ATLANTA — It's been over six months since 11Alive first started reporting on issues surrounding the state's new online licensing system, GOALS. As each license renewal deadline approaches, 11Alive continues to hear from professionals who say they're unable to renew or even get a license at all.
In the fall, we heard from hundreds of physical therapists who complained about bugs with the new system preventing them from renewing or getting a new license. Physical therapists were among the first and largest group to use the new system.
After the Secretary of State's Office pushed the renewal deadline back multiple times, they announced in February that the majority of physical therapists' applications had been processed.
Now, another group of professionals, including cosmetologists, occupational therapists, and funeral service specialists, face a looming renewal deadline of April 30.
Darryl Adams, who became a barber in 1987, says he's been struggling for months now to get his license renewed.
“The most frustrating part is just not having contact. I’ve tried to call the licensing board, and numerous times, it just hangs up after you call," added Adams.
Adams is just one of several cosmetologists who have reached out to 11Alive regarding their concerns.
Late Tuesday, a spokesperson with the Secretary of State's Office said that the extension renewal deadline for cosmetologists would be moved to May 30. They also said that only a small percentage of applications are still pending.
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