Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Columbia, 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 Barber License (per barber)

   Each barber must hold a valid South Carolina Barber License from the SC LLR Board of Barber Examiners. Licensure requires 1,500 hours (or an approved apprenticeship equivalent) of barber training and passing the state barber examination, which is administered by the testing vendor PSI rather than by the Board.

   Official government source

   The Registered Barber License and Examination fee is paid to the testing service (PSI); the Board's own schedule lists Barber License by Reciprocity $140, Student/On-the-Job Permit $35, and Registered Barber License renewal $125·Not published by the Board — depends on PSI exam scheduling; confirm with the SC Board of Barber Examiners

   The Registered Barber License and Examination fee is paid to the testing service (PSI); the Board's own schedule lists Barber License by Reciprocity $140, Student/On-the-Job Permit $35, and Registered Barber License renewal $125

   Not published by the Board — depends on PSI exam scheduling; confirm with the SC Board of Barber Examiners

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. South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners — Barbershop License

   A barbershop in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC LLR Board of Barber Examiners. The board requires a completed application, proof of a federal tax identification number, designation of a licensed manager, and a satisfactory inspection before the license is issued. The shop license must be renewed, and location, ownership or name changes require their own filings.

   Official government source

   $250 initial barbershop license fee per LLR's published Board of Barber Examiners fee schedule; renewal of a barbershop license is $125 and reinstatement is $150. A location change is $250, and an ownership or name change is $100.·Not published by the board. Issuance depends on scheduling the required shop inspection — confirm timing with the Board of Barber Examiners (803-896-4588).

   $250 initial barbershop license fee per LLR's published Board of Barber Examiners fee schedule; renewal of a barbershop license is $125 and reinstatement is $150. A location change is $250, and an ownership or name change is $100.

   Not published by the board. Issuance depends on scheduling the required shop inspection — confirm timing with the Board of Barber Examiners (803-896-4588).

2. City of Columbia Business License

   Every business with a location inside Columbia city limits must hold a general business licence from the City of Columbia Business Licensing Division. The licence is renewed each year and must be displayed at your place of business. Applications and renewals are handled through the Business Licensing Self-Service Portal. Zoning compatibility for the business address is confirmed separately through Planning & Development.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class under the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (S.C. Code Section 6-1-400 et seq.) — there is no flat fee. For a new business the fee is projected from the start-of-business date through December 31; at renewal it is based on the previous year’s reported gross income. Use the city’s rate-class schedule to calculate your amount.·All Columbia business licences expire April 30, with the licence year running May 1 to April 30 and renewal season opening in February. Fastest through the Self-Service Portal; the city warns that mailed renewals can take six to eight weeks between February and June.

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class under the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (S.C. Code Section 6-1-400 et seq.) — there is no flat fee. For a new business the fee is projected from the start-of-business date through December 31; at renewal it is based on the previous year’s reported gross income. Use the city’s rate-class schedule to calculate your amount.

   All Columbia business licences expire April 30, with the licence year running May 1 to April 30 and renewal season opening in February. Fastest through the Self-Service Portal; the city warns that mailed renewals can take six to eight weeks between February and June.

Official Sources

• South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation — Barber Shop License
• City of Columbia Business License Division

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