How to Apply for a Business License in South Carolina

Starting a new business in the State of South Carolina is exciting. However, business owners must apply for all the necessary business licenses before officially serving customers and clients. Read on to learn more about South Carolina licensing requirements and determine what licenses and permits you need to stay in good standing. 

South Carolina Business License: Key Takeaways

1. A business license is a legal document your business must have to conduct specific business activities. South Carolina doesn’t have general business license requirements. Still, you may be required to obtain a federal, state, or local license.

2. You must maintain your business license through regular renewal filings.

3. You may need a special license to run a home-based business, depending on your city.

What is a Business License?

A business license is a legal document that allows you to offer certain business services. Depending on the nature of your business activities, you may need to obtain a federal license, a state license, or a local business license. Your small business may be required to hold multiple types of business licenses at the same time. 

As a business owner, you must know what business licenses you need and how to obtain them. Federal government agencies, the State of South Carolina, and local governments may all have distinct licensing requirements. 

Some entrepreneurs confuse registering a business entity with obtaining a business license. Forming a company — whether a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation — is different from applying for a business license. First, you must register your business structure with the South Carolina Secretary of State and then file for appropriate business licenses. 

Get Your South Carolina Business License in 7 Steps

Figuring out what types of business licenses you need can be overwhelming. You may need to fulfill multiple licensing requirements, from state licenses to occupational tax certificates. In the following sections, we’ll explain how to obtain appropriate business licenses for your South Carolina business. 

Step 1: Apply for South Carolina General Business Licenses

The State of South Carolina doesn’t have a general business license requirement. However, your small business may still need to obtain an industry-specific state license, a professional license, or a local business license.

Step 2: Apply for Federal Licenses for South Carolina Businesses

Suppose you’re doing business in an industry that the federal government regulates. In that case, you’ll need to obtain a federal business license. Be sure to check if your new business falls under one of the categories below:[1] 

• Agriculture, including import and transport of animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, and plants across state lines

• Alcoholic beverages, including manufacture, wholesale, import, and retail

• Aviation, including operating aircraft, transporting people or goods via air, and aircraft maintenance

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives, including manufacture, dealing, or import

• Fish and wildlife, including import and export of wildlife and derivative products

• Commercial fishing of any kind

• Maritime transportation, including ocean transportation or facilitation of shipment of cargo by sea

• Mining and drilling, including drilling for natural gas, oil, or other mineral resources

• Nuclear energy, including commercial production of atomic energy, operating a fuel cycle facility, or distribution and disposal of nuclear materials  

• Radio and television broadcasting, including broadcasting information by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable

• Transportation and logistics, including operation of an oversized or overweight vehicle 

As a business owner, you’re responsible for contacting the federal agency regulating your business industry. For example, contact the Department of Agriculture if you're in agriculture. You can learn more about obtaining a federal license for your business here. 

Depending on the nature of your business operations, you may still need to obtain additional licenses at the state and local levels. 

Step 3: Search for South Carolina Permits and Licenses

Businesses in specific industries and occupations must obtain a state license from the State of South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. For example, if your business operations involve alcoholic beverages, you must apply for an alcohol license. You can access the complete list of regulated industries in South Carolina here. 

Step 4: Search for Local County or City South Carolina Business Licenses

Your business is likely to face licensing requirements at the local level in the State of South Carolina. You may need to obtain a business tax certificate, a professional license, a building permit, a sales tax permit, or additional licenses from your city or municipality. 

For example, the city of Columbia requires all new businesses to apply for the Columbia business license and adhere to multiple building regulations.[2] Charleston also requires a business license application as well as for your business to comply with the city’s Zoning Ordinance.[3]

The best way to determine what business licenses you need is to contact local authorities, such as your city’s licensing officials or a local tax office. 

Step 5: Search for South Carolina Professional Licenses

Depending on the nature of your profession, you may need to obtain a professional license. 

The Division of Professional and Occupational Licensing Boards (POL) has an extensive list of industries and occupations that require an occupational or a professional license. Some of these industries include: 

• Chiropractic examiners 

• Cosmetologists

• Dentists

• Geologists

• Social work examiners

You can find the complete list of professions that require a business license here.[4] Note that you may need to obtain a state license and an additional license from your local government. 

Step 6: Apply for a South Carolina Home-Based Business License

You may need to obtain a home occupation license if you run your small business from home. Home-based business licenses are regulated at the local level, so reach out to your city, town, or county to see if any home-based business regulations are in place. 

Child care centers are the type of business that often require licensing. However, depending on your business location, your new business may need a home-based license regardless of what you do. For example, all home-based businesses in Charleston must complete the New Business License Application and the Home Occupation Application.

Step 7: Maintain Your South Carolina Business License

You must regularly renew your business licenses to keep them in good standing. In most cases, business owners need to renew business licenses every year. Failure to renew on time can result in severe penalties for your business, both at the federal level and in the State of South Carolina. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Swyft Filings can file your business license renewal applications for you.

Apply for a South Carolina Business License Online

As a new business owner, finding time and energy to research business license requirements and file business license applications can be challenging. 

We can help you determine your necessary licenses and permits and quickly submit your applications to appropriate federal, state, and local authorities. Running a small business is much easier with a trusted partner.  

FAQs

How do I get a business license in South Carolina?

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need multiple state and local licenses. Once you research what type of business licenses you need, file your applications with the appropriate authority and pay your license fee. 

Does South Carolina require a general business license?

You don’t need a general business license to operate in South Carolina. However, your city or municipality may require a general business license, so check with local authorities. 

Can you sell things in South Carolina without a license?

To sell things in South Carolina, you must obtain a retail license.[5]

Do I need a special license for an online business in South Carolina?

You don’t need a special business license to run an online business in South Carolina, but you must comply with the standard state and local licensing requirements. You may need to apply for a retail license, a home occupation license, a zoning permit, and more. 

Can I collect sales tax in South Carolina without a license?

No. You’ll need a retail license to collect sales tax in South Carolina. 

How much does a South Carolina business license cost?

It depends on the type of business license that you’re applying for. You may need federal, state, and local licenses to operate your business. Typically, you can expect costs of $50-$200 per license. 

What’s the penalty for not having a business license in South Carolina?

Failure to comply with federal, state, or local licensing requirements can result in severe consequences for your business, from high fines to business dissolution. Swyft Filings can help you quickly obtain all the necessary business licenses for your small South Carolina business. 

Bibliography

1. US Small Business Administration. “Apply for licenses and permits.” Accessed June 5, 2023.

2. City of Columbia. “Starting a business.” Accessed June 5, 2023.  

3. City of Charleston. “New Business Licenses.” Accessed June 5, 2023. 

4. SCLLR. “Professions + Occupations.” Accessed June 5, 2023.

5. South Carolina Department of Revenue. “Business Tax Application.” Accessed June 5, 2023.