Nail Salon 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. South Carolina Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Each nail technician must hold a valid South Carolina Nail Technician (Manicurist) License from the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology. SC Code 40-13-230 requires at least 300 hours of classes at a board-approved nail technician school, plus passing the state board examination. Individual licenses renew biennially (SC Code 40-13-250).

   Official government source for South Carolina Nail Technician License (per technician) (opens in a new tab)

   $45 examination/initial fee; $52 biennial renewal; $152 reinstatement (SC Board of Cosmetology fee schedule)·Not published by the Board — depends on exam scheduling and transcript verification; confirm with the SC Board of Cosmetology

   $45 examination/initial fee; $52 biennial renewal; $152 reinstatement (SC Board of Cosmetology fee schedule)

   Not published by the Board — depends on exam scheduling and transcript verification; confirm with the SC Board of Cosmetology

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. South Carolina Board of Cosmetology — Salon License (nail salon)

   A nail salon in South Carolina is licensed as a 'Salon' by the SC LLR Board of Cosmetology. An inspection is required on an initial application before the license is issued, and each nail technician working there holds a separate individual license.

   Official government source for South Carolina Board of Cosmetology — Salon License (nail salon) (opens in a new tab)

   $100 initial salon application fee and $72 renewal, per LLR's published Board of Cosmetology fee schedule (the schedule does not state the renewal interval). Individual nail technician licenses are $45 by examination or $60 by endorsement, with a $52 renewal.·Not published by the board. Processing depends on scheduling the required pre-licensure inspection — confirm current timing with the Board of Cosmetology.

   $100 initial salon application fee and $72 renewal, per LLR's published Board of Cosmetology fee schedule (the schedule does not state the renewal interval). Individual nail technician licenses are $45 by examination or $60 by endorsement, with a $52 renewal.

   Not published by the board. Processing depends on scheduling the required pre-licensure inspection — confirm current timing with the Board of Cosmetology.

2. 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.

Official Sources

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

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