Business & Alcohol License
The Business & Alcohol License Office issues business occupational tax certificates and reviews alcohol license applications for commercial and home-based businesses operating in DeKalb County. Our staff provides guidance throughout the application and renewal process.
Announcements
The 2027 DeKalb County Alcohol License Period is now open.
We welcome you to visit our One Stop Shop Lobby, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 2:00 pm for in-person assistance.
Renewal period: October 1st and ends November 30th
- Important Changes for this season can be found in our 2027 Renewal Letter
- Annual Background Checks
- All alcohol license renewals require an annual background check.
- Submit your completed renewal application, which contains the background check consent form to the Business License Division.
- Our office will forward the forms to the DeKalb County Police Department’s Permits, Taxi & Wrecker Unit for processing.
- A $50 background check fee is required. The Permits, Taxi & Wrecker Unit will provide a link for payment.
- Short-Term Rental (STR) The Short-term Rental (STR) registration is now live for properties located within unincorporated DeKalb County. Property owners and operators must register their short-term rental properties in accordance with the adopted DeKalb County Short-Term Rental Ordinance.
To apply, review requirements, and access additional information, please visit: https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/short-term-rental
Letter of Entertainment
If you have been approved as a Late-Night Establishment, be sure to include the Letter of Entertainment form with your renewal documents.
- Late Night Establishments can submit the LOE form to email: DeKalbLOE@dekalbcountyga.gov
- Excise tax reports are due monthly by the 20th. Submitted to Excise email: ExciseTax@dekalbcountyga.gov
New Business License Applications:
- New Commercial applications need a Certificate of Occupancy before submitting an application for a Business License.
- All applications will undergo a Zoning review, which can take up to 15 business days to complete.
- Upon completion, pleased allow the Business License Division up to 14 business days to issue the license.
Start or Renew A License
Temporary Licenses
Temporary licenses for qualifying events and activities.
Announcements
2026 Business License Renewal Period
Dates: January 1–April 15, 2026
License Categories
Licensing services include:
- New Applications
- Renewal Applications
- Temporary Licenses
- Excise Tax Reporting
Required Forms & Documents
Temporary Licensing
Excise Tax Reporting
- Hotel Motel Excise Tax
- Vehicle Rental Excise Tax
- By-the-Drink Excise Tax
- Energy Tax
- Wholesale Distributor Excise Tax
- PT-440 Bank and Franchise Form
Other Forms
Online Services & Other Resources
Key Dates
- License Renewal Period: January 1 - April 15
- Alcohol License Period: October 1 – December 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a business license?
A. All businesses operating within DeKalb County must hold a valid business license.
Q. Do home-based businesses require a license?
A. Yes. Home-based businesses must apply for a license and comply with zoning standards.
Q. Can I renew online?
A. Yes. Most renewals can be completed through the online licensing portal.
Contact & Hours
Location: 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA
Email: blicense@dekalbcountyga.gov
Phone: 404-371-2155 (option 5)
One-Stop Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM