How to get a South Carolina Residential Builder License

How do I register as a residential specialty contractor in South Carolina?

Residential specialty contractors must register with the Residential Builders Commission. Specialty contractors work on any of the following: vinyl/aluminum siding, floor covering, carpentry, insulation installing, masonry, stucco installation, roofing, drywall installation, painting, and solar panel installation. Residential specialty licenses expire on June 30th of odd-numbered years and can be renewed online.

The following documentation must be submitted to the Commission for a contractor to register.

1. Complete the Residential Specialty Contractor Registration Application.
2. The affidavit must have and display one year of experience.
3. Specialty license(s) information can be found at Affidavit of Work Experience.
4. The application must be properly signed and notarized and include a copy of your photo ID and Social Security card.
5. If the Social Security number is not provided or is incorrect, the application will be returned.
6. Submit three reference letters from individuals familiar with your work in the trades you’re seeking registration in.
7. Pay the registration fee.
8. The fee is $50 if the registration is issued for 12 months or less before the next renewal date.
9. The fee is $100 if the registration is issued for more than 12 months before the next renewal date.
10. Provide an affidavit of eligibility.
11. Purchase and file a $5,000 Registered Residential Specialty Contractor Bond if the cost of work exceeds $5,000.

How do I get a specialty contractor license in South Carolina?

Plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractors are required to be licensed by the Residential Builders Commission prior to working as a licensed residential builder in South Carolina. These specialty contracting licenses expire on June 30th of odd-numbered years and can be renewed online.

The following steps must be completed for the Commission to issue a specialty contractor license.

1. Submit the application pertaining to your specialty.
2. Residential Specialty Contractor Electrical License
3. Residential Specialty Contractor Heating and Air Conditioning
4. Residential Specialty Contractor Plumbing License
5. Pay the $100 application processing fee.
6. Send a letter from your employer acknowledging at least one year of experience.
7. Pass the PSI exam.
8. Pay the license fee.
9. The fee is $80 if the license is issued for 12 months or less before the next renewal date.
10. The fee is $160 if the license is issued for more than 12 months before the next renewal date.
11. Purchase and file a $10,000 Licensed Residential Specialty Contractor Bond if the cost of work exceeds $5,000.

How do I get a residential builder license and receive a certificate of authorization in South Carolina?

Homebuilders are required to obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Residential Builders Commission. Homebuilder licenses are renewed on June 30th during even-numbered years. Registration can be completed online every 2 years.

The following steps must be completed by the builder before the Commission will issue the certificate of authorization.

1. File the Residential Home Builders License Application.
2. Provide a copy of your photo ID and Social Security card.
3. Submit the $100 application processing fee via certified check or money order made payable to SCRBC.
4. Submit a notarized affidavit of eligibility.
5. Submit proof of at least one year of relevant work experience within the past five years.
6. Include copies of W2s and/or 1099s from employers who will be filling out your affidavit of experience.
7. Include copies of licenses from other states and Verification of Licensure from the states you hold licenses in the trade applied for
8. Pass the PSI exam.
9. Pay the homebuilder license fee.
10. The fee is $80 if the license is issued for 12 months or less before the next renewal date.
11. The fee is $160 if the license is issued for more than 12 months before the next renewal date.
12. Purchase and file a $15,000 Residential Builder/Certificate of Authorization Bond.

All applications must be submitted by mail to the following address.

South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, SC, 29211

How long does it take to process the application?

All applications are reviewed by the Residential Builders Commission staff within seven to 10 business days. During this period, you can check your application status online. If your application is incomplete or inaccurate, it will be returned. Once all information is received, allow 7 to 10 business days before checking your application status.

How much does a surety bond for a residential builder cost in South Carolina?

If you are a registered specialty contractor, your surety bond will cost $100. If you are a licensed specialty contractor, such as a plumber, electrician, or HVAC contractor, your bond will cost $150. If you are a home builder with a certificate of authorization, your bond will cost $225. South Carolina residential builder bonds do not require a credit check, meaning they are issued instantly for all applicants. You can buy your South Carolina residential builder bond online 24/7, delivered in minutes by email. Regardless of your license classification, your surety bond must be renewed each year for as long as you will be working as a contractor in South Carolina.

What is the PSI exam?

PSI Examination Services administers all required examinations for licensing and registration, as well as offering preparatory courses, scheduling exams, and locating nearby exam centers. Any exam fees must be paid directly to PSI. Upon passing the exam, you must submit the full exam score report from PSI with your application.