South Carolina Contractor License

Do you want to be a licensed contractor working in South Carolina? If so, we are here to help you to navigate through the main steps of obtaining a license, find out state-specific requirements; look up the details of the licensee, or any other vital information that will speed up the process of becoming an authorized contractor in the state.

How do I get a general contractor’s license in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the contractor’s license is issued by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations Board. To obtain a license in the state, you need to pass the business & law as well as trade examinations. Additionally, if your company conducts contracting works you should decide whether to get your company registered with the Secretary of State and/or obtain a local business license.

Prior to your contracting work, you should determine the type of license(s) you will need based on the scope of your work. The South Carolina Dept. of Labor, Licensing &Regulations Board offers several types of contractor’s licenses:

• General or mechanical license: This license is provided for contractors performing general, commercial, or mechanical works and when the total cost of the building exceeds $5,000.
• Home builder and manufactured housing license: if you work on construction or supervision of the construction, improvement, or repair of one, two, or more multi-family residences you should obtain a residential home builder license. You will need to apply for a manufactured housing license if you install or repair manufactured homes.
• Specialty contractor’s license: To perform specialty trades in SC such as plumbing, HVAC, or electrician you must hold a specialty contractor’s license.

Do contractors have to be licensed in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, to perform works on residential buildings with over $200 renovations you must be licensed. Furthermore, if the commercial building project’s value is over $5000 you should also apply for a license.

To obtain a general or SC mechanical contractor’s license you must have 2 years of commercial experience within 5 years. You should include the following materials  along with your license application:

• Official scores of Business & Law, technical examinations
• Proof of financial statement
• Surety Bond
• Registration of your business either with the South Carolina Secretary of State or with your local authority
• Payment of $350 licensing fee

Do I need a license to be a handyman in South Carolina?

Short answer: It depends on your project value and the nature of your contracting business. If the residential project exceeds $200 or the commercial project is over $5000 you must hold a license.

To work legally in South Carolina, general, mechanical, specialty and manufactured housing contractors should hold a license. Residential specialty contractors can perform contracting works without a license if they will register with the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations. Handymen are allowed to work in the following mentioned and related jobs:

• Carpentry
• Paintings
• Insulation
• Sidings
• Floor covering
• Masonry
• Drywalling
• Concrete and roofing
• Wallpaper

What is the easiest contractor’s license to get?

Generally speaking, residential contractors complete less paperwork and pass the licensing examination easily due to the fact of fewer questions. Since every state in the US defines its own rules & regulations and licensing requirements for getting a contractor’s license, better contact your local authority to learn all the details.