How to Fill Out the Georgia State Board of Accountancy CPA License Application + FAQs

The Georgia CPA license application is the packet you send to NASBA Licensing Services to turn your passed CPA Exam scores and work experience into a real license issued by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. It is the final step that lets you legally call yourself a Certified Public Accountant in Georgia and sign attest reports. NASBA acts as the processing agent, but the Board makes the final call on who gets licensed.

Getting this packet right matters because NASBA returns incomplete applications without processing them, which can add weeks to your wait. The Board reports that initial license processing usually takes two to three weeks once a complete packet arrives, yet a large share of first-time packets bounce back for missing notary stamps, sealed experience forms, or transcripts. This guide walks you through each form, line by line, so your packet clears on the first try.

• 📋 How to complete each form in the Georgia CPA Certificate packet without triggering a return
• ✍️ The exact way to fill in tricky fields like the notary block, Social Security Number, and Certificate of Experience
• 💵 The current fees, where to send your check, and which payment methods NASBA accepts
• ⚖️ How Rule 20-3-.08 shapes the experience you must prove and who can sign for it
• 🚫 The most common mistakes that delay or sink a Georgia license application and how to dodge them

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

The Georgia CPA Certificate application is a multi-part packet, not a single page. It bundles the Application Form, the Certificate of Experience, the Consent Form, the education transcripts, and, when needed, the Employer’s Licensure Verification form. Together these prove three things: you passed the Uniform CPA Exam, you have the right education, and you completed qualifying work experience under proper supervision.

You must file this packet if you have passed all four sections of the CPA Exam and want an active Georgia CPA license. This includes Georgia exam-passers applying for their first certificate, as well as candidates who took the exam in another state but now want Georgia licensure. The Georgia State Board of Accountancy issues the license, while NASBA Licensing Services in Nashville, Tennessee receives and screens the paperwork.

The legal backbone is the Official Code of Georgia and the Board’s own rules, especially Rule 20-3-.08, which spells out the application and experience standards. The consequence of skipping the packet is simple but harsh: you cannot use the CPA title or sign attest engagements in Georgia, and doing so without a license can bring civil penalties. A common misconception is that passing the exam makes you a CPA. It does not. Passing the exam only qualifies you to apply for the license, and the certificate is what carries legal weight.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything before you open the forms, because a missing item is the top reason packets get returned. NASBA will not hold your file while you chase down a transcript or a notary, so assemble the full set first.

• Your Social Security Number, since it appears on the Application, Consent Form, and Transcript Request, and a mismatch with school or SSA records can stall the file.
• Your CPA Exam pass details, meaning the state where you sat, the date you first sat, and the date you passed, because the Board verifies these against NASBA records.
• Official college transcripts in sealed school envelopes, since the Board needs proof of your 150 semester hours and accounting coursework, and loose or opened transcripts are rejected.
• A completed Certificate of Experience signed by your supervisor, because at least one year and 2,000 hours of qualifying work must be verified, and unsigned forms void the experience claim.
• The license number of your supervising CPA, since the Board confirms your supervisor held an active license during your work period.
• A notary for the Application Form, because the affidavit must be sworn, and the notary date cannot be more than 120 days old when the Board receives it.
• Your current residence and business addresses with phone numbers, since both are required and the form asks you to mark your preferred mailing address.
• Your payment, meaning a certified check, money order, or credit card for the correct fee, because applications without payment are not processed.
• Citizenship or qualified-alien documentation if you are not a U.S. citizen, since the Board must confirm lawful status before issuing a license.
• A detailed job description for each position on the experience form, because the Board reads it to decide whether your duties meet the public, industry, government, or teaching standard.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

You can download the full Application Packet for a Georgia CPA Certificate directly from NASBA, which is the certificate processing agent for Georgia. The packet includes the checklist, the Application Form, the Certificate of Experience, the Consent Form, the Employer’s Licensure Verification form, and the Transcript Request form in one PDF. Print it, or complete the fillable fields and then print to sign and notarize.

Georgia also routes many initial applicants through an online portal. From the Board’s CPA License Services page, you can start a New Individual Application, and NASBA’s licensing portal lets you create a user account through its online tool. When you apply this way, you still must mail the notarized affidavit, sealed transcripts, and sealed experience forms, because those documents cannot be replaced by an online form alone.

Always confirm you are using the current version of each form by checking the NASBA Georgia page and the Board’s Forms page before you start. Forms get revised, and the consequence of using an outdated version is a returned packet. A frequent misconception is that any CPA application PDF found online will work; only the Georgia-specific NASBA packet is accepted for Georgia licensure.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Georgia CPA Certificate Packet Line by Line

This is the heart of the process. Complete each form in blue or black ink, type or print clearly, and write every date as mm/dd/yyyy. Below, each field gets its own walkthrough so nothing trips you up.

Application Form: First, Middle, and Last Name

This field asks for your full legal name. Write it exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, with your first name, middle name, and last name in their boxes.

Maria Elena Lopez writes Maria in First Name, Elena in Middle Name, and Lopez in Last Name. If you have no middle name, leave that box blank rather than writing “N/A.”

The nuance here is hyphenated or two-part last names. If your legal name is Lopez-Reyes, write the full hyphenated name in the Last Name box so it matches your transcripts and exam record.

A common mistake is using a nickname or a shortened name, like writing Liz instead of Elizabeth. The direct consequence is a name mismatch that forces the Board to pause your file until you prove the names belong to the same person.

A misconception people hold is that a small spelling difference does not matter. It does, because NASBA and the Board cross-check your name against exam, transcript, and SSA records, and even one mismatched letter can trigger a hold.

Application Form: Maiden/Other Name

This field asks for any maiden name or other name you have used. It captures alternate names so the Board can match records filed under a prior name.

Maria Lopez, who was formerly Maria Garcia, writes Garcia in the Maiden/Other box. If you have never used another name, leave it blank.

The nuance is name changes from marriage or court order. If your transcripts show your old name but the application shows your new one, listing the maiden name here links the two records.

A common mistake is leaving this blank when your college transcript carries a different name. The consequence is that the Board cannot match your education to your application and may treat the transcript as missing.

A misconception is that this box is only for women. Any prior legal name belongs here, including names changed by court order, regardless of the reason.

Application Form: Date of Birth and Social Security Number

This field asks for your birth date in mm/dd/yyyy format and your nine-digit Social Security Number. These identify you and link your file to your background check.

Maria Lopez writes 03/14/1990 for her date of birth and her full SSN in the box. Do not abbreviate the year or use dashes in the date.

The nuance applies to applicants without an SSN. Georgia generally requires an SSN for licensure, so if you do not have one, you must follow the Board’s alternate-identification path and provide qualified-alien documents.

A common mistake is transposing two digits of the SSN. The consequence is a failed identity match that can stall both your license and your background check.

A misconception is that the SSN is optional for privacy reasons. It is required, because the Board and NASBA use it to verify identity and run the consent-based background investigation.

Application Form: Residence and Business Addresses

This field asks for both your home address and your work address, each with street, city, state, ZIP, and telephone. You must check which one is your preferred mailing address.

Marcus Bell lists his home in Atlanta as his residence, his firm in Sandy Springs as his business address, and checks the business box as preferred. Include the business fax number if you have one.

The nuance is filers who work remotely or are between jobs. List your current employer if you have one; if you are unemployed, provide your residence and note your status in the business block.

A common mistake is listing only one address. The form states both are required, and the consequence of skipping one is a returned application.

A misconception is that the preferred mailing address is just a formality. It controls where your license certificate and all Board correspondence go, so an error here can mean a lost certificate.

Application Form: College/University, Major, Degree, and Conferral Date

This field asks for your school, your major, your degree, and the date your degree was conferred. It connects your transcript to your education record.

Maria Lopez writes University of Georgia, Accounting, Bachelor of Business Administration, and 05/10/2012. The conferral date is the date printed on your diploma or transcript, not your last day of class.

The nuance is multiple schools. If you earned credits at more than one college, list your degree-granting school here and send sealed transcripts from every school you attended.

A common mistake is guessing the conferral date. The consequence is a mismatch with your sealed transcript that can delay verification of your 150 hours.

A misconception is that listing the school replaces sending transcripts. It does not. You must still send official sealed transcripts, because the Board verifies coursework from the document, not your summary.

Application Form: Email Address

This field asks for your email. NASBA states that email is the main source of correspondence and that your OASIS ID and password are sent there.

Marcus Bell writes marcus.bell@email.com clearly so there is no doubt about each character. Use an address you check often and control yourself.

The nuance is shared or work emails. Avoid an employer email you might lose access to if you change jobs, since you may need the account during the full review.

A common mistake is a typo in the email. The consequence is that you never receive your login or status updates, and you may think your file is stuck when it is simply waiting on you.

A misconception is that mail will reach you even if the email is wrong. NASBA leans on email first, so a bad address can leave you in the dark for weeks.

Application Form: Question 1 — State Where You Passed the Exam and Dates

This field asks which state you passed the CPA Exam in, the date you first sat, and the date you passed. It ties your application to your exam record.

Maria Lopez writes Georgia, a date initially sat of 06/05/2021, and a date passed of 11/18/2021. Use mm/dd/yyyy for both dates.

The nuance is candidates who passed in another state. Write that state’s name here, because the Board verifies your scores through NASBA’s national database regardless of where you sat.

A common mistake is leaving the dates blank or estimating them. The consequence is that the Board cannot confirm your exam status, which halts the whole application.

A misconception is that passing in another state blocks Georgia licensure. It does not. You can still apply, though your fee and verification path may differ if you are transferring grades.

Application Form: Question 2 — States Where You Hold or Held a License

This field asks you to list every state where you hold or have held a CPA license. It builds your licensure history.

David Chen, who holds a Florida CPA license, writes Florida with his license details. If Georgia is your first license, write None.

The nuance is lapsed or inactive licenses. List them too, because the Board reviews your full history, including licenses you no longer maintain.

A common mistake is omitting an old or inactive license. The consequence can look like you hid information, which raises character-and-fitness concerns.

A misconception is that only active licenses count. The form asks for licenses you hold or have held, so expired ones still belong in the box.

Application Form: Citizenship and Sex Boxes

This field asks whether you are a U.S. citizen and asks you to mark your sex. The citizenship answer drives whether you must attach immigration documents.

Maria Lopez checks Yes for U.S. citizen and Female. If you check No, you must submit your most recent supporting documentation, such as a valid foreign passport with an I-94 or a Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

The nuance is qualified-alien status. NASBA lists accepted documents, including the I-766 Employment Authorization Card and the I-551, and you must attach one if you are not a citizen.

A common mistake is checking No but forgetting the documents. The consequence is an automatic return of the packet, since the Board cannot confirm lawful status.

A misconception is that citizenship is required to be a CPA. It is not. Lawful permanent residents and other qualified aliens can be licensed if they provide the right proof.

Application Form: Questions 1–3 on Page 2 (Disciplinary and Criminal History)

These three questions ask whether you have had a license sanctioned, been denied or refused renewal of a license, or been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor beyond minor traffic offenses. They form the character-and-fitness review.

Marcus Bell, with a clean record, checks No to all three. If you answer Yes to any, you must attach a separate explanation and supporting documents, such as a certified copy of the order or conviction.

The nuance is DUI and DWI. The form states these are not minor traffic offenses, so a past DUI must be disclosed even if it feels minor.

A common mistake is answering No to hide an old charge. The consequence is severe, because a false sworn answer can lead to denial and is itself misconduct under perjury penalties.

A misconception is that expunged or old cases never need disclosure. When in doubt, disclose and attach the order, because the Board would rather see candor than discover an omission later.

Application Form: Signature, Date, and Notary Block

This field is the sworn affidavit. You sign and date it, then a notary completes the block stating the application was sworn before them.

Maria Lopez signs, dates it 06/01/2026, and signs only in front of the notary, who then fills in the day, year, signature, commission expiration, and seal. Do not sign in advance at home.

The nuance is the 120-day rule. The notary date cannot be more than 120 days old when the Board receives the application, so notarize close to the time you mail it.

A common mistake is mailing the form without the notary seal or with a stale notary date. The consequence is a returned packet that you must re-notarize and resend.

A misconception is that any signature is enough. The statement is sworn under penalty of perjury and must be witnessed by a notary, so a plain signature without the notary block is void.

Certificate of Experience: Applicant and Employer Details

This form asks for your name, address, your position, your employer’s name and address, the firm registration number, your supervisor’s name, and the exact dates of employment. It proves where and when you worked.

David Chen writes his name, his title Staff Accountant, his firm Peachtree Audit Group, the firm registration number, and exact dates From 07/01/2024 To 07/15/2025. You cannot write “Present” for the end date.

The nuance is the hours and months lines. You must list the total hours worked and total months for the period, and the period must show at least one year and 2,000 hours.

A common mistake is writing “Present” or leaving the end date open. The consequence is a returned form, because the Board needs a closed, verifiable date range.

A misconception is that any year of work counts. The experience must be completed not more than one year before your application date, so old experience may need extra documentation.

Certificate of Experience: Detailed Job Description

This field asks for a full, detailed description of the work you performed, with dates and duties for each position. It is how the Board decides if your experience qualifies.

David Chen describes preparing audit workpapers, testing internal controls, and assisting with financial statement compilations under GAAP. If a position needs more space, your supervisor must sign each additional page.

The nuance is breaks in employment. For any break longer than one year, you must provide documentation that the break is acceptable, and you list absences beyond routine illness and leave.

A common mistake is writing a vague one-line description like “did accounting work.” The consequence is that the Board cannot judge whether your duties meet the standard, so it may reject the experience.

A misconception is that the job title alone proves the work. It does not. The Board reads the duties, so a strong, specific description matters more than an impressive title.

Certificate of Experience: Experience Type and Supervisor Certification

This section asks your supervisor to confirm whether your experience qualifies under the Public Accounting, Industry/Business, Government, or Teaching categories and to provide their license number. Your supervisor signs the matching block.

David Chen’s supervisor signs the Public Accounting block, marks Yes to both A and B, and writes their CPA license number. The applicant must also sign the public accounting block when the experience was gained in Georgia.

The nuance is the category match. Industry, government, and teaching each have their own standard, so your supervisor must sign the box that fits your real duties, not the most prestigious one.

A common mistake is having the supervisor sign the wrong category. The consequence is that your experience may not match Rule 20-3-.08, and the Board can reject it.

A misconception is that any boss can sign. For public accounting experience, the supervisor must be a licensed CPA, and the Board verifies that license was active during your employment.

Certificate of Experience: Sealing and Returning the Form

This step is a procedure, not a field. After your supervisor completes the form, they must seal it in an envelope and sign across the seal before returning it to you.

David Chen forwards the form to his supervisor, who completes it, seals it, signs the envelope flap, and hands it back. You then mail the sealed envelope with your packet, unopened.

The nuance is hand delivery. If the form is hand-delivered, the supervisor must still place it in an envelope and sign the seal, so the chain of custody stays intact.

A common mistake is opening the envelope to check the form. The consequence is that the Board treats an opened experience form as invalid and may require a new one.

A misconception is that you can fill out your own experience verification. You cannot. The supervisor verifies it under penalty of perjury, and self-verification defeats the purpose.

Employer’s Licensure Verification Form

This form verifies that your supervising CPA and firm held active licenses during your employment, and it is required only if your supervisor is licensed in a state other than Georgia. It asks for the dates of employment, the supervising CPA’s name, the firm name, and the license answers.

David Chen, supervised by a Florida-licensed CPA, sends this form to the Florida board, which confirms the license was active and returns it sealed. You only skip this form if the other state’s board posts the license name, number, issue date, and expiration on its website.

The nuance is the website exception. If all four data points appear online, a printout is enough, and you do not submit this form, but an ID card or wall certificate photo is never acceptable.

A common mistake is sending it for a Georgia-licensed supervisor. The consequence is wasted time, because the form is needed only for out-of-state supervisors.

A misconception is that you can fill in the verification yourself. Only the verifying state board completes it, and it must come back in a sealed envelope.

Consent Form

This form authorizes the Georgia State Board to run a background investigation. It asks for your full name, physical address, mailing address, sex, race, date of birth, Social Security Number, place of birth, and any aliases.

Maria Lopez completes every field, signs, and dates it. The physical address must be a street address, because a P.O. Box is not accepted on this form.

The nuance is the alias line. List every maiden name or alias here so the background check captures records under all your names.

A common mistake is entering a P.O. Box as the physical address. The consequence is a returned form, since the Board requires a real street location.

A misconception is that the Consent Form is optional. It is not. Without your signed consent, the Board cannot run the required background check, and your file stops.

Transcript Request Form and Education Proof

This form tells your college to send an official transcript directly, and it asks for your personal details, the school, your degree, dates of attendance, and graduation date. It documents your education.

Maria Lopez completes the form, sends it to the University of Georgia registrar, and the registrar mails a sealed transcript. You may use your school’s own request form instead of this one.

The nuance is that NASBA no longer keeps transcripts for Georgia applicants, so you must send originals in sealed envelopes yourself, even if NASBA had them for your exam.

A common mistake is sending an opened or unofficial transcript. The consequence is rejection, because the Board only accepts official sealed transcripts.

A misconception is that exam-stage transcripts carry over to licensure. They do not, so plan to request fresh sealed transcripts for the license application.

Payment / Credit Card Form

This form sets your fee and payment method. It lists Initial ($170), Transfer/Reciprocity ($320), Firm ($240), and Pre-Evaluation ($50), and accepts Visa or MasterCard, plus certified check or money order payable to NASBA Licensing Services.

Maria Lopez, a Georgia exam-passer, checks Initial ($170), enters her card number, expiration date, and name as it appears on the account, then signs. The form is shredded after processing.

The nuance is the right fee tier. Choose Transfer/Reciprocity if you are bringing grades or a license from another state, because the wrong tier underpays and stalls the file.

A common mistake is sending a personal check. The consequence is a return, since NASBA wants a certified check, money order, or card, and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

A misconception is that the fee is refundable if you withdraw. It is not. The form states fees are non-refundable, so confirm your eligibility before you pay.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

These three walkthroughs follow three named filers through the packet so you can see how the pieces fit together.

Scenario 1 — Maria Lopez, Georgia exam-passer with public accounting experience. She passed the exam in Georgia and works at an Atlanta audit firm under a Georgia-licensed CPA.

Form Section	What Maria Enters
Name	Maria Elena Lopez
Date of Birth / SSN	03/14/1990 and her full SSN
Exam State / Dates	Georgia, sat 06/05/2021, passed 11/18/2021
Citizenship	Yes, U.S. citizen
Education	University of Georgia, Accounting, BBA, 05/10/2012
Experience Type	Public Accounting, supervisor signs and gives GA license number
Notary Block	Signed before notary, dated within 120 days
Fee	Initial ($170) by credit card

Scenario 2 — Marcus Bell, industry experience instead of public accounting. He passed the Georgia exam and works as a corporate accountant under a licensed CPA controller.

Form Section	What Marcus Enters
Name	Marcus Allen Bell
Residence / Business	Atlanta home, Sandy Springs employer, business preferred
Exam State / Dates	Georgia, with sat and passed dates
Page 2 Questions 1–3	No to all three
Education	Degree-granting school, major, conferral date
Experience Type	Industry/Business block, supervisor marks Yes to A and B
Job Description	Detailed duties using financial accounting and GAAP skills
Fee	Initial ($170)

Scenario 3 — David Chen, out-of-state CPA seeking Georgia licensure. He holds a Florida license and transfers his standing to Georgia.

Form Section	What David Enters
Name	David Wei Chen
Exam State / Dates	Florida, with sat and passed dates
Question 2 (Other Licenses)	Florida, with license number
Employer Verification	Sent to Florida board, returned sealed
Experience Type	Public Accounting, dates closed (no “Present”)
Consent Form	Full details with street physical address
Transcripts	Sealed originals from his college
Fee	Transfer/Reciprocity ($320)

How to File the Completed Form

Georgia gives you two main channels: mail to NASBA or apply through the online portal with mailed support documents. Pick one and follow it through, since mixing partial submissions causes confusion.

By mail. Send the full packet to NASBA Licensing Services, P.O. Box 198589, Nashville, TN 37219. Include the checklist, the notarized Application Form, sealed transcripts, the sealed Certificate of Experience, the Consent Form, any Employer’s Licensure Verification, and your payment. Pay by certified check, money order, or Visa/MasterCard, with the Initial fee at $170 or Transfer/Reciprocity at $320. Processing usually runs two to three weeks after a complete packet arrives, and you should keep a copy of everything plus a mailing receipt as proof of filing.

Online. Start a New Individual Application from the Board’s CPA License Services page or create an account in NASBA’s licensing portal. You can pay the fee by card online, but you still mail the notarized affidavit, sealed transcripts, and sealed experience forms, because those cannot be uploaded as substitutes. Save your confirmation email and OASIS ID, since email is NASBA’s main way to reach you.

For questions, NASBA’s toll-free line is 866.350.0017 and its direct line is 615.880.4200. Keep these handy, because confirming a document arrived can save weeks if mail goes astray.

What Happens After You File

Once NASBA receives your packet, it screens it for completeness before any review begins. If anything is missing, NASBA returns the packet, and the clock does not start until you resend a complete file. This is why front-loading every document matters so much.

When the packet is complete, NASBA verifies your exam scores, education, and experience, then runs the consent-based background check. The Board makes the final licensing decision, and the typical timeline is two to three weeks for a clean file, though character-and-fitness disclosures or out-of-state verifications can add time. You will get updates by email, so watch the inbox tied to your OASIS ID.

After approval, the Board issues your CPA license and you can practice as a Georgia CPA. Remember that the license is not permanent on its own, because Georgia requires biennial renewal and continuing education to keep it active. A common misconception is that the license never needs upkeep; in truth, letting renewal or CPE lapse can put you out of compliance fast.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

• Leaving the notary block blank or letting the notary date pass 120 days, which forces a re-notarized resubmission.
• Sending an opened Certificate of Experience envelope, which makes the experience form invalid.
• Writing “Present” as your employment end date, which the form forbids and which triggers a return.
• Listing only one address when both residence and business are required, which bounces the packet.
• Sending a personal check instead of a certified check, money order, or card, which NASBA will not process.
• Using a nickname or maiden-only name that does not match your transcripts, which causes an identity hold.
• Forgetting to attach citizenship documents after checking “No” on U.S. citizen, which stops the file.
• Submitting an unofficial or opened transcript, which the Board rejects outright.
• Choosing the wrong fee tier, such as paying Initial when you owe Transfer/Reciprocity, which underpays and stalls review.
• Answering “No” to a disciplinary or criminal question to hide history, which can lead to denial and perjury exposure.
• Having a non-CPA supervisor sign public accounting experience, which voids that experience under Rule 20-3-.08.
• Using a P.O. Box on the Consent Form physical address line, which the form does not accept.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Do gather every document before you start, because a single missing item returns the whole packet.
• Do notarize the Application Form close to your mailing date, so the 120-day notary window stays valid.
• Do write all dates as mm/dd/yyyy, because the form requires that exact format.
• Do keep copies of everything and a mailing receipt, since they are your proof of filing.
• Do confirm your supervisor’s CPA license is active, because the Board verifies it during your work period.
• Do disclose any criminal or disciplinary history with documents, since candor protects you far more than concealment.

Don’t:

• Don’t open any sealed envelope from a school or supervisor, because opened documents are rejected.
• Don’t sign the affidavit before you reach the notary, since it must be sworn in their presence.
• Don’t guess your degree conferral date, because a mismatch with the transcript delays verification.
• Don’t use a work email you might lose access to, since you may need it through the full review.
• Don’t pay with a personal check, because NASBA accepts only certified checks, money orders, or cards.
• Don’t assume passing the exam licenses you, since the certificate is a separate, required step.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Most applicants file the Georgia packet themselves, but some use a firm’s licensing coordinator or an advisor. Weigh the trade-offs below.

Pros of filing on your own:

• You save money, since you avoid any third-party service fee on top of the $170 state fee.
• You control the timeline, because you mail documents the moment they are ready.
• You learn the rules firsthand, which helps at renewal and CPE time.
• You keep your data private, since fewer hands touch your SSN and records.
• You can call NASBA directly at 866.350.0017 for free guidance.

Cons of filing on your own:

• You carry the full risk of a returned packet if one document is wrong.
• You must coordinate transcripts and sealed experience forms yourself, which takes effort.
• You may misread Rule 20-3-.08 and pick the wrong experience category.
• You handle notary timing alone, which is easy to miss with the 120-day limit.
• You get no second set of eyes on character-and-fitness disclosures, where mistakes are costly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I write my maiden name or married name in the name boxes?

No. Write your current legal name in the First, Middle, and Last boxes, then put any prior or maiden name in the separate Maiden/Other box so records match.

Can I write “Present” for my employment end date on the Certificate of Experience?

No. The form bars the word “Present,” so you must enter an exact end date in mm/dd/yyyy form for the Board to verify a closed work period.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a Georgia CPA license?

No. Lawful permanent residents and other qualified aliens can be licensed, but you must attach approved documents such as an I-551 or I-766 if you check “No” on citizenship.

Is the application fee refundable if I change my mind?

No. The payment form states all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so confirm your eligibility and correct fee tier before you pay.

Can I open the sealed Certificate of Experience to check it first?

No. Opening the sealed envelope invalidates the form, so mail it unopened with your packet exactly as your supervisor sealed it.

Do I send a personal check with my application?

No. NASBA accepts a certified check, money order, or Visa/MasterCard payable to NASBA Licensing Services, and a personal check causes a return.

Can any manager sign my public accounting experience?

No. A licensed CPA must verify public accounting experience, and the Board confirms that supervisor’s license was active during your employment under Rule 20-3-.08.

Do I need to notarize the whole packet?

No. Only the Application Form affidavit needs a notary, and the notary date cannot be more than 120 days old when the Board receives it.

Can I use a P.O. Box on the Consent Form?

No. The Consent Form requires a street physical address, though you may list a P.O. Box separately as your mailing address.

Does passing the CPA Exam automatically make me a CPA in Georgia?

No. Passing only qualifies you to apply, and you become a CPA only after the Board issues your license through this application.

Can I upload my transcripts online instead of mailing them?

No. You must send official transcripts in sealed school envelopes, because NASBA no longer retains transcripts for Georgia applicants and the Board accepts only sealed originals.

Do I pay the same fee if I passed the exam in another state?

No. Out-of-state grade transfers and reciprocity applicants pay the $320 Transfer/Reciprocity fee instead of the $170 Initial fee.

Can I leave the disciplinary and criminal questions blank if they do not apply?

No. You must mark “No” to each of the three questions on page 2, and answering “Yes” requires an attached explanation and certified documents.

Do I have to send the Employer’s Licensure Verification form for a Georgia supervisor?

No. That form is needed only when your supervisor is licensed outside Georgia, and even then you can skip it if all license data is posted on the other board’s website.