Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Greenville, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. SC LLR Board of Massage Therapy — Massage Therapy License

   Massage therapists in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC LLR Board of Massage Therapy. Licensure requires graduation from a 650-hour massage/bodywork program and verification of passing the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) examination, plus a fingerprint background check.

   Official government source for SC LLR Board of Massage Therapy — Massage Therapy License (opens in a new tab)

   $150 initial application fee; $75 renewal; $200 by endorsement (SC Board of Massage Therapy fee schedule)·Not published by the Board — processing depends on transcripts, exam verification, and background check results; confirm with the Board of Massage Therapy

   $150 initial application fee; $75 renewal; $200 by endorsement (SC Board of Massage Therapy fee schedule)

   Not published by the Board — processing depends on transcripts, exam verification, and background check results; confirm with the Board of Massage Therapy

2. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source for South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License (opens in a new tab)

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

1. City of Greenville Business License

   All businesses conducting business within the City of Greenville must hold a business license, issued by the city's Business License & Revenue Center (Finance Department). The license is renewed annually and must be displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source for City of Greenville Business License (opens in a new tab)

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.·Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.

   Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

2. Certificate of Occupancy / Zoning Confirmation

   A Certificate of Occupancy is required for a commercial space used as a massage therapy practice, and a change of use triggers review. Confirm zoning suitability for a personal-service use and obtain the CO through the City of Greenville Building & Permit Center — not the Business License Division.

   Official government source for Certificate of Occupancy / Zoning Confirmation (opens in a new tab)

   Permit fees are set by the city's adopted fee schedule and vary with project valuation and scope; the city publishes no flat per-project amount·Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

   Permit fees are set by the city's adopted fee schedule and vary with project valuation and scope; the city publishes no flat per-project amount

   Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

Official Sources

• South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation — Massage Therapy License
• City of Greenville Business License Division

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