Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Charleston, SC

Complete permit and license guide for starting a mobile dog grooming in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina.

Verified 2026-09-03 4 stops $150–$500 est. 1–4 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop
  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of South Carolina

1 stop
  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.

City of Charleston / Charleston County

2 stops
  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 calculatorLicenses 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 Business License (mobile dog grooming)

    A mobile dog grooming operation working in Charleston needs the city's general Business License from the Revenue Collections Division. No Charleston County Animal Services 'mobile groomer permit' could be found on an official source, and South Carolina does not license pet groomers at the state level. Confirm any additional requirement directly with Charleston County Animal Services before assuming one applies.

    Official government source

    Set by the city's Business License Ordinance: the annual fee is calculated from the business's gross income (projected gross for a new business) and the NAICS-based rate class, so there is no flat amount. Licenses expire April 30 each year.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.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 1–4 weeks

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Official Sources

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