How often do I need to renew my General Contractor License in South Carolina?

The General Contractor License in South Carolina must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a General Contractor License in South Carolina?

The renewal cost for a General Contractor License in South Carolina is $135.00.

What happens if my General Contractor License expires in South Carolina?

Contracting without a valid license in South Carolina is a misdemeanor. Penalties include fines up to $500 per offense and imprisonment up to 30 days. The LLR may also seek injunctive relief.

South Carolina renewal guide

General Contractor License

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board (LLR)

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$135.00

Late penalty

$100.00

Bond requirement

Insurance requirement

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
File with the board

File through South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board (LLR) and pay the $135.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
2
Leave room for processing

Typical processing time is 45 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $100.00, with a 30-day grace period.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

South Carolina General Contractor License

The South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board, under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), licenses general contractors statewide. A license is required for any construction project valued at $5,000 or more.

Requirements

Experience: Minimum 4 years of construction experience or equivalent education
Examination: Must pass the general contractor exam (business and law + trade)
Financial Statement: CPA-prepared financial statement showing sufficient net worth
Insurance: General liability insurance is not mandated by the CLB for licensure, though it is commonly carried by contractors. Workers' compensation requirements are governed separately by SC state law for employers.
Application Fee: $300

License Groups

SC classifies general contractors into groups by project value:

Group 1: Unlimited
Group 2: Up to $750,000
Group 3: Up to $200,000
Group 4: Up to $100,000

Renewal Information

Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by October 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee: $135
Late Penalty: $100 within 30-day grace period
Continuing Education: Not required by the Contractors Licensing Board

Scope of Work

Covers construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of commercial and residential structures valued at $5,000 or more throughout South Carolina.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the SC Contractors Licensing Board (LLR).*

Official links