Do You Need a License to Start a Cleaning Business in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not require a special cleaning license for most house cleaning businesses. However, you do need a business license from your city or county. You also need a Retail License from the state. You also need an Employer Identification Number if you hire workers.

What Licenses Do You Need for a Cleaning Business in South Carolina?

South Carolina keeps it straightforward for cleaning businesses. You do not need a state-level cleaning license. But you do need a few basic permits to operate legally.

Here is a list of the most common requirements:

• City or county business license — required in most South Carolina cities
• Retail License — If you sell taxable products, you need a retail license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue
• Trade Name registration — needed if you use a name other than your own legal name
• Seller's permit — required only if you sell cleaning products to clients
• Employer Identification Number — required if you hire employees
• Workers' compensation insurance — required in South Carolina if you have 4 or more employees
• General liability insurance — not required by law but expected by most clients

Required Versus Optional Permits

Not every permit applies to every cleaning business. The table below shows what you need based on your situation.

Do You Need a Business License in South Carolina?

Yes. Most cities and counties in South Carolina require a business license. This is true even if you work from home.

A business license gives you legal permission to operate. Without one, you may face fines or be shut down.

How to Get a City Business License

1. Visit your city's website — find the business license section
2. Fill out the application — you will need your name, address, and business type
3. Pay the fee — most cities charge $25 to $200 per year
4. Receive your license — some cities issue it the same day

Retail License

If you sell taxable products, you need a retail license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Do You Need a Trade Name Registration?

If your business uses any name other than your legal name, yes. In South Carolina, you file a trade name registration with your county register of deeds.

The fee is typically $10. Renewal is no expiration.

What Is a Seller's Permit and Do Cleaning Businesses Need One in South Carolina?

A seller's permit lets you collect sales tax in South Carolina. The South Carolina tax agency issues these permits.

Most cleaning services do not need one. Cleaning labor is generally not taxable in South Carolina.

When You Do Need a Seller's Permit

You need a seller's permit if you sell products to clients. For example, if you sell cleaning sprays or air fresheners, you must collect the 6% state sales tax.

Getting a seller's permit is typically free. You can apply through South Carolina's Department of Revenue or tax agency website.

What Insurance Is Required for Cleaning Businesses in South Carolina?

South Carolina law does not require general liability insurance for cleaning businesses. But most clients will not hire you without it. Insurance protects you from costly lawsuits and damage claims.

General Liability Insurance

This covers damage to a client's property. It also covers injuries that happen during a job. Most cleaning businesses pay $30 to $60 per month for this coverage.

A typical policy covers $1 million per incident and $2 million total. Read our full cleaning business insurance guide for more details.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance if you have 4 or more employees. It covers medical bills and lost wages if a worker gets hurt on the job.

The cost depends on your payroll and the type of work. Most cleaning businesses pay $1 to $3 per $100 of payroll.

Surety Bond

A surety bond is not required by law. But it gives clients extra peace of mind. A bond protects clients if an employee steals or causes damage. Most bonds cost $100 to $300 per year.

Do You Need an Employer Identification Number in South Carolina?

You need an Employer Identification Number if you hire workers. The Internal Revenue Service issues this number for free. You can apply online and get it right away.

You also need one if you form a limited liability company or a corporation. Sole owners who work alone can use their Social Security number instead.

How to Get an Employer Identification Number

1. Go to the Internal Revenue Service website — find the online application
2. Answer the questions — about your business type and structure
3. Get your number instantly — it is issued right after you finish

There is no fee. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

What Are the Local Permit Requirements in Major South Carolina Cities?

Each South Carolina city has its own rules. Some cities are simple. Others have extra steps and higher fees.

The table below shows requirements for the largest cities.

Tips for Local Permits

• Check your city's website first — requirements change often
• Call the city clerk's office — they can walk you through the steps
• Ask about home-based rules — some cities need a home occupation permit
• Keep copies of everything — store your permits in a safe place

How Much Do South Carolina Cleaning Business Licenses Cost?

The total cost to get licensed depends on your city and business structure. Most cleaning businesses spend $200 to $850 to get fully set up.

Here is a breakdown of common costs:

What Are the Renewal and Compliance Deadlines?

Most licenses and permits need regular renewal. Missing a deadline can lead to late fees or a lapsed license. Here is a timeline to follow.

How to Stay on Track

• Set calendar reminders — add alerts 30 days before each deadline
• Keep a compliance folder — store all permits and renewal dates in one place
• Use business management software — tools like MaidProfit help you track deadlines
• Check with your city each year — rules and fees can change