Electrical Contractor 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 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. South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board — Mechanical (Electrical) Contractor License

   South Carolina does not issue a standalone 'electrical contractor' license. Electrical work above the statutory threshold is licensed by LLR's Contractor's Licensing Board under the Mechanical contractor classification, which also covers plumbing and HVAC (S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11). Applicants pass the examination for the classification and demonstrate experience; a surety bond and financial statement are required depending on the license group. Mechanical contractor licenses expire 31 October of every odd-numbered year.

   Official government source

   $350 initial General and Mechanical Contractor license fee, per LLR's published Contractor's Licensing Board fee schedule. Biennial renewal is $135 if paid on time; reinstatement is $350.·Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and review of the required financial statement — confirm with the Contractor's Licensing Board.

   $350 initial General and Mechanical Contractor license fee, per LLR's published Contractor's Licensing Board fee schedule. Biennial renewal is $135 if paid on time; reinstatement is $350.

   Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and review of the required financial statement — confirm with the Contractor's Licensing Board.

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.

3. City of Greenville — Electrical Permit (per project)

   An electrical permit must be obtained from the City of Greenville Building & Permit Center for each electrical project; Electrical is one of the permit categories listed on the city's "Do You Need A Permit?" page. A final inspection is required upon completion.

   Official government source

   Permit fees are set by the city's adopted fee schedule and vary with project valuation and scope; the city publishes no flat per-project amount·Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

   Permit fees are set by the city's adopted fee schedule and vary with project valuation and scope; the city publishes no flat per-project amount

   Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

Official Sources

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

Related Guides