South Carolina Plumbing Contractor License

South Carolina issues plumbing contractor licenses as the "PL" subclassification of the mechanical contractor license under SC Code § 40-11-410 — managed by the SC Contractors Licensing Board (LLR). Any company installing, altering, or repairing plumbing systems on projects valued at more than $10,000 must hold this subclassification.

A general contractor license does not cover plumbing — the PL subclassification is required

The CLB issues one mechanical contractor license with separate subclassifications for plumbing (PL), electrical (EL), and air conditioning (AC). Holding a general contractor license does not authorize plumbing work; the PL subclassification is required for water supply, drainage, gas piping, and medical gas systems throughout South Carolina.

Application requirements

The initial license requires four years of documented plumbing contracting experience, passing the CLB plumbing contractor examination, and either a CPA-prepared financial statement demonstrating required net worth for your license group or a surety bond in the CLB-set amount. The initial application fee is $350.

Processing takes up to 45 days.

Costs and renewal

Plumbing licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years. The biennial renewal fee is $135 on time. The late penalty starts at $100 for November, $150 for December, and $200 for January renewal. After January 31, reinstatement is required. No continuing education is required.

Operating without a license

Performing plumbing contracting on projects over $10,000 without a valid CLB plumbing license is a misdemeanor under SC Code § 40-11-200. Conviction carries up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in prison. Apply and renew at llr.sc.gov/clb.