Rome, Georgia Business License: Requirements, Fees, and Application Process

Rome’s Business License System

Rome is one of the few Georgia cities that still officially calls it a “Business License” — not an Occupation Tax Certificate, not a Business Tax Certificate. If you’ve been searching for how to get a business license in Rome, Georgia, you’re using the right terminology. The City Clerk’s Office issues it, and it is required before you open to the public.

This is straightforward at the concept level. The complexity is in the fee calculation, which varies by business type, gross revenue, and number of workers — and which the city calculates on a case-by-case basis rather than publishing a standard rate schedule. This guide explains exactly what to expect, who to call, what documents to bring, and how the city-versus-county distinction affects your situation.

City Clerk’s Office:

• Address: 601 Broad Street, lobby floor, City Hall/Auditorium building, Rome, GA 30161
• Business License Administrator: (706) 236-4459
• General City Clerk: (706) 236-4400
• Online inquiry form: romega.us

The Business License Administrator is your primary contact for every question related to your license — fees, forms, zoning, inspections, renewals, and closures.

Fee Structure

The cost of a Rome business license is calculated based on three factors:

1. Type of business license — Rome distinguishes between categories of business activity, and the applicable license type affects the fee.
2. Estimated gross revenue — Your projected or actual annual gross revenue is part of the calculation.
3. Number of workers — The total count of people working at your Rome location factors into the fee.

Rome does not publish a simplified flat-rate schedule publicly. This is unusual compared to cities like Dalton (which publishes a specific employee-based table) or Johns Creek (which publishes its full NAICS rate schedule). The practical implication: you need to contact the Business License Administrator directly at (706) 236-4459 to get the specific fee for your business before you budget.

Come to that conversation prepared with:

• Your business type and NAICS code (from your federal tax return, or look up at census.gov/naics)
• Your projected annual gross revenue
• Your expected employee count at your Rome location

The Business License Administrator can provide your specific calculation in most cases during a single phone call or in-person appointment.

Professional practitioners: If you are a state-licensed professional — attorney, physician, CPA, dentist, architect, engineer, or similar — you may qualify for the flat practitioner fee option under O.C.G.A. § 48-13-9(c) rather than the standard gross revenue calculation. Ask the Business License Administrator whether this applies to your license type.

Multiple business activities: If you operate more than one distinct business type at the same location, you may need separate licenses for each activity. Confirm with the Business License Administrator.

Required Documents

Gather these before your application appointment or submission. Missing documents delay processing.

1. Business License Application Available from the City Clerk’s Office in person or through romega.us. Complete the Business License Application Inquiry online to start the process — this connects you with the Business License Administrator who will confirm which form applies to your specific business type.

2. SAVE Affidavit (notarized) Required under O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1. The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements affidavit verifies your lawful presence in the United States. It must be notarized. Attach a copy of a Secure and Verifiable Document:

• Georgia driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID
• Other government-issued photo identification listed under O.C.G.A. § 50-36-2

This is a Georgia state requirement that applies to every business license applicant, statewide. It is not optional and there are no exemptions based on business size or type.

3. E-Verify Affidavit Required under O.C.G.A. § 36-60-6:

• 11 or more employees: You must be registered for the federal E-Verify program. Provide your E-Verify employer identification number (a 4–6 digit numeric code).
• Fewer than 11 employees: Complete and submit the E-Verify exemption affidavit.

Both the SAVE affidavit and E-Verify affidavit are mandatory regardless of business structure, industry, or size.

4. Georgia Secretary of State Registration Documentation Provide your Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (corporation). If operating as a sole proprietor, your Georgia driver’s license and Federal EIN or SSN are sufficient.

5. State Professional License If your profession is regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards — contractors, electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, cosmetologists, and other licensed trades — provide a copy of your current Georgia license. The business license will not be issued until the state license is verified.

6. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Provide your EIN on the application. If you are a sole proprietor without employees, you may use your SSN, but an EIN is recommended to maintain separation between personal and business finances. Obtain an EIN free at irs.gov/ein.

City vs. County — The Most Important Distinction

Before investing any time in the Rome business license process, confirm whether your business address is inside Rome city limits or in unincorporated Floyd County. This is the single most consequential decision point in this guide.

Inside Rome city limits: You need a Rome business license from the City Clerk’s Office. This guide covers that process in full.

Outside city limits (unincorporated Floyd County): Floyd County does not require a general business license. Most businesses operating in unincorporated Floyd County can open without obtaining any county-level business license.

Floyd County exceptions — three license categories only:

• Alcohol sales (beer and wine licenses)
• Self-service fuel operations
• Precious metals dealers

If your business falls into one of these three categories AND is located in unincorporated Floyd County, you do need a Floyd County license for that specific activity. For everything else, no county license is required.

Why this matters: For cost-conscious entrepreneurs, the no-license requirement in unincorporated Floyd County represents a genuine locational advantage. If your business type allows flexibility in siting — if you don’t need to be on Broad Street or within city limits specifically — locating just outside the city line eliminates annual license fees while keeping you close to Rome’s market.

Not sure which jurisdiction you’re in? Call the City Clerk’s Office at (706) 236-4459 with your physical address. They can confirm your jurisdiction status before you spend time on city paperwork that may not apply.

Inspection and Approval Process

Several approval steps occur between submitting your application and receiving your business license. Account for these in your opening timeline.

Zoning Verification Before your license is issued, the city confirms that your proposed business activity is permitted under the zoning classification of your address. This is not a separate application — it is part of the business license review process. However, if you want to verify zoning compatibility before signing a lease, contact the City’s Community Development Department with your address and business type.

Certificate of Occupancy Commercial locations require a Certificate of Occupancy from Building Inspection. This confirms that the physical structure is approved for your intended use. If your space is already built out and previously used for a similar business, the C.O. process may be straightforward. If it requires significant renovation, plan for additional lead time.

Fire Inspection Commercial locations require a fire inspection before the business license is issued. Ensure your space is prepared: clear exit paths, functional fire suppression, appropriate fire extinguisher coverage, and compliant storage of flammable materials.

Food Service: Floyd County Health Department Restaurants, bakeries, caterers, food trucks, and any business that prepares or serves food must obtain a health inspection from the Floyd County Health Department. This is a county-level requirement that applies regardless of whether your address is in the city or unincorporated county. You cannot open a food service operation without it.

Home-Based Businesses If you are operating from a residential address within Rome city limits, your business license application triggers a review to confirm that your home occupation is permitted under residential zoning standards. Rome’s zoning code includes Home Occupation standards that restrict signage, the volume of customer traffic to a residential address, and non-resident employees. Verify compliance before applying.

Renewals and Compliance

Annual renewal: Rome business licenses are issued on an annual basis. Renew with the City Clerk’s Office each year before your license expires. Contact the Business License Administrator at (706) 236-4459 for the current year’s renewal schedule and deadlines.

Late penalties: Penalties apply for late renewal. The City Clerk’s Office can provide the current penalty schedule — rates may be adjusted annually.

Ownership changes: If you sell your business or transfer ownership in any way, the new owner must apply for a new business license. Business licenses in Rome are issued to the specific owner/entity on the application — they do not transfer with the business. The new owner cannot legally operate under the previous owner’s license.

Address changes: If you move your business within Rome city limits, notify the City Clerk’s Office. Your new address will require a new zoning review and potentially a new Certificate of Occupancy. Do not assume your current license remains valid at a new location without city confirmation.

Closing your business: When you close your business or cease operations in Rome, notify the City Clerk’s Office to formally cancel your license. This stops future renewal notices and creates a clean administrative record.

Special License Categories

Several business types require additional licensing beyond the standard business license.

Alcoholic Beverages If you plan to sell beer, wine, or liquor — for on-premises consumption or package retail sales — contact the City Clerk’s Office at (706) 236-4459. Alcohol licensing is a separate process with its own application, fees, and approval requirements including potentially background checks and zoning review of proximity to schools, churches, and other alcohol-restricted locations.

Pawnbrokers and Precious Metals If you are in the city: standard business license process applies, plus check with the City Clerk for any additional registration requirements. If you are in unincorporated Floyd County: you need a Floyd County license for this specific business type even though no general business license is required countywide.

Signs Rome has signage regulations for commercial areas, and the historic downtown district has additional sign standards enforced through the Historic Preservation Commission. Before ordering signage for your business, contact Community Development to confirm that your proposed signs meet applicable standards. This applies to dimensions, illumination, placement, and materials.

Massage Establishments and Spas Additional licensing requirements apply. Contact the City Clerk’s Office for the full application requirements.

Getting Your License — Step by Step

1. Confirm jurisdiction: Call (706) 236-4459 with your address to confirm you’re inside Rome city limits.
2. Complete the online inquiry: Start at romega.us with the Business License Application Inquiry. The Business License Administrator will confirm your license type and fees.
3. Prepare your documents: SAVE Affidavit (notarized) + Secure and Verifiable Document; E-Verify Affidavit (notarized); Georgia SoS registration; state professional license if applicable; EIN.
4. Submit your application: In person at 601 Broad Street, lobby floor.
5. Zoning review: The city confirms your use is permitted at your address.
6. Inspections: Certificate of Occupancy (commercial), fire inspection, health department inspection (food service).
7. Receive your license: Once all approvals clear, your business license is issued.

The Business License Administrator at (706) 236-4459 is the right person to call with any question before, during, or after the process. Rome’s City Clerk’s office is the point of contact for new licenses, renewals, ownership transfers, address changes, and closures — one office, one phone number, straightforward access.