SC Business License Basics
If you have a business in South Carolina you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of South Carolina business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be expected to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t know the licensing rules in South Carolina and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in South Carolina
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in any of these federally regulated activities you will need to get a federal business license.
Activities that will be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Nearly all South Carolina businesses must obtain some sort of state business license in order to legally operate. At the minimum a business will have to get a professional or occupational license. South Carolina business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local South Carolina governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some type of local business license in order to operate in South Carolina.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain kind of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a South Carolina Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in South Carolina will vary depending on which kind of business license you need to get. No matter what type of license you are attempting to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of South Carolina business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the perfect place to learn more.
Maintaining Your South Carolina Business License
Once you get your South Carolina business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended if you wish to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Monitor when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you want to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.