South Carolina Contractor License Lookup: LLR Search & Verify

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SC LLR · Contractor Lookup · Commercial + Residential · Application · Renewal · Complaints · 2026

South Carolina Contractor License Lookup: Search the Correct LLR Board Before You Sign or Pull a Permit

South Carolina does not use one universal contractor record. Commercial General and Mechanical Contractors are regulated through the Contractor’s Licensing Board, while residential builders and residential specialty contractors use the separate Residential Builders Commission.

This guide turns those government systems into task-by-task instructions: what link to open, which field to use, what each status means, how to check the classification and dollar group, how to cross-check the legal business and local permit, and what official forms to use if you are applying, renewing or filing a complaint.

Official Commercial Contractor Lookup Official Residential Lookup Official CLB Complaint Instructions
Independent resource: ContractorsBoard.org is not the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Contractor’s Licensing Board, Residential Builders Commission, a city/county permit office, contractor referral service or license-verification authority. Live government records control.
Task-completion snapshot

Do Not Stop at “Active”: Complete the Entire South Carolina Contractor Check

For a commercial project, a meaningful verification is:

Correct LLR board → Active record → exact legal entity → correct classification → adequate Group dollar limit → local business license → permit → inspections.

Commercial database Updated nightly
General Groups $100K–Unlimited
Mechanical Groups $35K–Unlimited
Business license Local, not statewide
Permit Project-specific
Wrong-board risk: if a commercial lookup returns zero results, that does not automatically prove the person is unlicensed. The LLR commercial search itself tells users to check the Residential Builders Commission when appropriate.
Threshold warning: the commercial >$10,000 statutory licensing threshold is not permission to ignore local permits, business licenses or separately regulated work. Likewise, the residential-builder >$5,000 rule is not the Residential Specialty Contractor definition, which uses a different threshold and scope.
Step 1 — choose the jurisdiction

Commercial Contractor’s Licensing Board or Residential Builders Commission?

Work Primary SC authority Key trigger / scope Official lookup
Commercial general contracting Contractor’s Licensing Board Regulated general contracting when total construction cost is greater than $10,000. Commercial lookup
Commercial mechanical contracting Contractor’s Licensing Board Regulated mechanical contracting when total construction cost is greater than $10,000. Commercial lookup
Residential builder Residential Builders Commission Qualifying residential construction over $5,000; structures generally not over 3 floors and not more than 16 units in one apartment building. Residential lookup
Residential specialty contractor Residential Builders Commission Specialized residential construction trades when undertakings exceed $500 and are outside Chapter 11 commercial regulation. Residential lookup
Alarm / fire alarm Contractor’s Licensing Board Separate alarm business/qualifier requirements. Alarm licensing
Fire sprinkler Contractor’s Licensing Board Separate fire-sprinkler contractor rules. Fire sprinkler licensing

South Carolina Correct Board Finder

This helper sends you to an official starting point. It does not decide legal eligibility.

Choose the contractor type.
Official lookup micro-guide

Commercial South Carolina Contractor License Lookup — Exact LLR Search Steps

Official system: SC LLR Commercial Contractors

The state says this database reflects changes to its licensing and enforcement system nightly.

Open Official Commercial Contractor Lookup
  1. Get the contractor’s exact license number, company name and individual name from the proposal or contract.
  2. If you have the license number, type numbers only. LLR specifically says not to type G, M, CLG or CLM.
  3. If searching the company, search the company name. If searching the person, search the individual’s name. LLR warns that you cannot combine both searches at once.
  4. For an uncertain spelling, enter only the first few distinctive letters.
  5. Do not use punctuation marks in a company-name search.
  6. If searching only by classification, LLR requires a city to be entered.
  7. Click Find.
  8. Open the underlined license number for the exact license record.
  9. Write down the status, legal/company name, license type, classification(s) and Group.
  10. Compare the legal entity to the contract, invoice, permit application and payment recipient.
  11. Compare the Group to the entire project/bid value using the table below.
  12. Recheck the live record immediately before permit issuance or project start if time has passed.
If the search returns “0 Record(s)”: do not immediately call the contractor unlicensed. LLR itself recommends checking the Residential Builders database and, for applicants, checking Pending Application status.
Separate live database

Residential Builder / Residential Specialty License Search

Official system: Residential Builders Commission Lookup

Use this database for the Commission’s builder and residential specialty credentials.

Open Official Residential Lookup
  1. Enter the license/registration number using numbers only when searching by number.
  2. If using the individual’s name, start with only a few letters if you are uncertain about spelling.
  3. Open the exact record.
  4. Read the current status: Active, Approved, Pending, Inactive, Lapsed, Suspended or Cease and Desist.
  5. Check whether you are viewing an individual credential or a firm/Certificate of Authorization-related credential.
  6. Match the licensed person/business to the contract.
  7. If no residential record appears and the project could be commercial, use the Commercial Contractors search.
Applicant troubleshooting

Search Says Zero Records but the Contractor Says “My Application Is Pending”

The commercial search explicitly separates an application being processed from an issued license.

Pending is not Active. If the commercial applicant appears in LLR’s pending-application check, LLR says the application has been received and is being processed. It does not mean the contractor is already properly licensed to pull permits or perform regulated commercial contracting work.
Practical response: ask for the applicant/business name and application status, verify it through LLR, and wait until the live license lookup shows an issued Active license before treating the applicant as licensed.
Status decoder

South Carolina LLR Status Meanings

Commercial Contractor’s Licensing Board

Status LLR meaning What the project owner should do
ACTIVE Current and properly licensed to work and pull permits in South Carolina. Continue to classification, Group, entity and permit checks.
INACTIVE Cannot bid, pull permits or perform regulated contracting work above the $10,000 commercial limit. Do not rely on the credential for regulated commercial work.
LAPSED Lapsed/cancelled; cannot bid, pull permits or perform regulated commercial contracting above the threshold. Wait for proper reinstatement and verify the resulting live record.
SUSPENDED Suspended by the Board until further notice; no work or permits may be pulled under the suspended credential. Stop the license-verification process and contact the Board if necessary.

Residential Builders Commission

Status Residential database meaning
ACTIVE Current and properly licensed to work and pull permits.
APPROVED Applicant/licensee is in the final stages of becoming Active.
PENDING License has not been issued; LLR states work over $500 cannot be performed under a pending credential.
INACTIVE Cannot work until the credential is returned to Active status.
LAPSED Lapsed/cancelled; LLR states the licensee cannot perform work over $500.
SUSPENDED Suspended by the Commission; no work or permits can be pulled during suspension.
CEASE AND DESIST The Commission has issued a Cease and Desist order; the database states no work or permits may be performed/pulled in excess of $500.
Read beyond the status

How to Read a South Carolina Commercial Contractor Record

Record field What to compare Risk if it does not match
Legal/company name Contract, invoice, permit applicant and payment recipient. You may be dealing with a different entity than the licensed business.
License type General vs Mechanical vs other regulated program. Wrong regulatory route.
Classification Actual project scope. Active license may not authorize this work.
Group Complete bid/job cost. Contractor may exceed its approved monetary limit.
Current status Active on the current check date. Inactive/lapsed/suspended contractor cannot rely on the credential for regulated work.
License class is not a workmanship guarantee. State licensure establishes regulatory qualification; separately evaluate project-specific experience, references, plans, contract terms, permits and inspections.

South Carolina Contractor Record Checker

This independent checklist does not query LLR. Complete it using live government records.

Complete every check.
Commercial project limit

South Carolina Contractor Group Dollar Limits

Commercial license Groups are not just financial labels. They cap the bid/job value the license supports.

General Contractor

Group Bid / job limit Working capital Net worth / equity Surety bond alternative
1 $100,000 $10,000 $20,000 $20,000
2 $400,000 $40,000 $60,000 $60,000
3 $1,000,000 $100,000 $150,000 $150,000
4 $3,000,000 $175,000 $250,000 $250,000
5 Unlimited $250,000 $350,000 $350,000

Mechanical Contractor

Group Bid / job limit Working capital Net worth / equity Surety bond alternative
1 $35,000 $3,500 $7,000 $7,000
2 $100,000 $10,000 $15,000 $15,000
3 $200,000 $20,000 $30,000 $30,000
4 $400,000 $40,000 $60,000 $60,000
5 Unlimited $200,000 $300,000 $300,000
Financial test: when using the financial-statement route, the Board says applicants must meet either the required working capital or net-worth/total-equity amount. Both are not required simultaneously.
Entire job value matters. South Carolina defines total cost of construction broadly as the actual cost incurred by the owner, contractors, subcontractors and other parties for labor, material, equipment, profit and incidental expenses for the entire project, excluding design services unless included in a construction contract.

South Carolina Commercial Group Limit Planner

This compares your entered project value to the Board’s published limits. It does not decide classification or approve the Group.

Enter license type and project value.
Official PDF decoded

“No Specific License Required” Does Not Mean the Entire Project Is Unregulated

LLR publishes a Non-Regulated Work PDF. It is useful, but the footnotes matter more than the headline.

Examples LLR currently lists as work with no specific CLB license by itself

Site / service work

Hauling, debris removal, land clearing/grubbing, landscaping and certain cleaning-only activities.

Specified installations

Commercial carpet installation, playground equipment, temporary/non-permanent scaffolding and certain fencing.

Other regulated agencies may apply

Asbestos removal, demolition, elevators, septic tanks, well drilling, scales and other activities can belong to different South Carolina regulators.

Read the footnotes before relying on the PDF. Examples: electrical final power connection can trigger Electrical classification; modifying ductwork can trigger Air Conditioning/Packaged Equipment; concrete work can trigger Concrete classification; communication towers can trigger Structural Framing; water-based suppression requires Fire Sprinkler licensing.

Official action: Check the Non-Regulated Work PDF

Use it to separate an unregulated task from regulated portions of the same project.

Open Official Non-Regulated Work PDF
  1. Find the work description in the main list.
  2. Check whether the item has a numbered footnote.
  3. Read the footnote for the point where the work becomes regulated.
  4. If another agency is named, open that regulator before contracting.
  5. Separate the unregulated portion from any regulated work whose total cost exceeds the Chapter 11 threshold.
  6. Still check local business licenses and permits.
No statewide business license

South Carolina Contractor License ≠ Local Business License

South Carolina Business One Stop states there is no statewide business license. Cities, towns and some counties administer their own business licenses.

A contractor may need more than one local business license if it is physically located in one jurisdiction and performs work in another jurisdiction.

Official action: South Carolina Business One Stop Local License Guide

Use it to identify city/county licensing layers before bidding work.

Open SC Business One Stop Local License Guide
  1. Identify the contractor’s business location.
  2. Identify the project city/town and county.
  3. Check whether the city requires a business license.
  4. Check whether the county separately requires one for the project location.
  5. Use South Carolina’s Standardized Business License Application where a participating jurisdiction accepts it.
  6. Repeat this check when the contractor expands into another city or county.

Official action: SC Business Wizard

Useful for a new construction business that does not know which registrations, taxes and licenses apply.

Open South Carolina Business Wizard
  1. Select the construction/home-construction industry closest to the business.
  2. Select the business structure.
  3. Enter the actual South Carolina business location.
  4. Answer whether employees will be hired.
  5. Answer the product/service and tax questions.
  6. Review the generated contractor-license, insurance/bonding, local-license and tax-account checklist.
Commercial applicant roadmap

South Carolina General / Mechanical Contractor Application — Build the Packet in This Order

Select the exact classification

Use Section 40-11-410 and the Board classification list rather than starting with a generic “general contractor” label.

Designate a Primary Qualifying Party for every classification

Each requested classification/subclassification needs a PQP.

Complete the technical examination route

Pass the required PSI technical exam, use an approved technical-exam waiver, CAGC/MASC certification route or qualify under a no-technical-exam classification.

Pass South Carolina Business Management and Law

The Board requires this commercial Business Management and Law examination for PQP/QP certification routes described by LLR.

Document work experience

Standard exam applicants generally need at least two years of work experience performed within the prior five years for the requested classification.

Select the Group

Choose the maximum per-job amount actually needed and prepare financial proof or the statutory surety bond for that Group.

Complete South Carolina entity filings

Applicable corporations, LLCs and similar entities should obtain the Secretary of State authority/existence documents required by the Board.

Complete Doc. 165

This is the Board’s current General and Mechanical Contractor initial license application.

Add Doc. 168 for new qualifying parties

Use the initial PQP/QP certification package when the qualifier is not currently certified or has been inactive more than four years.

Submit financial statement or surety bond

Use the exact requirement for the selected Group and whether the application is initial, renewal or group revision.

Pay the current $350 license fee

Current Doc. 165 states the fee is nonrefundable and cash is not accepted.

Submit and wait for the issued Active record

Do not treat exam passage or application submission as an issued contractor license.

Official action: Commercial Contractor Applications & Forms

Use the Board’s forms index so you do not accidentally download a stale third-party packet.

Open Official CLB Applications & Forms
  1. Download Doc. 165 for the entity license.
  2. Download Doc. 168 for a new/inactive-over-four-years PQP or QP.
  3. Download Doc. 167 for work experience when required.
  4. Download Doc. 172 if using an owner-prepared financial statement where permitted.
  5. Download the correct General or Mechanical Surety Bond form if using the bond route.
  6. Open the current Exam Waiver form/matrix if qualifying through reciprocity, NASCLA or approved certification.
  7. Check that all documents use the same legal entity name.
  8. Use the submission instructions printed on the current form.
Doc. 165 current details: General licenses expire October 31 in even-numbered years; Mechanical licenses expire October 31 in odd-numbered years; current initial licensure fee is $350.
Doc. 165 — General / Mechanical Application Doc. 168 — PQP / QP Initial Package
Qualification structure

Primary Qualifying Party and Qualifying Party: Which Form Do You Need?

Primary Qualifying Party

The PQP is the qualifying party designated as the principal person responsible for directing or reviewing the licensee’s work in that classification/subclassification.

Qualifying Party

An additional QP meets applicable qualification requirements but is not the designated primary qualifier for that classification.

Situation Current form Action
New PQP/QP or inactive more than 4 years Doc. 168 Use the initial certification package.
Current qualifier or inactive less than 4 years being transferred/revised Doc. 181 Use the PQP/QP Revision Application.
Request to serve as PQP for two licensed entities Doc. 173 Use the Dual Primary Qualifying Party request.

Doc. 168 checklist

  • Applicant identity/contact information.
  • Requested PQP or QP capacity.
  • General or Mechanical category.
  • Certification method: PSI/NASCLA exam, waiver/reciprocity, qualifying certification or non-technical classification.
  • Exam score sheets where applicable.
  • Official license verifications for waiver applications where applicable.
  • Work Experience Affidavit when required.
  • Current lawful-presence/identity documentation required by the package.
PSI commercial exam

South Carolina Contractor Exams — Do Not Wait for Board Preapproval

Current CLB guidance states that PQPs must complete required exam qualification before the entity submits the license application and that no Board preapproval is required to schedule the PSI commercial exams.

Official action: Schedule SC Commercial Contractor Exams with PSI

Use the current PSI bulletin before buying books or scheduling.

Open PSI South Carolina Commercial Contractor Exams
  1. Create or sign in to the PSI test-taker account.
  2. Select the South Carolina commercial contractor program.
  3. Select the SC Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam.
  4. Add each required technical exam for the classification.
  5. Download the current Candidate Information Bulletin.
  6. Use the bulletin’s content outline and approved-reference list rather than a prep school’s outdated list.
  7. Select a current test location/date.
  8. Save your confirmation and PASS sheet(s).
  9. Include required PASS sheets in the Board application packet.
PSI phone currently listed by LLR: 855-746-8173.

General classifications currently listed by LLR with no technical exam

  • Boring & Tunneling.
  • Miscellaneous Metals.
  • Highway Incidental.
  • Railroad Lines.
  • Masonry.
Nonstructural Renovation changed: LLR’s current Board alert states that effective January 1, 2025, Nonstructural Renovation requires a technical PSI examination. Do not rely on an older no-exam list.
Technical exam relief only

South Carolina Exam Waiver / Reciprocity / NASCLA / CAGC

South Carolina’s “reciprocity” route is better understood as a technical-examination waiver. It does not automatically issue a South Carolina contractor license.

Still required: current waiver applicants must satisfy the South Carolina Commercial Contractors Business, Law and Project Management examination and all remaining business, financial and licensing requirements.

Current waiver matrix

The Board’s February 2025 matrix includes specific qualifying examinations from Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Reading Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and qualifying South Carolina certification programs. The exact trade and exam matter.

NASCLA

The current matrix accepts:

  • NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractors Accredited Exam → South Carolina Unlimited Building.
  • NASCLA Electrical Examination Program → South Carolina Electrical.
NASCLA is not a national contractor license. A passing NASCLA exam does not permit contracting in South Carolina without the issued South Carolina license.

January 1, 2026 Mechanical Trades Certification change

LLR states that as of January 1, 2026, Carolinas AGC (CAGC) is the South Carolina Mechanical Trades Certification Program provider.

  • Current Master Electrician certifications issued by exam through MASC during the accepted historical period or after January 1, 2026 through CAGC can support the Electrical classification route described by LLR.
  • Current Master Plumber certifications issued through the accepted program periods can support Plumbing.
  • Current HARV / Master Mechanical certifications issued during the accepted periods can support Air Conditioning and Heating.

Official action: Check the Technical Exam Waiver matrix

Do this before paying PSI for a technical test you may already qualify to waive.

Open Official Technical Exam Waiver PDF
  1. Find your issuing state/program.
  2. Find the exact exam you passed.
  3. Read the exact South Carolina equivalent classification.
  4. Check any date restriction.
  5. Confirm the credential is current and in good standing where required.
  6. Do not rely on a license obtained by grandfathering or another waiver if the Board requires actual exam passage.
  7. Have the issuing authority complete/send the required official verification.
  8. Pass the South Carolina business/law exam.
Initial vs renewal rules differ

Financial Statement or Surety Bond — Use the Correct Rule for the Application Type

The Board allows a statutory surety bond instead of financial proof. If using a financial statement, requirements are stricter for initial licensure than renewal at higher Groups.

Initial license / Group revision

Group Financial route Alternative
1–2 Owner-prepared financial statement with affidavit of accuracy, Doc. 172. Correct General or Mechanical surety bond.
3–4 Compiled financial statement by a licensed CPA in accordance with GAAP, including required disclosures. Correct General or Mechanical surety bond.
5 Audited balance sheet by a licensed CPA in accordance with GAAP. Correct Group 5 surety bond.

Renewal

Group Renewal financial route Alternative
1–2 Owner-prepared Doc. 172. Bond / valid continuation as applicable.
3–4 Owner-prepared Doc. 172 or qualifying CPA-compiled GAAP statement. Bond / continuation.
5 Reviewed financial statement from licensed CPA under GAAP. Bond / continuation.

Financial statement details often missed

  • Balance sheet date must be no more than 12 months before the relevant application.
  • CPA statements must include required GAAP disclosures.
  • Compiled/reviewed/audited statements must include the accountant’s signed report/cover material required by the Board.
  • The financial statement should be in the applicant entity’s name.
  • Parent-company financials require the qualifying subsidiary relationship to be documented.
  • A new entity with less than two years of operating experience can have special initial-application treatment for principals’ financial statements under current Board guidance.

Commercial surety-bond requirements

  • Use the Contractor’s Licensing Board commercial bond, not an RBC bond.
  • Surety must be authorized to transact surety business in South Carolina.
  • Bond must list the State of South Carolina as obligee.
  • Bond is continuous until properly cancelled/replaced under the statutory route.
  • Original bond requires Surety signature and Principal signature.
  • Visible surety-company seal is required.
  • Power of Attorney must be attached.
  • LLR states DocuSign is not acceptable for these bond signatures.
Current 2026 action

2026–2028 General Contractor Renewal: Submit Financial Documentation Before Opening Renewal

The General Contractor renewal cycle is currently open. General Contractor licenses expire October 31 in even-numbered years.

Official action: 2026–2028 General Contractor Renewal

LLR requires financial/bond documentation to be accepted before completing online renewal.

Open Official General Contractor Renewal
  1. Check the current license classification, Group and PQP/QP information.
  2. If a PQP/QP or company record needs revision, update it before renewal.
  3. Prepare one acceptable financial document or the current surety bond/continuation.
  4. For a financial statement, ensure the balance sheet is within the Board’s 12-month window.
  5. Submit the financial/bond document through LLR’s Document Submission portal.
  6. Wait for Board acceptance.
  7. After acceptance, enter the online renewal software.
  8. Pay the applicable $135 renewal fee plus any late fee.
  9. Save confirmation.
  10. Search the public lookup after processing and confirm the license is current.
No later grace period for the financial file: the current renewal page says required financial documentation/bond must be submitted as part of renewal eligibility.

Current 2026 General Contractor fee calendar

Renewed / postmarked Base renewal Late fee Total
On or before October 31, 2026 $135 $0 $135
November 1–30, 2026 $135 $100 $235
December 1–31, 2026 $135 $150 $285
January 1–31, 2027 $135 $200 $335
After January 31, 2027: current LLR renewal guidance says the General Contractor license lapses and must be reinstated.
Mechanical Contractor cycle: Mechanical Contractor licenses expire October 31 in odd-numbered years. LLR currently says 2027–2029 Mechanical renewal is expected to open in August 2027.
Separate residential requirements

Residential Builder and Residential Specialty Contractor Rules

Residential Builder

Current South Carolina law defines a Residential Builder as a person who constructs or superintends qualifying residential construction, repair or improvement where the cost exceeds $5,000 and the structure meets the Commission’s residential definition.

Experience

State law requires at least one year of actual experience under an appropriately licensed residential-building professional, or qualifying education/experience approved by the Commission, before the exam route.

Residential Builder fees

Application: $135. License: $220. Renewal: $220. Late renewal: $50. Reinstatement: $480.

Residential builder bond

State law provides for a residential builder bond of not less than $15,000 or acceptable proof of financial responsibility, subject to current Commission requirements.

Official action: Apply for Residential Builder license

The Residential Builders Commission uses a separate application platform.

Open Official Residential Builder Page
  1. Download the instructions/forms before starting the online application.
  2. Determine whether you are applying by examination or an eligible exam-waiver route.
  3. Prepare experience documentation.
  4. Create the current electronic application account.
  5. Complete all requested fields and payment; the Commission says an online application is not complete until payment is submitted.
  6. Monitor email for exam eligibility or deficiency instructions.
  7. Complete the required examination/post-exam steps.
  8. Verify the issued license in the Residential lookup.
2026 platform change: the Residential Builders Commission says applicants who started an old-platform application before February 2, 2026 must create a new account and restart through the current electronic system.
Residential renewal now late: the ordinary 2026 renewal deadline was June 30, 2026. Residential Builder and Home Inspector licenses that missed the date are now in the late-renewal period through June 30, 2027 under current Commission guidance.

Residential Specialty Contractor

Current Commission guidance defines a Residential Specialty Contractor as a specialized independent contractor when an undertaking exceeds $500 and is not regulated by Chapter 11.

Project over $5,000: current Commission specialty materials state that when total labor and materials on qualifying work exceed $5,000, a $5,000 surety bond is required for the applicable specialty registration route.
Official Residential Specialty Contractor Page Official Residential Fee & Licensure Directory
High-risk exemption

South Carolina Owner-Builder: The Two-Year Rule Is State Law, Not Just a County Policy

South Carolina residential law allows a qualifying property owner to act under an owner-builder exemption, but it is not a shortcut for hiring an unlicensed contractor to function as the builder.

  • The owner must personally supervise construction under the statutory exemption.
  • The one-family or two-family residence must be for the owner’s own use and occupancy under the exemption.
  • The statutory disclosure says the property may not be built for sale or rent under that exemption.
  • If the owner sells or rents within two years after construction is complete, the statute creates a presumption the home was built for sale or rent.
  • The owner cannot simply hire an unlicensed person to serve as the residential builder or specialty contractor.
  • All required building codes, zoning and permits still apply.
  • State law requires the owner to file the required public-record notice with the Register of Deeds after construction under the exemption; failure can revoke the statutory exemption.
Permit-office practice: counties such as Richland require a notarized Statement of Disclosure and filing with the Register of Deeds for owner-builder permits. Use the local form supplied by the jurisdiction serving the property.
Board jurisdiction first

South Carolina Contractor Complaint — Know What the Board Can and Cannot Do

The Contractor’s Licensing Board cannot generally function as a civil damages court. Its current complaint instructions say it cannot resolve purely contractual disputes, monetary disputes or cosmetic disagreements, and cannot order repairs or monetary restitution merely because a project owner requests it.

Matters within CLB licensing jurisdiction can include

  • Practicing without required CLB licensure.
  • Working outside the authorized classification.
  • Violations of applicable published building codes.
  • Deviation from applicable published construction/manufacturer standards.
  • Other violations of the General/Mechanical Contracting Practice Act or Board regulations.

Official action: File a Contractor’s Licensing Board Complaint

Use the instructions and current complaint form together.

Open Official CLB Complaint Instructions Open Official Contractor Complaint Form
  1. Search the contractor in LLR and copy the exact respondent/license information.
  2. Complete every required complainant and project field.
  3. State each complaint item separately and specifically.
  4. Attach the construction contract.
  5. Attach the building permit application where applicable.
  6. For new construction, attach the Certificate of Occupancy if one has been issued.
  7. Attach relevant supporting communications, invoices, reports and other documents.
  8. Follow the current notarized-signature requirement.
  9. Keep copies because LLR retains the submitted material.
  10. After submission, wait for Board jurisdiction review and a case number.
  11. If an inspection occurs, be prepared for the investigator to address the specific items identified in the complaint.
Write a complaint like an inspection punch list: location + defect + applicable contract/permit/code fact + supporting document. Do not make the investigator guess which physical condition you want reviewed.
LLR Online Complaint System LLR Complaint FAQs
Separate recovery route

Commercial Surety Bond Claim — Do Not Confuse It With a Licensing Complaint

If a commercial contractor used the statutory surety-bond route to qualify its Group, LLR publishes a separate bond-claim form.

Official action: Complete a Commercial Surety Bond Claim

The form is directed to the surety and requests actual damages.

Open Official Surety Bond Claim Form
  1. Identify the surety company.
  2. Enter the bond number and effective date.
  3. Enter the contractor/principal name and license number.
  4. Attach a written construction contract if available.
  5. Enter contract, project commencement and project completion dates.
  6. Calculate the amount claimed as actual damages.
  7. Describe the allegations giving rise to the bond claim.
  8. Attach supporting proof of actual loss.
  9. Preserve any separate contractual, civil or statutory deadline affecting the claim.
Localization

South Carolina Local Permit and Contractor-Business Requirements

The state contractor license follows the contractor; the permit follows the project address. First determine whether the property is inside municipal limits or in an unincorporated county area.

City of Columbia

Columbia Development & Inspections

Permitting assistance: 803-545-3420 · Inspection requests: 803-545-3422.

Open Columbia Development & Inspections
  1. Confirm the property is inside City of Columbia jurisdiction.
  2. Choose Residential or Commercial project information.
  3. Create/use the City’s Access portal for supported permits.
  4. Upload the required application/plans.
  5. Pay through the official Access portal or approved in-person route.
  6. Save the permit number.
  7. Schedule inspections online or call 803-545-3422.
  8. If the property is in a Historic or Design District, check whether a Certificate of Design Approval is also required.

City of Charleston

Charleston Permit Center

Permits: 843-577-5550 · permits@charleston-sc.gov · 2 George Street.

Open Charleston Permit Center
  1. Confirm the property is inside City of Charleston limits.
  2. Create/use Customer Self Service (CSS) where supported.
  3. Submit permit documents in PDF format; the City says other embedded/JPEG/link file types are not accepted for its permit submission process.
  4. Complete plan review and any BAR, zoning, flood, fire or engineering review required by the property/scope.
  5. Wait for the permit invoice after approval.
  6. Pay through the approved payment route.
  7. The City states the permit status updates to Issued after payment processing; print the permit placard when issued.
  8. Schedule applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/fuel-gas and other inspections.
  9. Complete the Certificate of Construction Completion / occupancy closeout when applicable.
Charleston contractor business license: contractors doing business inside City limits need a City business license. Out-of-town contractors currently use the City’s offline/email/mail route rather than the normal CSS business-license application workflow.

City of Greenville

Greenville Building & Permit Center

864-232-CARE (2273) · buildingcodes@greenvillesc.gov · 204 Halton Road.

Open Greenville Building & Permit Center
  1. Confirm the address is inside Greenville City limits using the City address locator.
  2. Open the Online Permit Center.
  3. Search existing permit data or begin the required application.
  4. Confirm the contractor holds the proper South Carolina state license.
  5. Confirm the contractor holds the required Greenville business license.
  6. Submit plans/documents.
  7. Track permit review and inspection status through the City system.
Greenville business license: the City states all businesses conducting business in the City need a business license. It has separate Resident Contractor and Non-Resident Contractor applications.

Horry County — Unincorporated Areas

Horry County Code Enforcement

843-915-5090 · 1301 Second Avenue, Conway.

Open Horry County Code Enforcement
  1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Horry County rather than a city such as Myrtle Beach or Conway.
  2. Review the County’s permit requirement for the project type.
  3. Use the Online Portal for supported permits, inspection scheduling and invoice payment.
  4. For work classes not supported by online inspection scheduling, call 843-915-5090.
  5. Check flood-zone requirements for coastal/flood-prone property.
  6. Confirm whether a separate Horry County business license is required for the contractor operating in unincorporated County territory.
Horry business license: the County states businesses operating in the unincorporated area generally need the applicable County business license before operating.

Richland County — Unincorporated Areas

Richland County Building Permitting & Inspections

Main: 803-576-2140 · Contractor accounts: 803-576-2184.

Open Richland County Building Permits
  1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Richland County.
  2. Prepare ownership proof, plat and drawings required for the project.
  3. Prepare names and license numbers of subcontractors.
  4. Licensed residential and commercial contractors use the County Online Contractor Program / eTrakit.
  5. Submit for plan/permit review.
  6. Track approvals.
  7. Pay permit fees after required approvals.
  8. Schedule inspections in the required construction sequence.
  9. Do not cover rough work before the required rough inspections are approved.
  10. Complete final building/trade inspections before closeout/CO.
Owner-builder in Richland: the County requires a notarized Statement of Disclosure filed with the Register of Deeds and highlights the two-year sale/rental restriction associated with the owner-builder exemption.
South Carolina-specific programs

Grants, Safety Help and Business Benefits Contractors / Homeowners Should Check

SC Safe Home Mitigation Grants

SC Safe Home helps qualifying coastal homeowners strengthen homes against hurricane/wind damage. Current program materials distinguish roof-mitigation and opening-protection projects from ordinary repairs/remodeling.

Current award category Non-matching grant Matching grant
Resilient Mitigation Up to $7,500 Up to $6,000
Sustainable Mitigation Up to $5,000 Up to $4,000
Hurricane shutters / protective barriers Up to $3,000 Up to $3,000
Current status reviewed August 31, 2026: although the program reopened for application periods earlier in 2026, the current SC Department of Insurance program page says it is not currently accepting new applications. Use the live program page, not an old reopening announcement.

Official action: Prepare for the next SC Safe Home opening

Do not start grant-dependent work before understanding the program’s timing.

Open Official SC Safe Home
  1. Sign up for the Department’s reopening notifications.
  2. Review the current project categories.
  3. Gather the most recent federal income-tax return.
  4. Gather homeowner’s insurance declaration pages.
  5. Gather the county property-tax assessment.
  6. Do not order a wind inspection on your own solely for the application; current program FAQ says the program inspection occurs after application through participating inspectors.
  7. Estimate the award using the program’s current income/project rules.
  8. When the portal opens, apply before relying on grant money in the construction contract.

South Carolina Home Energy Rebates

Current August 31, 2026 status: South Carolina’s HOMES and HEAR rebates are still described by the state Energy Office as under development and not currently available, with statewide launch anticipated in 2026.

State planning information says HOMES could provide approximately $2,000–$16,000 depending on household income and measured energy savings, while HEAR can provide up to $14,000 for qualifying lower/moderate-income households and eligible electrification measures.

Contractor action: Prepare for the Home Energy Rebate contractor network

Most contractor-led projects will need an approved program contractor once the programs launch.

Open Official SC Home Energy Rebates
  1. Read the current contractor FAQ.
  2. Complete the contractor-interest route if your business wants program updates/training information.
  3. Watch for contractor eligibility and certification rules.
  4. Do not advertise an upgrade as rebate-qualified until the state program approves the contractor/project route.
  5. Once launched, verify the contractor is on the program-approved list where required.

Free SC OSHA construction consultation

SC OSHA’s Outreach and Education Consultation Program provides confidential services free of charge, including full/limited onsite safety surveys, technical assistance, program assessments, air sampling and noise monitoring.

Contractor benefit: Request a free SC OSHA consultation

Useful for a contractor trying to improve safety systems before a compliance event.

Open Free SC OSHA Consultation
  1. Open the Consultation page.
  2. Select the service-request route.
  3. Describe the construction operation and hazards you want reviewed.
  4. Choose a full or limited consultation.
  5. Prepare to correct serious hazards identified under the consultation agreement.
  6. Use the confidential report to improve the safety-management program.

Free SC OSHA construction training

Current free construction topics include Intro to OSHA, permit-required confined spaces, fall protection, excavation/trenching, silica, powered industrial trucks, machine guarding, scaffold safety and electrical safety.

Request Free SC OSHA Training

State contracting: register as a South Carolina vendor

State contractor licensure does not automatically register the business to bid or receive payments from South Carolina agencies.

Official action: State Vendor Registration

Procurement Services states vendor registration is needed to bid and receive payment for applicable state business.

Open SC Vendor Registration
  1. Search the vendor database to determine whether the business is already registered.
  2. Create/update the vendor record.
  3. Verify company contact, email, mailing address and telephone before system migration.
  4. Select relevant commodity codes.
  5. Save the vendor number.
  6. Use South Carolina Procurement Services bidding-opportunity tools.
  7. For construction solicitations, separately check project-specific contractor license, bidding, bonding and Office of State Engineer requirements.
Current Procurement Services guidance warns registration/update processing may take up to 30 days during high-volume periods, so do not wait until bid day.
Official document desk

South Carolina Contractor Forms / PDFs — What Each One Is Actually For

PDF

Doc. 165 — General / Mechanical Contractor Application

Current revision found: 12/22/2025 v2.1.

Use for: initial commercial entity license and applicable reinstatement/entity changes.

Extract: $350 fee, license cycles, Group table, financial/bond route, Secretary of State requirements and entity information.

Open Doc. 165
PDF

Doc. 168 — PQP / QP Initial Package

Revision found: 01/02/2025 v1.8.

Use for: a new qualifier or a certification inactive more than four years.

Extract: requested capacity/category, certification method, exam/waiver proof and work-experience documentation.

Open Doc. 168
PDF

Classification Abbreviations & Group Dollar Limits

Revision found: January 2025.

Use for: classification codes, Building limits, mechanical scope notes, Group limits, working capital, net worth and bond amounts.

Open Classification / Group PDF
PDF

Technical Exam Waiver Agreements

Revision found: February 2025.

Use for: exact state exam equivalencies, South Carolina classification mapping and NASCLA Building/Electrical recognition.

Open Waiver Matrix
PDF

Non-Regulated Work — No Specific CLB License Required

Use for: identifying tasks that may not independently require a CLB classification.

Critical: read every footnote because regulated portions of the same job can still require licensure.

Open Non-Regulated Work PDF
PDF

Contractor’s Complaint Form

Revision found: 10/31/2023 v1.1.

Use for: General, Mechanical, alarm and fire-sprinkler complaints within Board jurisdiction.

Extract: permit application, CO status, project dates, detailed allegations and supporting-document requirements.

Open Complaint Form
PDF

Surety Bond Claim Form

Use for: claim against a qualifying commercial Group surety bond.

Extract: surety name, bond number, principal/license, contract dates and actual damages.

Open Bond Claim Form
PDF

Residential Builder FAQ

Use for: statutory residential-builder definition, experience, exam and Commission licensing distinctions.

Open Residential Builder FAQ PDF
Official LLR location

South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board Address, Map and Contacts

Physical address

110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210

LLR office hours currently listed: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.

CLB mailing address

PO Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29211-1329

CLB fax

803-896-4814

Official Contractor’s Licensing Board Official LLR Contact Directory Official Directions Open in Google Maps
Practical phone scripts

What to Ask Instead of “Is This Contractor Licensed?”

Project owner → CLB

“I found license number ______ showing classification ______ and Group ______. My project at ______ is ______ work with a total expected construction cost of about $______. Does this classification and Group cover that regulated scope?”

Commercial applicant → CLB

“Our entity is ______, requested classification is ______, desired Group is ______ and proposed PQP is ______. Before we submit Doc. 165, can you confirm which PQP/QP form and financial or bond documentation applies?”

Owner → local permit office

“The project address is ______ and scope is ______. Which building/trade/zoning permits apply, which state contractor credential must be shown, and how can I verify final inspection or CO status?”

Complainant → Board

“The license number is ______. My concern is ______. Is that issue within the Contractor’s Licensing Board’s jurisdiction, and which documents should I include with the complaint form?”

Internal links

Related ContractorsBoard.org Resources

Frequently asked questions

South Carolina Contractor License Lookup FAQs

How do I look up a South Carolina contractor license?

Use SC LLR’s official Commercial Contractors lookup for General and Mechanical Contractor licenses. Enter numbers only when searching by license number. Residential Builders and Residential Specialty credentials use the separate Residential Builders Commission lookup.

How current is the SC LLR contractor lookup?

LLR states that its commercial contractor licensing and enforcement database is updated nightly. Recheck the live record before permit issuance or project start rather than relying on an old screenshot.

What does Active mean in the commercial contractor lookup?

LLR states that Active means the licensee is current and properly licensed to work and pull permits in South Carolina. You should still confirm the classification and Group dollar limit.

What does Inactive mean?

For the commercial CLB lookup, LLR states an Inactive contractor cannot bid, pull permits or perform regulated contracting work above the $10,000 contract limit under that credential.

What does Lapsed mean?

LLR describes a Lapsed commercial contractor license as lapsed or cancelled. The contractor cannot bid, pull permits or perform regulated contracting work above the $10,000 commercial threshold under that credential.

When is a South Carolina commercial contractor license required?

South Carolina law states that a contractor license is required for regulated general contracting when total construction cost is greater than $10,000 and for regulated mechanical contracting when total construction cost is greater than $10,000.

When is a South Carolina Residential Builder license required?

The Residential Builders Commission’s statutory definition applies to qualifying residential construction, supervision, repair or improvement when the undertaking exceeds $5,000 and the structure falls within the residential-builder definition.

What is a Residential Specialty Contractor?

Current South Carolina law defines a Residential Specialty Contractor as a specialized independent contractor performing qualifying residential specialty work when the undertaking exceeds $500 and is not regulated under the commercial Contractor’s Licensing Board chapter.

What is a contractor license Group in South Carolina?

The Group sets the maximum bid and job amount a commercial license supports. General Contractor Groups currently run from Group 1 at $100,000 to Group 5 unlimited. Mechanical Contractor Groups run from Group 1 at $35,000 to Group 5 unlimited.

How much is a new South Carolina General or Mechanical Contractor license?

The current General and Mechanical Contractor initial licensure fee is $350. Exam, CPA, surety bond and business-filing costs are separate.

How much is the 2026 General Contractor renewal?

The regular renewal fee is $135 through October 31, 2026. Current totals rise to $235 in November 2026, $285 in December 2026 and $335 in January 2027. After January 31, 2027, current Board guidance says the license lapses and must be reinstated.

What is a Primary Qualifying Party?

A Primary Qualifying Party is the qualifying individual designated as principally responsible for directing or reviewing the licensee’s work in a particular classification or subclassification.

How much experience does a commercial qualifying party need?

For the standard examination route, current LLR guidance generally requires at least two years of work experience performed within the previous five years in the requested classification or subclassification. Exam-waiver applicants follow the applicable waiver rules.

Does South Carolina require Board preapproval before taking the PSI commercial contractor exam?

No. Current LLR Contractor’s Licensing Board guidance states there is no Board preapproval required to schedule the PSI commercial contractor examinations.

Does South Carolina accept NASCLA?

The current technical exam waiver matrix recognizes the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractors accredited exam for South Carolina Unlimited Building and the NASCLA Electrical Examination Program for South Carolina Electrical, subject to all remaining South Carolina requirements.

Is NASCLA a South Carolina contractor license?

No. NASCLA is an examination program, not a contractor license. The applicant must still obtain the actual South Carolina license and satisfy the Board’s business, law, qualifying-party, financial and application requirements.

Can a commercial contractor use a surety bond instead of a financial statement?

Yes. South Carolina allows an applicant or licensee to use the Board’s statutory surety bond route in the amount required for the requested Group instead of demonstrating the Group’s working-capital or net-worth amount through the financial statement route.

Does South Carolina have a statewide business license?

No. South Carolina Business One Stop states that business licenses are generally issued by cities, towns and counties. A contractor may need local licenses in each jurisdiction where it operates or performs work.

Can the Contractor’s Licensing Board order a contractor to refund my money?

The Board’s complaint instructions state that it cannot generally resolve purely contractual or monetary disputes or require repairs or monetary restitution. It can investigate and discipline violations of its licensing laws, codes and applicable standards.

How do I file a South Carolina commercial contractor complaint?

Use the official Contractor’s Licensing Board complaint instructions and complaint form. Identify the licensee, describe each issue specifically and include the requested contract, permit, Certificate of Occupancy and supporting documents where applicable.

Does a South Carolina contractor license replace a building permit?

No. The state contractor license regulates the contractor business. Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning and inspection approvals are project-specific and are usually handled by the city or county serving the project address.

Can a South Carolina owner build their own home without a Residential Builder license?

South Carolina has a statutory owner-builder exemption with strict conditions. The owner must supervise qualifying construction for the owner’s use and occupancy, comply with required disclosure/public-record filings, obtain permits and observe the statutory two-year sale/rental restriction associated with the exemption.

Is SC Safe Home accepting grant applications right now?

As of the August 31, 2026 review, the current South Carolina Department of Insurance SC Safe Home page says it is not accepting new grant applicants. The program offers reopening notifications for future cycles.

How much can SC Safe Home provide?

Current program materials list non-matching grants up to $7,500 for Resilient Mitigation, up to $5,000 for Sustainable Mitigation and up to $3,000 for Hurricane Shutters or Protective Barriers. Matching award limits are lower for some categories.

Are the South Carolina HOMES and HEAR rebates available now?

As of the August 31, 2026 review, the South Carolina Energy Office still describes HOMES and HEAR as under development and not currently available, with anticipated statewide availability in 2026.

Does South Carolina offer free OSHA help to construction employers?

Yes. SC OSHA’s Outreach and Education program offers free confidential consultation and free construction safety training, including subjects such as fall protection, excavation, silica, scaffolding and electrical safety.

Where is the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board office?

The Board is within South Carolina LLR at 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210. The Contractor’s Licensing Board phone is 803-896-4686 and its mailing address is PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329.

South Carolina Contractor Verification Order

1. Choose Commercial or Residential LLR. 2. Search the live record. 3. Match the legal business. 4. Check classification. 5. Check Group dollar limit. 6. Verify Secretary of State entity. 7. Check city/county business license. 8. Verify project permit and inspections. 9. Recheck LLR before work starts.

Official Commercial Lookup Official Applications & Forms Official Complaint Instructions
Reviewed August 31, 2026: individual license status, renewal periods, forms, examination arrangements, grant funding and local permit rules can change. Recheck the linked official source immediately before taking action.