How to Start an LLC in South Carolina

Published October 08, 2025 by Joseph Rogers under How to

To start an LLC in South Carolina, we first choose a unique name that complies with state regulations. Next, we appoint a registered agent who will handle legal documents. We then file Articles of Organization with the necessary details and fees. Creating an operating agreement helps outline our LLC's structure and operations. Finally, we must obtain all required licenses and permits for our specific business. Let's explore each step in detail to guarantee our success.

For more detailed information about this topic, you can read our comprehensive guide on How to Start an LLC in South Carolina.

Choose a Name for Your LLC

Choosing a name for our LLC is a critical step in the formation process that requires careful evaluation. We must ascertain that the name adheres to South Carolina's naming conventions and accurately reflects our business's purpose. One key aspect is name availability; we need to verify that our desired name isn't already in use by another entity. We can conduct a name search through the South Carolina Secretary of State's website to check for availability. Additionally, it’s important to reflect on including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in our name to meet state requirements. By thoughtfully selecting our LLC's name, we set a solid foundation for our business's identity and legal standing.

Appoint a Registered Agent

Once we've selected a suitable name for our LLC, the next step involves appointing a registered agent. A registered agent is essential for ensuring our business complies with legal requirements. Here are the key registered agent requirements and responsibilities we need to evaluate:

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  1. Eligibility: The agent must be at least 18 years old and a resident of South Carolina or a business entity authorized to do business in the state.
  2. Availability: The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
  3. Address: A physical street address in South Carolina is required; P.O. boxes aren’t acceptable.
  4. Promptness: The agent must forward any received documents to us promptly.

File Articles of Organization

After we’ve appointed our registered agent, the next essential step is to file the Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State. This filing process is significant, as it officially establishes our LLC. We’ll need to complete the Articles of Organization form, ensuring we include all required information, such as our LLC's name, the registered agent's details, and the principal office address. It’s important to adhere to the submission requirements, which include providing a valid payment method for the filing fee. Once we've submitted the form online or via mail, we should keep a copy for our records. Upon approval, we'll receive a confirmation, marking our LLC’s official formation in South Carolina.

Create an Operating Agreement

With our LLC officially formed in South Carolina, the next step involves creating an Operating Agreement. This document outlines the structure and operations of our LLC, ensuring clarity among members. Here are some operating agreement essentials we should include:

  1. Member Responsibilities: Define each member's role and duties to avoid confusion.
  2. Management Structure: Specify whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.
  3. Voting Rights: Outline how decisions will be made and what constitutes a quorum.
  4. Profit Distribution: Detail how profits and losses will be shared among members.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Before we can fully operate our LLC in South Carolina, we must obtain the necessary licenses and permits required by state and local authorities. The specific business licenses and permit requirements vary depending on our business type and location. It’s essential to research the regulations pertinent to our industry, as some businesses may require special licenses, such as health permits for food-related ventures or professional licenses for certain services. We should also check with our local city or county government for any additional permits needed, such as zoning permits. By ensuring we have all the required licenses and permits, we can operate our LLC legally and avoid potential fines or legal issues down the line.

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