STR Permit in South Carolina | Updated as of May 2026

Q: How long does it take to get a short-term rental permit in South Carolina?

Processing time for a short-term rental permit in South Carolina is typically 2-8 weeks. Some cities may process faster or slower depending on volume.

Requirements for Short-Term Rental Permit in South Carolina

Common Requirements

Proof of ownership or landlord authorization
Primary-residence affidavit (where required)
Life-safety inspection (smoke alarms, egress, extinguishers)
Liability insurance of at least $500,000
Local lodging tax registration
State-level business license from South Carolina Secretary of State
Sales tax permit (South Carolina imposes state sales tax)
Federal EIN from the IRS
Proof of business address in South Carolina

South Carolina Tax & Regulatory Overview

State Sales Tax

Yes

State Income Tax

Yes

State License Required

Yes

Business Friendliness

★★★★☆

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1

Determine your business structure

Choose between sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership. This affects your filing requirements and costs in South Carolina.

2

Register with the state

File with South Carolina Secretary of State at sos.sc.gov. LLCs need Articles of Organization; corporations need Articles of Incorporation.

3

Get your federal EIN

Apply for a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS at irs.gov. Required for tax filing, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account.

4

Apply for your Short-Term Rental Permit

Submit your application to the local city or county clerk's office. Typical cost: $75–$1500. Processing time: 2-8 weeks.

5

Obtain additional permits

Register for a sales tax permit. Obtain your state business license. Check for zoning, health, or industry-specific permits required in your municipality.

6

Stay compliant

Mark your calendar for annual renewal. File annual reports with South Carolina Secretary of State and maintain any required insurance or bonding.

Short-Term Rental Permit by City in South Carolina

Select a city for specific local requirements, costs, and application steps.

Charleston Columbia

Useful Tools & Resources

Short-Term Rental Permit Cost Calculator
Estimate your total costs by state Compare Filing Services
Side-by-side provider comparison Business License Checklist
Interactive step-by-step guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in South Carolina?

A short-term rental permit in South Carolina typically costs between $75 and $1500, depending on the city and business type. South Carolina requires a business license from each municipality.

How long does it take to get a short-term rental permit in South Carolina?

Processing time is typically 2-8 weeks. Some cities may process faster or slower depending on application volume and completeness.

Where do I apply for a short-term rental permit in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you typically apply through your local city or county clerk's office. The state regulatory agency is South Carolina Secretary of State (sos.sc.gov).

Do I need a state license in addition to a city license?

Yes, South Carolina requires a separate state-level business license in addition to any local city permits.

Verify with official sources

All South Carolina licensing information on this page is sourced from state and federal agencies. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the issuing authority before filing:

South Carolina Secretary of State — sos.sc.gov
Primary state agency that regulates short-term rental permit applications in South Carolina.
SBA.gov — Apply for licenses and permits
US Small Business Administration index of federal, state, and local licensing resources.
IRS — Apply for an EIN online
If your short-term rental permit requires an Employer Identification Number, this is the only legitimate (and free) source.

Need Help Getting Licensed?

Professional services can handle the paperwork for you.

Compare Service Providers →

Short-Term Rental Permit in South Carolina

Short-Term Rental Permit cost in South Carolina