In South Carolina you may be required to register your business with the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS). 

Who is required to register when forming a South Carolina business entity?

  • Business corporations
  • Nonprofit corporations
  • Limited liability companies (LLC)
  • Limited partnerships (LP)
  • Limited liability partnerships (LLP) 

This registration is required prior to conducting business in SC.  

Once you have completed the online application you should receive a copy of your Certificate of Existence (Certificate of Good Standing) within 24 hours. Out-of-state businesses will receive a Certificate of Authority. 

Learn more about filing your registration with the SC Secretary of State Office (SCSOS). 

The SCSOS registration can be completed online.  

BOS TIPS:

  • This is a statewide business name registration and is NOT a business license. Business licenses are applied for locally with the county and/or municipality where your business is located. 
  • Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships do not need to register their business with SCSOS. 
  • You will need to complete the SCSOS registration before applying for a Retail License with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. 
  • Sole proprietors and General Partnerships who would like to "reserve" their business name can apply to trademark their name and/or logo. 

 

Out-of-State Business

Learn more about business structures.

Learn more about Business Structures administered by SCSOS and the relevant state statutes that apply. 

 

 

Secretary of State Registration FAQs 

If your business is a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership, you are not required to register with the South Carolina Secretary of State.

You can register your business online with the South Carolina Secretary of State.  You should receive your certificate within 24 hours if you complete the online application. 

If you print and mail in your application, it may take up to 5 business days to process. 

DBA names are not registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State.

The best way to register your DBA is to file for a FEIN with the IRS. 

Learn more about trademark information from the South Carolina Secretary of State.