The online utility permit processing is similar to the old paper method. If you're familiar with that method, this FAQ should get you up to speed quickly.
Documents in GUPS won't open for me. What's wrong?
You need to make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed and configured appropriately. Click here for more information.
What is MUTCD?
The Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Traffic control plans submitted with permits must abide by MUTCD standards. The manual is published by the Federal Highway Administration. More details can be found online.
I keep getting an error message that the field is "an integer field"— but I have a number in the field. What's wrong?
You probably have a space in the field. GUPS interprets spaces as text characters (not numbers) so, for example, if you have "3 " in a field, then GUPS sees the number AND the space, and gives you the error message. Simply erase all spaces from your data entry.
GUPS is asking for inches and feet, but my materials are marked in metrics. How do I convert?
Use this Standard to Metric conversion chart.
How do I change my password (email, phone number, etc.)?
Password is one of the many settings you can change by updating your account information. Click here for step by step instructions.
Can numbers be negative?
Sometimes the minimum distance from a travel lane is not a positive number. For instance, if you're installing something within the perimeter of the roadway, then it is acceptable to use a negative number. If a project starts 3 feet from the road's edge, enter a " -3" feet (negative 3) in the application.
What is an NJUNS code?
The National Joint Utilities Notification System (NJUNS) is an industry leader in providing efficient communication and work coordination while promoting cooperation and partnering to manage pole transfers, joint trench construction, pole attachments, and project notification. Click here to link to the NJUNS Web site.
What do I do about emergencies?
See Emergency Permit.
How do I come back to my application? I don't have all the information it requests today.
If you find you are in the middle of the application process and do not have all of your information prepared, use the "save and exit" button, while making a note of your permit application number. You can use the number to return to your application and continue later. The button is not present on all pages, but it is frequently available at predetermined exit points. More info . . .
Can I apply for more than one utility permit at the same time?
No, you have to apply for utility permits individually.
Where do I mail my payment?
Care Whitmore,
Utility Permit Engineer
Department of Transportation, State of Georgia
Building 24, Utilities Office
935 East Confederate Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30316
What am I going to need before I use this system?
Have your plans and measurements together, including access to a digitized drawing of your utility installation or plan. You can upload almost any file format with GUPS, but some sort of drawing is required for most permits. Also, read the help topic on materials you will need.
How long does it take to get my permit approved?
Approval time varies from a couple weeks to several weeks, so plan well in advance.
I'm an individual. How do I get my federal tax ID number?
Just use your Social Security Number. The SSN is a type of taxpayer identification number.
I'm not seeing the routes in the route menu (or am having other problems seeing data in the drop down menus). What's wrong?
Sometimes GUPs cannot access the databases it needs to populate the road system. These failures are always temporary in nature. Come back to the application in about an hour, log in again to create a new session, and the issue should be resolved.
I am required to submit additional materials by mail. Where do I send them?
Contact the appropriate district office for your area and send your materials there. You can find links to each district contact here.
Are there any state laws regarding excavations or digging around utilities?
Absolutely. One of the most well-known is called the Georgia Dig Law.
The map feature is telling me the county I selected is restricted. What does that mean?
The GUPS mapping interface does not understand that your company may not be authorized to work in all counties, so you will be able to select areas on the map that you may not actually have authorization for. If that happens, after you click Confirm, GUPS will prompt you that your choice must be made within the scope of your designated county areas. The counties that a utility is able to work in are determined by the initial set up of your member group in GUPS. If you need to alter the set up, contact the Office of Utilities.
Where do the color codes come from?
While the color codes for buried and aerial utilities can be customized by local authorities, the basic colors are based on marking guidelines from the APWA (American Public Works Association). They are referred to as the ULCC color code.