Dekalb County Licensing & Permit Department

1. Be prepared to wait.
2. Be prepared to make more than 1 trip.
3. Be prepared, It cannot be done in one day. BUT they do give you a temporary ID number AFTER you fill out the correct forms and give them money.
4 Ask who you need to see when you come back and you do not take a number or wait in line.
MY STORY BEOW
It was extremely busy. I noticed that many of the people (including me) did not have the correct paper work for a business license who knew I need a CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY? It is no where on the web-​site, no mention of it OR forms for it…45 min had to wait but the clerk was extremely helpful. She gave me the some forms and instructions. She acted surprised when I said thank you and was leaving, no argument.
The second time was a nightmare, I had to start from the back of the line another 45 min. When I got there the lady was totally confused. Come to find out I was in the wrong section. Now how am I supposed to know that? When I finally got to the right lady, she told me that the first lady was wrong I also needed another form and a check and when I came back not stand in line. Come to her.
Trip 3 Walk in give check,(It figures) get ID number walk out BACK DOOR (who knew?)
SYSTEM IS TOTALLY WHACKED. People are extra nice I did see a guy do it in one trip but he took over an existing business and just changed names.

Terrible! Given the run around on permits, sent back to the office 2 times for information that I was told was needed only to return to the permit office and have another agent tell me it was not needed. They need to train all their employees the same so that my time, money, and energy is not wasted on another government agency!

Twelve windows, but only four open. Typical government offices. Try to park across the street in the pay lot otherwise you will spend a ton in the parking meters. Be sure to print out application online and complete before you get here.

I would give it zero if I could. Honestly, even with no expectations of any customer service or quickness, they still fail to meet expectations! I have forms and applications lost or misplaced constantly and half of their staff are miserable and seem to hate their job and the people they’re «serving». To be fair some employees are great and my guess is they’re understaff. This is where to go to see how patient you truly are!