Email: BusinessLicense@DorchesterCountySC.gov

As regulated by state and county ordinances, the Business License office is responsible for processing Business License applications, renewals, and appeals within the unincorporated areas of Dorchester County.

Dorchester County requires every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession, in whole or in part, in unincorporated Dorchester County to obtain a business license.

The business license fee is based on the Class Rate associated with the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS Code to Class Index) and Class Rate for your business activity and gross receipts or gross estimate is used to calculate the business license fee. For gross in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000), the declining rates are used. Please contact the business license office for assistance in calculating the fees.

The business license year begins May 1 and expires April 30 for all businesses. For non-payment of all or any part of the correct license tax, the License Official shall levy and collect a late penalty of five (5%) percent of the unpaid tax for each month or portion thereof after the due date until paid. Penalties shall not be waived.

Business License Handbook

The Business Owner's Guide to licensing in Dorchester County and other helpful information.

Business License Information Map