Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Columbia, SC

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.

Updated 2026-03-14 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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

2 stops

  1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in South Carolina. South Carolina charges a 6% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add up to 3% more. A $50 one-time license fee applies.

    Official government source

    $50 one-timeImmediate (online via MyDORWAY)

  2. South Carolina Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in South Carolina child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Columbia / Richland County

3 stops

  1. South Carolina Department of Social Services — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC DSS Division of Early Care and Education. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff training.

    Official government source

    $50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks

  2. City of Columbia Business License Division — Business License

    The City of Columbia requires an annual Business License for all businesses with a location within city limits. The fee is based on gross revenues. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Richland County / Columbia Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards. Conducted by local fire marshal and building department.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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