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Contractor License in South Carolina

State license

South Carolina splits contractor regulation between two boards within the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). The Contractor's Licensing Board licenses commercial general and mechanical contractors once total project cost exceeds $10,000. The Residential Builders Commission licenses residential builders and specialty contractors at much lower thresholds. Commercial licenses are grouped by financial capacity.

Quick facts

When a license is neededCommercial general/mechanical: total project cost over $10,000 (raised from $5,000 effective May 19, 2023). Residential building: $5,000. Residential specialty work: $500.
ExamYes. All applicants must pass the SC Business Management & Law exam plus a trade/technical exam for their classification; exams are administered by PSI (passing score 70%).
BondCommercial contractors show financial responsibility by group via working capital/net worth or an equivalent surety bond. Example General Contractor groups: Group 1 $20,000 bond (jobs up to $100,000) through Group 5 $350,000 bond (unlimited). Mechanical groups run from $7,000 (Group 1) to $300,000 (Group 5).
FeesInitial commercial licensure fee approximately $350; PSI examination fee about $110 per part.
RenewalBiennial. Commercial general contractor licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years; mechanical contractor licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Main agencySouth Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Official sitehttps://llr.sc.gov/clb/
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official South Carolina board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in South Carolina

  1. Determine whether your work is commercial (Contractor's Licensing Board) or residential (Residential Builders Commission) and confirm you exceed the applicable threshold.
  2. For commercial work, choose the classification (general or mechanical) and the license group that matches your financial capacity and desired job size.
  3. Prepare financial documentation (working capital/net worth) or arrange the required surety bond for your group.
  4. Register for and pass the SC Business Management & Law exam and the relevant trade exam through PSI.
  5. Submit the license application to the appropriate LLR board with the required fee (about $350 for commercial).
  6. Receive your license reflecting the group/monetary limit and classification approved.
  7. Renew biennially by the October 31 deadline that applies to your license type.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dollar threshold for needing a license in South Carolina?

Commercial general and mechanical work requires a license once total project cost exceeds $10,000 (raised from $5,000 in May 2023). Residential building is $5,000 and residential specialty work is just $500.

Why are there two different boards?

The Contractor's Licensing Board handles commercial general and mechanical contractors under Title 40 Chapter 11, while the Residential Builders Commission handles residential builders, residential specialty contractors, and home inspectors under Title 40 Chapter 59.

What are the commercial license groups?

Commercial contractors are sorted into Groups 1 through 5 by financial capacity (working capital/net worth or surety bond). Group 1 general contractors are limited to $100,000 jobs; Group 5 is unlimited.

What exams do I need to pass?

Every commercial applicant must pass the SC Business Management & Law exam plus a technical/trade exam for their classification, both administered by PSI with a 70% passing score.

When does my license renew?

Commercial general contractor licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years, and mechanical contractor licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official South Carolina licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.