Georgia Licensing Office Downsized 90%, Moves to New Macon Location as Services Go Digital
MACON, GEORGIA — The Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division has relocated from its longtime headquarters on Coliseum Drive to a smaller office on Arkwright Road in North Macon, marking a major shift toward digital licensing operations across the state.
The move represents a 90% downsizing in physical space, as most services now take place online. The division, which manages credentials for thousands of professionals each year — from nurses and barbers to funeral directors and contractors — now occupies less than 10,000 square feet inside the High Ridge Center building.
Major Relocation Part of State’s Modernization Effort
The downsizing coincides with Georgia’s growing transition toward digital government services. State officials said the relocation will help cut operational costs while maintaining customer support.
Macon Mayor Lester Miller confirmed that the former state-owned building on Coliseum Drive will be demolished as part of Bibb County’s East Bank redevelopment project.
“The Secretary of State office is moving from one location to the next location in Bibb County,” Miller said. “We will probably be taking that building down.”
City leaders say developers have already expressed interest in the property, with plans for potential commercial development such as a hotel, restaurant, or retail complex. Construction at the site is expected to begin within the next 18 to 24 months.
No Job Cuts Despite 90% Reduction in Office Space
While the new office is much smaller, the Secretary of State’s office confirmed there are no job cuts planned. Approximately 115 full-time employees continue to work for the division, though officials say most customer interactions now occur through the state’s online licensing portal.
The move aims to “save taxpayer money while maintaining service quality,” the agency said in a statement.
Residents Adjust to New Digital System
Not all residents were aware of the shift to digital services. Chrishonda Garnes, who traveled two hours from Cobb County to Macon to resolve a nursing license issue, said she still relied on paper applications.
“I did the paper application, so I’m pretty sure my stuff got lost,” Garnes said. “It saves the trees, ’cause I feel like people don’t really keep up with the paper copies and everything now is digital.”
After visiting the new office, Garnes finally received her authorization to schedule her nursing exam.
Similarly, Laureen Owens, a cosmetology license applicant from Hampton, visited the office for a quick form. She said she was surprised by how efficiently the process could be completed online.
“She answered my question. It was just something really quick,” Owens said.
Digital Access Expands Across Georgia Professions
The Professional Licensing Boards Division, under Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, now oversees nearly every licensed profession in Georgia through its online platform. That includes nurses, dentists, real estate agents, engineers, and even boxers.
Officials said few Georgians will need to visit in person under the new system. Those who do can find the new office located at Suite 195, High Ridge Center, Arkwright Road in Macon.
As Georgia pushes more government functions online, officials hope the transition will streamline renewals, reduce paperwork, and improve turnaround times for applicants statewide.
For more updates on business and policy changes across Georgia, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
