You may be required to file organizing documents with the South Carolina Secretary of State as a first step to starting your business. 

Who is required to file organizing documents with the Secretary of State? 

  • Business corporations
  • Nonprofit corporations
  • Limited liability companies (LLC)
  • Limited partnerships (LP)
  • Limited liability partnerships (LLP) 

Once you submit your online application, you should receive your filed documents back within 24 - 48 business hours. After successfully filing, in-state businesses will receive a Certificate of Existence (Certificate of Good Standing) and out-of-state businesses will receive a Certificate of Authority. You can request a copy of the certificate when you submit your application.

If you operate under one of the business structures listed above, this step is required prior to conducting business or obtaining a retail license in South Carolina. Sole proprietors and general partnerships do not need to file organizing documents with the Secretary of State.

Learn more about this process from the SC Secretary of State's Office. 

This is NOT your local business license. You should apply for your local business license with the county and/or municipality where your business is located.

Registrations

File your organizing documents online with the Secretary of State's office ➡️

Call the Secretary of State's Business Filing's division (803-734-2158) if you have questions or concerns.

FAQs 

If your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you are not required to file organizing documents with the South Carolina Secretary of State.

You have three options!

  • Online: Apply with the South Carolina Secretary of State. You should receive your filed documents back within 24 - 48 business hours.
  • By mail: You'll receive your filed documents by mail after it's been processed. 
  • In person: You'll receive your filing back the same day if you visit the Secretary of State's office in person.

You can place a document request through the Secretary of State's online filing portal. They will process your request and send you a link to download and save your documents, Certificate of Existence, or Certificate of Authority. 

Filing organizing documents with the Secretary of State does not mean your business name is trademarked, or protected from use by others. Learn more about trademark information from the South Carolina Secretary of State.