. Any gap over 90 days since PA school must be explained in the Activities section, or the Board sends a deficiency notice.
Do I pay the fee online?
Yes. The $300 initial fee is paid in the portal by credit card or e-check, and you should keep the receipt as proof.
Do I need an NPDB self-query as a new grad?
No. The NPDB self-query is required only if you held a prior PA or AA license before applying in Georgia.
Do I file Form H if my supervisor already has four PAs?
Yes. Submit a completed Form H Separation Notification at the same time so the Board can process a removal and stay within the 4-PA limit.
Do I have to submit five business days before the meeting?
Yes. A complete file must reach the Board 5 business days before the monthly board meeting, or it waits for the next meeting.
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