Plumbing Contractor 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.

1. South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board — Mechanical (Plumbing) Contractor License

   South Carolina does not issue a standalone 'plumbing contractor' license. Plumbing work above the statutory threshold is licensed by LLR's Contractor's Licensing Board under the Mechanical contractor classification, which also covers electrical and HVAC (S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11). Applicants pass the examination for the classification and demonstrate experience; a surety bond and financial statement are required depending on the license group. Mechanical contractor licenses expire 31 October of every odd-numbered year.

   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 on time; reinstatement is $350.·Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and review of the required financial statement — confirm 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 on time; reinstatement is $350.

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

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)

3. City of Charleston Plumbing Permit (per project)

   A separate plumbing permit must be pulled from the City of Charleston Building Inspections Division for each job inside city limits (Charleston County's building office covers unincorporated areas). Inspections are required on completion, and no permit is issued until the applicable fees are paid.

   Official government source

   Per the city's Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule: a $40 non-refundable permit application fee, plus a plumbing permit fee of $3.50 per plumbing fixture, $10 for a new, replacement or repaired building water supply, and $10 for a building sewer. A re-inspection fee of $100 applies if work fails inspection.·Not published for trade permits. Confirm current turnaround with the Building Inspections Division or the Permit Center before scheduling work.

   Per the city's Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule: a $40 non-refundable permit application fee, plus a plumbing permit fee of $3.50 per plumbing fixture, $10 for a new, replacement or repaired building water supply, and $10 for a building sewer. A re-inspection fee of $100 applies if work fails inspection.

   Not published for trade permits. Confirm current turnaround with the Building Inspections Division or the Permit Center before scheduling work.

Official Sources

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

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