HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Greenville, 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 Greenville — Mechanical Permit

   The City of Greenville requires a mechanical permit for HVAC installation, issued by the Building & Permit Center (Mechanical is one of the categories on the city's "Do You Need A Permit?" page). HVAC contractors must also hold a valid SC LLR Mechanical Contractor license and a City of Greenville business license.

   Official government source

   Business license: based on gross income and NAICS rate class (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.). Mechanical permit: set by the city's adopted fee schedule and driven by project valuation — no flat amounts are published.·Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

   Business license: based on gross income and NAICS rate class (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.). Mechanical permit: set by the city's adopted fee schedule and driven by project valuation — no flat amounts are published.

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

Official Sources

• City of Greenville Building Permits
• South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board

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