HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Columbia, SC

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. 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 Contractor's Licensing Board — Mechanical Contractor License

   South Carolina requires HVAC contractors to hold a Mechanical Contractor license from the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (LLR). A qualifying party must pass the trade examination administered by the Board's testing vendor, and the business must meet the Board's financial statement and insurance requirements — confirm current amounts with LLR rather than assuming a figure.

   Official government source

   $350 initial license fee (General and Mechanical Contractors); $135 biennial renewal, plus a separate vendor examination fee (SC CLB fee schedule)·Not published by the Board. Mechanical Contractor licenses expire October 31 of each odd-numbered year (General Contractor licenses, October 31 of each even-numbered year).

   $350 initial license fee (General and Mechanical Contractors); $135 biennial renewal, plus a separate vendor examination fee (SC CLB fee schedule)

   Not published by the Board. Mechanical Contractor licenses expire October 31 of each odd-numbered year (General Contractor licenses, October 31 of each even-numbered year).

1. City of Columbia Business License and Mechanical Permit

   HVAC contractors working in Columbia must hold a City of Columbia business license from the Business License Division and pull mechanical permits for installation work from the City of Columbia Development Center / Building Inspections Division (Planning & Development). Contractors must also hold the state Mechanical Contractor license from LLR's Contractor's Licensing Board where the work exceeds the statutory threshold.

   Official government source

   The business license fee is based on gross income and the city's rate class, not a flat amount, and licenses expire April 30. Mechanical permit fees are set by the city's building permit fee schedule and are based on the job — request the current schedule from the Development Center.·Business licence: fastest through the Self-Service Portal, with mailed renewals taking 6-8 weeks February through June. Permit review times are not published — confirm with the Development Center.

   The business license fee is based on gross income and the city's rate class, not a flat amount, and licenses expire April 30. Mechanical permit fees are set by the city's building permit fee schedule and are based on the job — request the current schedule from the Development Center.

   Business licence: fastest through the Self-Service Portal, with mailed renewals taking 6-8 weeks February through June. Permit review times are not published — confirm with the Development Center.

Official Sources

• Columbia Building Inspections
• South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board

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