Nail Salon 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 Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Each nail technician must hold a valid South Carolina Nail Technician (Manicurist) License from the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology. SC Code 40-13-230 requires at least 300 hours of classes at a board-approved nail technician school, plus passing the state board examination. Individual licenses renew biennially (SC Code 40-13-250).

   Official government source

   $45 examination/initial fee; $52 biennial renewal; $152 reinstatement (SC Board of Cosmetology fee schedule)·Not published by the Board — depends on exam scheduling and transcript verification; confirm with the SC Board of Cosmetology

   $45 examination/initial fee; $52 biennial renewal; $152 reinstatement (SC Board of Cosmetology fee schedule)

   Not published by the Board — depends on exam scheduling and transcript verification; confirm with the SC Board of Cosmetology

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. SC LLR Board of Cosmetology — Nail Salon / Cosmetology Establishment License

   Nail salons in South Carolina must obtain a Salon establishment license from the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology, and an inspection is required before the license is issued. Each nail technician working there must separately hold an individual Nail Technician license; individual licenses renew biennially under SC Code 40-13-250, while the establishment license renews on the Board's published schedule.

   Official government source

   $100 initial salon/shop establishment application; $72 renewal (SC Board of Cosmetology fee schedule)·Not published by the Board — turnaround depends on inspection scheduling; confirm with the SC Board of Cosmetology

   $100 initial salon/shop establishment application; $72 renewal (SC Board of Cosmetology fee schedule)

   Not published by the Board — turnaround depends on inspection scheduling; confirm with the SC Board of Cosmetology

2. 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)

Official Sources

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

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