Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Charleston, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

2. South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board — General Contractor License

   General contractors performing work with a total construction cost over $10,000 in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC Contractor's Licensing Board at LLR (S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11, threshold raised from $5,000 effective 19 May 2023). Licensure requires passing a trade examination and a business and law examination, and the license group determines the financial statement and surety requirements.

   Official government source

   $350 initial General and Mechanical Contractor license fee, per LLR's published Contractor's Licensing Board fee schedule. Biennial renewal is $135 if paid by 31 October, with late fees of $100 to $200 added after that. Reinstatement is $350.·Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and on review of the required financial statement — confirm current processing time with the Contractor's Licensing Board.

   $350 initial General and Mechanical Contractor license fee, per LLR's published Contractor's Licensing Board fee schedule. Biennial renewal is $135 if paid by 31 October, with late fees of $100 to $200 added after that. Reinstatement is $350.

   Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and on review of the required financial statement — confirm current processing time with the Contractor's Licensing Board.

1. City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division — Business License

   Charleston requires an annual Business License for any business operating or generating income within city limits. It is issued by the Revenue Collections Division, must be renewed annually, and must be displayed at your place of business. Annual fees are based on the business's gross income and the rate class assigned to its NAICS code.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator·Licenses expire April 30 annually; the city publishes no standard processing time (fire inspection scheduling alone can take up to 3 business days)

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator

   Licenses expire April 30 annually; the city publishes no standard processing time (fire inspection scheduling alone can take up to 3 business days)

2. City of Charleston Building/Trade Permit (for regulated work)

   Handyman tasks that include electrical, plumbing, fuel gas, mechanical, or structural work require permits pulled through the City of Charleston Permit Center (Building Inspections Division) for locations inside city limits; Charleston County covers unincorporated areas only. Handymen must not perform work that requires a licensed contractor.

   Official government source

   Set by the city's Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule (PDF, published by Building Inspections) and driven by project valuation — no flat per-project amount·Some permit types may be approved the same day if the submittal is complete; the city does not publish a general turnaround. Inspection requests made before noon are scheduled for the next business day.

   Set by the city's Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule (PDF, published by Building Inspections) and driven by project valuation — no flat per-project amount

   Some permit types may be approved the same day if the submittal is complete; the city does not publish a general turnaround. Inspection requests made before noon are scheduled for the next business day.

Official Sources

• City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division
• South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board — General Contractor License

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