Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joined local officials and agency staff on Thursday to mark the complete rollout of the Georgia Online Application & Licensing System (GOALS) - the driving force behind Georgia’s newly unveiled, state-of-the-art licensing framework.

The modernized GOALS system replaces the outdated paper-based licensing architecture and ushers in a modern, streamlined platform for professionals, businesses and licensees across Georgia. Through GOALS, the Professional Licensing Boards can process applications, renewals, and verifications with dramatic speed and efficiency. As just one example of the profound improvements achieved through GOALS, nursing licenses that used to take 48 days now average just 18 days.

“GOALS is delivering faster service, smarter government and more responsive support to Georgians,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

This improved service is anchored by a commitment to good government, taxpayer savings, and constituent responsiveness. In a ceremony on Thursday, Secretary Raffensperger unveiled the new Macon headquarters of the Professional Licensing Boards Division. In this move, the state has reduced the office footprint from 83,000 square feet to 9,700, delivering an estimated $6 million in taxpayer savings while retaining staff and enhancing customer service.

GOALS is more than just a technology upgrade; it's a structural upgrade that ensures Georgia’s government works for its citizens. By eliminating outdated, slow processes and moving to an intuitive online portal, the Secretary’s office is opening access, improving accountability, and being a better steward of taxpayer resources. Users now enjoy mobile-friendly access, quicker renewals (in some cases minutes), and greater clarity about the overall process and status.

“Georgia business owners should be focused on growing their bottom line,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “Having started and grown businesses across the state, I know that Georgia’s entrepreneurs should be navigating the business climate - not bureaucracy.”

The new Professional Licensing Boards Division office is located at 3920 Arkwright Rd, Suite 195, Macon, GA.