Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Greenville, 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. SC LLR Board of Barber Examiners — Barber Shop License

   Barber shops in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC LLR Board of Barber Examiners (not the Board of Cosmetology). The shop must pass an inspection before the license is issued, and the license must be renewed on the Board's schedule.

   Official government source

   $250 initial barber shop license; $125 shop renewal (SC Board of Barber Examiners Schedule of Fees, updated 3/23/2022)·Not published by the Board — turnaround depends on inspection scheduling; confirm with the Board of Barber Examiners

   $250 initial barber shop license; $125 shop renewal (SC Board of Barber Examiners Schedule of Fees, updated 3/23/2022)

   Not published by the Board — turnaround depends on inspection scheduling; confirm with the Board of Barber Examiners

2. City of Greenville Business License

   All businesses conducting business within the City of Greenville must hold a business license, issued by the city's Business License & Revenue Center (Finance Department). The license is renewed annually and must be displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.·Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.

   Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

Official Sources

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

Related Guides