A business license is a government-issued document that authorizes a business to operate legally in a particular county or municipality. 

Business licenses are issued locally by the county or municipality where your business is operating.

South Carolina does not have a statewide business license.

 

Step 1: Determine if your location requires a local business license

It's important to determine your location as not all counties and municipalities in South Carolina require a business license. 

How to verify your county and municipality:

  • Create an account with Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). This account will allow you to look up your address to determine the local county and municipality(s) that you will need to contact regarding your business license. 

 

Step 2: Apply for your local business license

After you have determined your business location reach out to each individual county and municipality to find out how to apply for each local license.   

  • Most local offices will have a PDF version of their business license application with instructions on how to complete and return it on their website. 

Below are some additional tips that may be useful when completing your local business license application(s). 

  • If your business location is different from where you are operating, you may need a local business license for both jurisdictions.
  • If your local county and municipality does not offer a specific application, you may use the Standardized Business License Application provided by the Municipal Association of South Carolina. 
  • If your local office(s) do not offer an online application, you may need to complete your application in person. 

Find locations and contact information using our interactive map below.

 

Annual Renewals

Most local business licenses will be renewed annually. Follow the instructions provided by your county or municipality. You can also check out the Local Business License Renewal Center to see if your renewals can be completed online. 

  • See all Municipal Association of South Carolina participating locations. 

 

Licenses

Municipal Association of South Carolina

Learn more about Municipal Association of South Carolina, the Standardized Business License Application, and the Renewal Center. 
Out-of-State Business

SCBOS Interactive Map

Check out the new SCBOS interactive map to get contact information for your local county and municipality. 

 

 

Local Business License FAQ

There is no statewide business license in South Carolina. Each county and municipality (city or town) may administer its own local business license.

All standard business licenses are issued locally by the county or municipality where your business is operating. Please note, not all counties and municipalities require a business license. 

Use our interactive map to find contact information for South Carolina counties and municipalities or set up an account with Municipal Association of South Carolina to look up your address and determine what licensing jurisdiction(s) you will need to contact. 

Business licenses are local government licenses issued by the incorporated towns, cities, and counties in South Carolina.

SCBOS recommends that business owners create an account with Municipal Association of South Carolina. This account will give you the ability to look up your address to determine the local county and municipality(s) that will issue your business license. If you are unsure or unaware of your local requirements, we recommend that you take this extra step to ensure that your business is in compliance. 

Use our interactive map to find contact information for South Carolina counties and municipalities.

Most counties have a Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development Department. Also, there are local South Carolina Small Business Development Centers that can help with business plans, financial planning, and more. Take advantage of these local business resources to help your business open and grow.