Hemp Processor Permits

Important: You must provide proof of citizenship or legal residency when you apply for a license. GDA requires S&V (Secure & Verifiable) documents for all licensees. See the S&V Details page and S&V FAQ for complete information.

Reminder: Please make sure your mailing address, email, and phone number are up-to-date, and that your voicemail is not full.  There will be a delay in getting your license if we need to reach you but don't have usable contact information.

NOTE: 

NOTE: The system used to perform background checks requires fingerprinting take place at one of the approved locations in Georgia.  If you do not follow the exact instructions provided by GDA, your application approval may be delayed, or you may incur additional costs.  Please do not obtain fingerprinting or background check services until you receive an email from GDA with instructions on how and where to complete fingerprinting. 

Effective October 1, 2024, the annual permit fee will be at least $500.00 but no more than $2,000.00, and forthcoming Department rules will establish the exact amount. Additionally, effective October 1, 2024, the minimum required surety bond amount will be $20,000.00 and the maximum amount will $1,000,000.00, as established by the Commissioner.

About this Permit

About this Permit: Individuals or entities that convert an agricultural commodity (hemp) into a legally marketable form must obtain this license. There will be an annual permit fee of at least $500.00 but not more than $2,000.00.

Program Area

GDA’s Hemp program manages Hemp Processor permits licenses. For more details, including a full list of regulations, see the Hemp program page.

You Need this License If

You are an individual or business that wishes to process hemp in Georgia.  If you grow hemp and process it yourself, you need both a Hemp Grower license and a Hemp Processor permit.

Fees and License Period

Licenses are good through December 31 of the year they are issued.

The fee is $25,000 annually.

How to Apply for or Renew your License

Complete your applications and renewals for Hemp Processor permits online through the GDA Hemp Licensing and Reporting System using the links below. 

Before you start, please read the Hemp Processor Permit Application Guide.

Background checks: as part of the application/renewal process you will need to get a background check each year.  Do not go for a background check until you receive an email from GDA with the access code and instructions.

What Happens When You Apply for a Permit

  1. When you apply online for your permit, you will first have to create an account in the system.
  2. There are several sections to this application.  While you are working on your application, you may save your progress and return at any time.
  3. Once you submit your application, our staff will review your S&V paperwork.
  4. When the S&V paperwork has been approved, Hemp program staff will review your application. They may have questions or need to discuss further, so please make sure that your contact information is correct and that you respond promptly if someone tries to reach you.
  5. Once the program review is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete a background check. Everyone listed as a "key participant" must complete the check.
  6. GDA will get the results electronically.  After our staff has reviewed the results you will receive an email letting you know that the application has been fully approved and you can pay your application fee.
  7. To pay your fee, you will log in to the Hemp Licensing System and pay online. Once you have paid, your  certificate will immediately be available for saving or printing.

Respond promptly to any questions or notifications, and make sure GDA can contact you if needed!

Apply for a new Hemp Processor Permit

What we require on your application:

  • Your physical and mailing addresses
  • A valid phone number and email address
  • EIN and Certificate of Existence (for businesses only)
  • Deed/Lease and Property Legal Description
  • Legal Identification
  • Valid Email Address
  • S&V Paperwork
  • Annotated Aerial Map/Image and GPS coordinates
  • Surety Bond (for processors only)

Renew your Hemp Processor Permit

Log in with your email and password to renew. License renewals open November of each calendar year. 

  1. Login to the GDA Hemp Licensing and Reporting System and start a renewal application
  2. Review all of your contact information and make sure it is still correct. Change other information as needed (for instance, if you add or remove a site), then submit the renewal for program staff to review.
  3. Once program review is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete a background check. Everyone listed as a "key participant" must complete the check each year.
  4. GDA will get the results electronically.  After the program staff has reviewed the results you will receive an email letting you know that the renewal application has been fully approved and you can pay your application fee.
  5. To pay your fee, you will log in to the Hemp Licensing System and pay online. Once you have paid, your certificate will immediately be available for saving or printing.

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