Nail 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. South Carolina Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Each nail technician must hold a valid South Carolina Nail Technician (Manicurist) License from the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology. SC Code 40-13-230 requires at least 300 hours of classes at a board-approved nail technician 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 — Nail Salon / Cosmetology Establishment License

   Nail salons in South Carolina must obtain a salon establishment licence from the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology under S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 13 and Regulations Chapter 35, and an inspection is required before the licence is issued. Each nail technician working there must separately hold an individual Nail Technician licence; individual licences renew biennially under S.C. Code Section 40-13-250, while the establishment licence renews on the Board’s published schedule.

   Official government source

   $100 initial salon/shop establishment application and $72 renewal, per the Board of Cosmetology fee schedule; reinstatement is $122. Individual nail technician and cosmetologist licences are billed separately on the same schedule.·Not published by the Board. Turnaround depends on scheduling the required pre-licensure inspection — confirm with the Board of Cosmetology at 803-896-4588 or [email protected].

   $100 initial salon/shop establishment application and $72 renewal, per the Board of Cosmetology fee schedule; reinstatement is $122. Individual nail technician and cosmetologist licences are billed separately on the same schedule.

   Not published by the Board. Turnaround depends on scheduling the required pre-licensure inspection — confirm with the Board of Cosmetology at 803-896-4588 or [email protected].

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

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