Southeast · Last reviewed 2026-07
Georgia money transmitter license
Requirements, bond, timeline, and crypto notes for the Money Transmitter License — for companies preparing an application or diligence questionnaire.
Key requirements
- License
- Money Transmitter License
- Statute
- O.C.G.A. § 7-1-680 et seq. (Sale of Payment Instruments and Money Transmission)
- Surety bond
- Typically $100,000 minimum, scaling up to roughly $2,000,000 with volume
- Net worth
- Evaluated relative to volume from audited financials; no single bright-line published floor — verify with the Department
- NMLS
- Required
- Application fee
- Roughly $250 application fee plus annual license fees and NMLS costs, as of our last review
- Typical timeline
- 4–8 months
Crypto & virtual currency
Georgia expressly includes virtual currency: O.C.G.A. § 7-1-680 defines money transmission to cover receiving or transmitting "monetary value," and the statute's definitions capture virtual currency. The Department of Banking and Finance has long treated crypto exchange and custodial activity for Georgia residents as licensable, and has issued guidance relevant to virtual currency kiosks. Georgia is also notable for granting the Department rulemaking authority specific to virtual currency. Operationally, Atlanta's payments-industry density means the Department sees sophisticated applications — generic, template-thin AML programs stand out badly here. Requirements change frequently — always verify current figures and interpretations directly with the state regulator before filing.
Frequently asked questions
Is virtual currency money transmission in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia's statute defines money transmission in terms of monetary value, which captures virtual currency, and the Department of Banking and Finance treats crypto exchange and custody for Georgia residents as licensable activity. Plan on needing the license.
What bond does Georgia require?
As of our last review, bonds typically start at $100,000 and scale with transmission volume, commonly capping around $2,000,000. Confirm your required amount with the Department based on projected Georgia volume.
Does Georgia examine money transmitters?
Yes — the Department conducts periodic examinations and participates in multistate exam programs. Examiners will test your BSA/AML program, permissible investments backing outstanding obligations, and agent oversight if applicable. Keep your books reconciled monthly; stale reconciliations are a recurring exam finding.
Are there special rules for crypto kiosks in Georgia?
The Department has issued guidance relevant to virtual currency kiosk operators. Kiosk models serving Georgia residents should review that guidance alongside the general money transmitter licensing analysis under O.C.G.A. § 7-1-680.
This page is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements change frequently — always verify current figures and interpretations directly with Georgia Department of Banking and Finance before filing.