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

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

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

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

South Carolina renewal guide

HVAC Contractor License

Q: What happens if my HVAC Contractor License expires in South Carolina?

Performing HVAC contracting without a valid license in South Carolina is a misdemeanor under SC Code § 40-11-200. Criminal conviction carries up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in prison. Administrative civil penalties may also reach $500 per first offense. The LLR may seek injunctive relief to stop unlicensed work.

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

See this alongside the other 10 South Carolina license pages we track.

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 HVAC Contractor License

SC HVAC licenses are issued by the Contractors Licensing Board (CLB) as the "Air Conditioning" subclassification of the mechanical contractor license under SC Code § 40-11-410. Any company installing, replacing, altering, or repairing HVAC and refrigeration systems on projects valued at more than $10,000 needs this subclassification.

What the subclassification covers

The Air Conditioning subclassification covers environmental heating and cooling equipment and systems — installation, replacement, alteration, and repair throughout South Carolina. A general contractor license does not cover this work; the HVAC subclassification is required.

Costs and renewals

The initial license application is $350, paid to the SC CLB. Licenses renew biennially and expire October 31 of odd-numbered years; the on-time renewal fee is $135. A $100 late penalty applies in November; it increases to $150 in December and $200 in January. After January 31, reinstatement is required.

Financial qualification

CLB mechanical contractor applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility — via CPA-prepared financial statements or a surety bond in an amount set by the CLB for your license group. Financial qualification is required at application and renewal.

EPA Section 608

Federal law requires technicians who handle refrigerants to hold EPA Section 608 certification. This is a Clean Air Act requirement that applies to HVAC work in all states, including South Carolina — it is not issued or verified by the SC CLB. Certifications come from EPA-approved testing organizations and do not expire.

No continuing education

The CLB does not require continuing education for mechanical contractor license renewal, including the HVAC subclassification. Apply and renew at llr.sc.gov/clb.

Operating without a license

Performing HVAC contracting without a valid CLB license on projects over $10,000 is a misdemeanor under SC Code § 40-11-200. Criminal conviction carries up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in prison. The board may also impose administrative penalties and seek injunctive relief to halt work.

Official links