Business licenses in Charleston, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant

City of Charleston

• Required for any business operating or earning income inside city limits.
• Apply through the city's Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal.
• The fee is based on gross income (projected income if you're new) and your NAICS rate class.
• Licenses expire April 30. Renewal forms go out in March and payment is due by May 31. Late penalties step up to 5%, 25% and then 35% total, and the city says they may not be waived.
• A physical location needs a Certificate of Occupancy. Call Zoning at (843) 724-3765 before you sign a lease.
• Running it from home? You need a Home Occupation application as well as the business license.
• Restaurants and bars also collect the city's 2% hospitality tax on food and beverage sales.

North Charleston

• Required before you start operating.
• Apply through the city's Customer Portal or at the One Stop Shop in City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane.
• The license needs zoning, building and fire sign-offs; commercial spaces need a fire inspection.
• Fees follow a NAICS class schedule. Renewals can be paid through the Charleston County revenue portal.
• Home businesses use the city's Home Occupation license.

Mount Pleasant

• Required for every person or business doing business in town.
• Apply and renew through the town's OPAL portal.
• The fee is based on your business activity and gross receipts; renewal is due April 30.
• Questions: businesslicense@tompsc.com or 843-849-2786.

Unincorporated Charleston County

If your business sits outside any city or town limits, Charleston County issues the license. We couldn't verify the county's current details for this page, so check directly with Charleston County Revenue Collections before you apply.

Common questions