South Carolina (SC) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

South Carolina Secretary of State provides a business entities online database that allows you to view public information about businesses that have been registered in South Carolina.

They provide an easy to search facility which can searched by:

• Business name
• Agent

Search by business name

The South Carolina business entities online database can be searched by business name which can be filtered by begins with, contains or exact match.

The search results will display in a list which includes entity name, date of incorporation, entity type, entity status and incorporated state.

You can view more information about the businesses in the list by clicking on the entity name in blue text. The business record includes publicly available information:

• Entity name
• Entity ID
• Entity type
• Status
• Domestic/foreign business
• Incorporated state
• Effective date
• Expiration Date
• Term end date
• Dissolved date
• Registered agent details
• Documents on file

Business owners can request documents and add filings through the business record.

Search by agent

They also offer an agent search facility which allows you to search by agent name on a contains search method.

The research will display a maximum of 50 records, if your search results contain more than this you will need to contact the Secretary of State’s office. The results list includes agent name, entity name, date of incorporation and entity type.

More information about the businesses listed can be viewed by clicking on the entity name in blue text. This will open up the business record which will display additional information such as entity ID, status, registered agent details, documents filed and more as listed above in search by business name.

Contact details

Website: https://sos.sc.gov/

Phone: (803) 734-2170 main reception or business filings (803) 734-2158

Address: Edgar Brown Building, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201

How to register a business in South Carolina?

If you are setting up a business in South Carolina then you will need to register the business unless you are setting up as a general partnership or sole proprietorship. The below steps can help you register your business:

1. Choose a business name and check the name on the South Carolina business entity online database.
2. Select which business structure you are setting up as this will impact how you form and operate your business.
3. Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State. There are different documents to complete depending on your business structure such as Articles of Organization for limited liability companies or Articles of Incorporation for corporations. The South Carolina business entities online facility will guide you through this process.

How much does a South Carolina business entity search cost?

South Carolina does not charge for conducting business entity searches on its online database.

How can I get a business license in South Carolina?

There aren’t any general statewide business licenses in South Carolina, all business licenses need to be obtained through your local municipality. However, you will need to register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Many businesses will need to apply for a retail license which you can get through the MyDORWAY website and you’ll need to apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Professional and occupational licenses or permits may also be required as well as local licenses from your city or county office, you can find out more information about these licenses at the South Carolina Business One Stop. Fees for licenses and permits vary depending on your location, industry and type.