The Complete Guide to South Carolina Business Licenses
South Carolina does not issue a general state business license, but most cities and counties do. Sellers also need a Retail License from the Department of Revenue, and regulated work needs a state license.
Step 1: Form the LLC
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State through Business Entities Online for $110. LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships or partnerships file no annual report. See the South Carolina LLC guide for every formation step.
Step 2: SCDOR Retail License
If you sell at retail, apply through MyDORWAY for a Retail License. It costs $50 for each permanent retail location and never needs renewing while the same retailer runs that location; a new owner needs a new license. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and counties may add local tax. Employer withholding is registered through MyDORWAY too.
Step 3: City and county business licenses
Most South Carolina cities and counties require a business license, usually priced on gross income and renewed every year by April 30:
- Charleston: the fee is based on gross income, with the rate class set by your NAICS code.
- Columbia: the fee is based on gross revenue; penalties start May 1.
Step 4: Professional and contractor licenses
The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) licenses contractors through the SC Contractor's Licensing Board, along with many other professions.
Hiring staff and DBAs
Employers register for unemployment insurance with the Department of Employment and Workforce. South Carolina does not register DBAs at state level — trade names are handled locally, often on your business license.
Checklist
| Registration | Agency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | Secretary of State | $110 |
| Retail License | SC Department of Revenue | $50 per location, no renewal |
| City / county business license | Your city or county | Based on gross income; renew by April 30 |
| Contractor / professional license | LLR | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Carolina require a business license?
There is no general state business license, but most cities and counties require a local business license, renewed each year by April 30.
How much is a retail license in South Carolina?
$50 for each permanent retail location, from the SC Department of Revenue. It does not need to be renewed while the same retailer runs that location.
How are South Carolina city business license fees calculated?
Usually on gross income. Charleston, for example, sets the rate class by your NAICS code, and Columbia bases the fee on gross revenue.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?
The Articles of Organization cost $110, and most LLCs file no annual report.
Do I need to register a DBA in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not register DBAs at state level. Trade names are handled locally, often on your city or county business license.