Licenses & Permits in South Carolina

Permit & Registration Reference Table

Every permit, registration, and certification that may apply to a South Carolina home food seller — required, optional, or situational.

How to Get Licensed in South Carolina — Step by Step

Follow these steps in order. Most can be completed in a single afternoon. Steps 1–3 are the core requirements for every South Carolina home food seller; the remaining steps are situational.

• 1
  Confirm Your Products Qualify

  Before anything else, verify that the foods you plan to sell are nonpotentially hazardous (shelf-stable) and appear on the HBFPL's allowed food list. Review What You Can Sell and — if any of your products have borderline pH or water activity — contact Clemson Extension at [email protected] or 1-888-656-9988 for a product assessment. Getting this right first saves time and money on everything downstream. Free · Start Here
• 2
  Register for Your South Carolina Retail License (Sales Tax)

  Visit the SC Department of Revenue's MyDORWAY portal at mydorway.dor.sc.gov and click "Business Tax Application." Select "New Business Tax Application," choose your business type, and complete the form. You'll need your SSN or EIN, business address, and NAICS code (311800 — Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing, or 311900 — Other Food Manufacturing). The fee is $50 per location, one-time and non-refundable. You'll receive your sales tax registration number instantly online; the physical Retail License arrives by mail within a few days. This license does not expire as long as you operate at the same location. $50 One-Time · Required
• 3
  Create Compliant Labels for Every Product

  South Carolina law requires specific label elements on every product you sell (once you exceed $1,500 in annual sales). Your label must include: your business name and home address (or your SCDA ID number), product name, ingredient list, allergen statement, and the required state disclaimer in all capitals. See the full Label Requirements page for exact wording and formatting rules. Labels must be on products before leaving your home — you cannot label at the market. Free to DIY · Required Above $1,500/yr
• 4
  Request an SCDA ID Number (Optional — Recommended for Privacy)

  If you prefer not to print your home address on every product label, email [email protected] to request an SCDA-issued identification number. This number is used in place of your physical address on labels. It is free of charge and available to all HBFP operators. Processing time is typically a few business days. This step is optional but highly recommended for privacy and for sellers who sell online or ship within South Carolina. Free · Optional
• 5
  Check for a Local Business License in Your City or County

  South Carolina has no statewide general business license, but many cities and counties require one. Call or visit your city clerk's office or county administrator and ask: "I'm starting a home-based food business — do I need a local business license?" Common municipalities requiring a license include the City of Charleston (annual license fee based on revenue), the City of Columbia, Greenville County, and others. Fees and renewal periods vary widely. This step costs nothing to check and could save you a fine. Varies by Location · Check Required
• 6
  Get a Well / Septic Approval If Applicable

  If your home uses a private water source (well) or a private sewage disposal system (septic tank), South Carolina's HBFPL requires that both be approved by your local health department before you begin food production. Contact your county health department to schedule an inspection. This requirement does not apply to homes on public water and sewer — which covers most urban and suburban sellers. Situational · Required If Applicable
• 7
  Apply for an EIN from the IRS (Strongly Recommended)

  An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is free, takes five minutes to get at IRS.gov, and lets you open a business bank account, file taxes more easily, and avoid using your Social Security Number on business documents. Even sole proprietors with no employees benefit from having one. Required if you form an LLC or hire anyone to assist you. Free · Strongly Recommended
• 8
  Consider a Food Safety Certification (Not Required, But Valuable)

  South Carolina law does not require food handler certification for HBFP operators. However, having a certificate from ServSafe, FoodSafePal, or StateFoodSafety can help you access more sales channels — some farmers markets, retail buyers, and liability insurance providers prefer or require it. Online courses typically cost $15–$30 and take 2–4 hours. Clemson Extension also offers food safety education through its Food2Market program. $15–$30 · Optional

Do You Need a Kitchen Inspection?

County & Local Requirements

South Carolina's cottage food law is a state statute, but cities and counties can layer their own requirements on top. These are the most common local requirements home food sellers encounter — and how to handle them.

Primary Agency Contacts

These are the agencies you'll interact with most as a South Carolina home food seller. Bookmark these contacts — they're your go-to resources for questions, applications, and ongoing compliance.