Hair Salon 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. SC LLR Board of Cosmetology — Cosmetologist License

   Each cosmetologist must hold a valid South Carolina Cosmetologist License from the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology. SC Code 40-13-230 requires at least 1,500 hours of classes at a board-approved cosmetology 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 — Salon License

   All cosmetology salons in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology under S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 13 and Regulations Chapter 35. An initial application requires an inspection before the licence is issued. Renewal runs on the board’s published renewal cycle rather than annually — LLR issues renewal notices for multi-year renewal periods — so check your renewal date with the board rather than assuming a yearly cycle.

   Official government source

   $100 initial salon application fee and $72 renewal, per LLR’s published Board of Cosmetology fee schedule; reinstatement is $122. Individual cosmetologist licences are $45 by examination or $60 by endorsement with a $52 renewal.·Not published by the board. Processing depends on scheduling the required pre-licensure inspection — confirm current timing with the Board of Cosmetology at 803-896-4588.

   $100 initial salon application fee and $72 renewal, per LLR’s published Board of Cosmetology fee schedule; reinstatement is $122. Individual cosmetologist licences are $45 by examination or $60 by endorsement with a $52 renewal.

   Not published by the board. Processing depends on scheduling the required pre-licensure inspection — confirm current timing with the Board of Cosmetology at 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 — Cosmetology Salon License
• City of Columbia Business License Division
• South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

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