Washington, GA · Wilkes County
Business License Application Packet
The City of Washington's combined occupational tax certificate application, including the E-Verify private employer affidavit and SAVE citizenship affidavit, both signed before a notary.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
This packet bundles the Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) application with two sworn affidavits Georgia law requires: a Private Employer Affidavit of Compliance under O.C.G.A. §36-60-6(d) confirming E-Verify participation, and a SAVE Public Benefits Affidavit under O.C.G.A. §50-36-1 confirming lawful presence. Both affidavits must be executed under oath before a notary and submitted with the business license application.
Who needs it
Anyone opening or renewing a business in the City of Washington, including alcohol permit and license applicants.
Why it needs a notary
Both the Private Employer Affidavit and the SAVE Public Benefits Affidavit must be subscribed and sworn to before a notary public, per their jurat blocks and O.C.G.A. §50-36-1(e)(1)'s ID-verification requirement.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Business License Application Packet from the City of Washington.
- 2
Fill It Out
Complete the business information and both affidavit sections.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote online notarization session.
- 4
Verify Your ID
Present a secure and verifiable document as required by O.C.G.A. §50-36-1.
- 5
Sign on Video
Sign both affidavits live before the notary.
- 6
Submit to the City
File the notarized packet with the City of Washington.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Washington. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for a Washington, GA business license?
- Yes. The application packet includes a Private Employer Affidavit and a SAVE Public Benefits Affidavit, both of which must be sworn before a notary.
- What is the SAVE affidavit and what ID do I need?
- Georgia's SAVE Act (O.C.G.A. §50-36-1) requires applicants for public benefits, including business licenses, to swear to their lawful presence before a notary and present one secure and verifiable ID document.
- How do I notarize this packet online?
- Upload the completed forms, verify your identity with a valid ID, and sign the affidavits live on video with a remote online notary.
- Do I need this affidavit if my business has fewer than 11 employees?
- The Private Employer Affidavit still applies, but employers with fewer than 11 employees are not required to complete the E-Verify registration section — check with the city if unsure.