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Retail Business License

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Are you planning to open a retail shop on the island, maybe a boutique? Do you have an e-commerce business? Are you an artist selling your handmade creations?

Whether you are opening a new business or taking over an existing business, you are required to obtain a Town business license. Business licenses are not transferred to the new owner of a business.

If you are in this category, use the following as your business license checklist.

Retail Business License Checklist

Business Entity

  • Copy of Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation or Partnership Agreement are required.
    • Not required for Sole Proprietorship.
  • Current list of members, officers or managing partners are required.
    • Not required for Sole Proprietorship.
  • Registration with SC Secretary of State.
    • Out of state business entities will need to obtain a Certificate of Authorization from SC Secretary of State as a Foreign Entity to operate in SC.
    • Not required for Sole Proprietorship.
    • SC Secretary of State
      www.scsos.com or
      803-734-2158

SC does not require you to register your DBA name.

SC Retail License is required for sales at the market

SC Department of Revenue
https://dor.sc.gov
803-898-5788

Complete the Town of Hilton Head Island Business License Application

Business License Application

  • Application must be signed by owner, officer or principal managing partner.
  • Application made in person must be presented by an owner, officer or principal managing partner.
    • Otherwise, written authorization for an agent to act on owner's behalf is required.
    • Sole Proprietorships are not permitted to authorize an agent to act on owner's behalf.
    • Valid picture ID required.
  • Mail your completed business license application with $10 non-refundable application fee to:
    • Town of Hilton Head Island
      Attention: Revenue Services
      1 Town Center Court
      Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

      You may fax your complete business license application to 843-341-4637.
      We will collect your $10 non-refundable application fee after we process your application.

Questions?

Contact Revenue Services at RS@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4677.