Massage Therapy 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. SC LLR Board of Massage Therapy — Massage Therapy License

   Massage therapists in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC LLR Board of Massage Therapy. Licensure requires graduation from a 650-hour massage/bodywork program and verification of passing the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) examination, plus a fingerprint background check.

   Official government source

   $150 initial application fee; $75 renewal; $200 by endorsement (SC Board of Massage Therapy fee schedule)·Not published by the Board — processing depends on transcripts, exam verification, and background check results; confirm with the Board of Massage Therapy

   $150 initial application fee; $75 renewal; $200 by endorsement (SC Board of Massage Therapy fee schedule)

   Not published by the Board — processing depends on transcripts, exam verification, and background check results; confirm with the Board of Massage Therapy

2. 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.

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 Certificate of Occupancy (zoning and life safety)

   A Certificate of Occupancy application is required for any business with a physical location inside Charleston city limits, including a commercial massage therapy practice. The Permit Center process covers zoning confirmation that the property is zoned for the use, a Fire Inspection Self Survey plus an in-person fire inspection, a building inspection for life-safety and restroom requirements, and floor plans. The business license is issued in conjunction with the Certificate of Occupancy by the Revenue Collections Division.

   Official government source

   No separate Certificate of Occupancy fee is published; the CO is issued alongside the business license, whose fee is based on gross income and the NAICS rate class. Any build-out work carries separate building and trade permit fees.·Apply through the Permit Center's Customer Self Service portal; the city's stated goal is to respond to a new application within 2 business days, with a 10-business-day review turnaround.

   No separate Certificate of Occupancy fee is published; the CO is issued alongside the business license, whose fee is based on gross income and the NAICS rate class. Any build-out work carries separate building and trade permit fees.

   Apply through the Permit Center's Customer Self Service portal; the city's stated goal is to respond to a new application within 2 business days, with a 10-business-day review turnaround.

Official Sources

• South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation — Massage Therapy License
• City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division

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