2025 South Carolina General Contractor License Requirements

Are you interested in becoming a South Carolina general contractor? If so, it’s important to understand the SC general contractor license classifications and requirements. To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to walk you through the different types of licenses, fees, qualifications, and more. Our guide is the perfect place to start when it comes to understanding South Carolina general contractor license requirements.

Who Needs a South Carolina General Contractor License?

In South Carolina, anyone who wants to legally work as a general contractor must obtain a general contractor license. The South Carolina Contractor License Board (SCCLB) under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for licensing and sets strict requirements that must be met. 

What are the South Carolina General Contractor License Classifications?

There are two main types of licenses available depending on the type of work you plan to do.

First, there is the General and Mechanical Contractor License for those overseeing and managing a wide range of construction projects. Next there is the Residential Contractor License for those focused specifically on residential construction. 

How to get a General and Mechanical Contractor's License in South Carolina

First, you must complete the following basic general contractor license requirements in South Carolina:

• General and mechanical  contractor applicants must pass an exam administered by a third-party contractor, PSI. This exam covers topics related to business and law, as well as trade-specific sections.
• Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of work experience within the last five years in the trade for which they are seeking a license. This experience can be from a Qualified Person employed by the business.

1. Fill out the application: Using this application form, contractors must choose a Group Limit, which determines whether they should submit financial statements or secure a bond. Different tiers of Group Limits come with varying financial statement requirements or bond amounts.

2. Application fee: Submit the application fee, which varies depending on the remaining time in the license period. If applying with more than 12 months left in the license period, the fee is $350. For less than 12 months left, the fee is $175.

3. Submit the application: Once the application is complete, mail it along with the license fee to the following address:

SC Contractors Licensing Board 

PO Box 11329 

Columbia, SC 29211-1329

How to get a Residential Contractor's License in South Carolina

If you're planning to work exclusively on residential projects in South Carolina, you'll follow a different licensing process under the Residential Builders Commission. Here's a step-by-step guide for residential contractors:

Basic residential contractor license requirements

• Have at least one year of experience under the supervision of a licensee, approved by the Commission.
• Depending on whether or not your initial application is given approval, applicants may also have to pass a PSi exam. 

1. Complete the Residential Builder License Application: Fill out the Residential Builder License Application form found here.

2. Provide Required Details: Include all necessary applicant information such as proof of a surety bond valued at $15,000 or more as well as details about your work experience and the structure of your business.

3. Pay the Fees: A $100 application fee as part of the submission process. However, if your application is approved, additional licensing fees apply, depending on the issuance date:

• $160 for licenses issued between July 1 (even-numbered year) to June 30 (odd-numbered year).
• $80 for licenses issued between July 1 (odd-numbered year) to June 30 (even-numbered year).

Penalties for Unlicensed Contractors in Vermont

In South Carolina, unlicensed contracting is taken seriously with first-time offenders facing fines of up to $250 and second-time  offenses escalating to the Board for more severe penalties.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know the South Carolina general contractor license requirements, it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire.
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.