Richland County and Lexington County, South Carolina
Columbia websites for Richland and Lexington County trades
Columbia licenses can be started online, and a mailed or emailed application gets a call from a licensing technician within five business days.
Five steps to a license
Columbia reaches into Richland County and Lexington County, and the area holds several local licensing jurisdictions, so the city tells owners to check their exact address first. If it falls in city limits, anyone doing business there, in whole or in part, pays an annual license tax and holds a city business license.
The city lays out five steps: confirm the jurisdiction, confirm zoning allows the work, register with the SC Department of Revenue, get an EIN and register your firm name with the Secretary of State, then apply. You can apply in the Self-Service Portal or email the application to [email protected]. Applications sent by mail or email get a call or email from a licensing technician within five business days.
Depending on the business, approval may need clearance from Zoning, Building Inspection, the Fire Marshal, DHEC and Engineering, and you may be asked to schedule inspections. Nonprofits attach 501(c)(3) papers, though a zoning fee may still apply. A business that operated in Columbia before this year may owe prior years' fees, penalties and interest.
Every Columbia license expires April 30. Paying online adds a 2.9% card fee or $1.25 per ACH payment. The division answers at 803-545-3345, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Columbia trades we build for
- HVAC Midlands summers make A/C repair pages earn their keep.
- Electrical Service upgrades for older homes near downtown.
- Pest control Termite and roach plans with clear pricing.
- Cleaning Move-out and recurring cleans near campus.
Columbia design picks
Templates for HVAC techs, electricians, pest pros and cleaners.
Air & ComfortCooling calls first
Circuit ElectricalElectrician credentials
Trust & ReviewsPest reviews
Freshspace CleaningClean, bright bookingFictional companies; yours uses your Columbia details.
Columbia and the Midlands
Tell us which Columbia neighborhoods and nearby Richland or Lexington areas you serve; only those appear.
Midlands storms
Midlands thunderstorms knock out power and A/C units at the worst time. Send your storm-day hours and we'll post them.
Columbia business license
From the City of Columbia Business Licensing site and application instructions.
- City business license
- Expires April 30; apply online or by email. City of Columbia · City of Columbia
- Clearances
- Zoning, Building Inspection, Fire Marshal, DHEC and Engineering, as needed. City of Columbia
Columbia questions
How do I apply for a Columbia business license?
Online through the Self-Service Portal, or by emailing the application to the Business License Division.
How soon will someone contact me?
Within five business days for mailed or emailed applications.
When do Columbia licenses expire?
April 30 each year.
Is there a fee to pay online?
Yes: 2.9% for cards or $1.25 per ACH payment.
Nearby South Carolina pages
Pick a design and tell us about your business
We build it, host it and keep it running. Questions first? Email [email protected].