2025 South Carolina Contractor Licensing & Regulations – Complete Guide
When planning a roofing project in South Carolina, hiring a licensed contractor is not optional – it’s the law. State code mandates that any roofing (or other contracting) work over $10,000 must be performed by a properly licensed General Contractor. In fact, South Carolina Code §40-11-30 explicitly requires a license for work above ten thousand dollars. This license proves the contractor has met education, exam, and financial criteria set by SC LLR (the Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation). At Artigues Roofing, for example, we hold an active Residential Builders Commission license (SC RBS #62550) and carry full insurance, giving homeowners confidence in our compliance and professionalism. Unlicensed work is risky: Section 40-59-30 of the SC Code makes it a misdemeanor to contract for residential work without proper license or registration, and such unlicensed contractors cannot enforce liens or contracts. In short, licensing protects you – it ensures quality, accountability, and legal recourse.
License Types in South Carolina
South Carolina offers two main pathways for roofing contractors:
General Contractor (Roofing Subclass): For commercial or large residential jobs over $10,000, a contractor must hold a SC General Contractor license with a roofing sub-classification. The roofing subclass covers installing and repairing roofs of commercial, industrial, or institutional buildings. A General Contractor license is issued by the SC Contractor’s Licensing Board (under LLR) and requires meeting strict qualifications.
Residential Specialty Contractor (Roofing Registration): For smaller residential roofing jobs (typically under $10,000), contractors can register as a Residential Specialty Contractor with a roofing classification. The SC Residential Builders Commission administers this. Specialty contractors choose up to three trade categories (including Roofing), post a bond, and meet experience requirements. Unlike general licenses, these are often called “registration” or “specialty” licenses.
In practice, that means if you hire a roofer for a home project under the $10K threshold, they may work under the SC Residential Specialty Contractor Registration (Roofing) instead of a full GC license. Regardless, we always verify licenses on the SC LLR website. Our team at Artigues only takes on work we are licensed for, and we encourage homeowners to do the same – insisting on a licensed, insured roofer is key.
Eligibility Requirements for SC Roofing Licenses
Experience:
General Contractor (Roofing) – Typically requires 2 years of verifiable experience in roofing or construction (within the last 5 years). This experience can often be shown via work records or affidavits.
Residential Specialty Contractor – Requires 1 year of experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor. You must document this (usually via signed affidavits or reference letters) as part of your application.
Examinations:
Trade Exam: Roofing contractors must pass a technical exam for their classification (e.g. the SC Roofing trade exam). A preparation course (like what Artigues supports) often references the latest building codes (for example, the exam uses up-to-date code books).
Business & Law: All applicants must pass the South Carolina Business Management & Law exam (covering state statutes, business practices, contracts, etc.). Even if you have reciprocity (see below), the Business/Law exam is still required. The exam is administered by PSI in South Carolina.
Financial & Bonding:
General Contractor: Applicants must submit a financial statement (balance sheet) demonstrating minimum net worth and working capital for their license Group. For example, Group One (up to $100K projects) requires $20,000 net worth (or $10,000 working capital). Larger groups require higher financial resources or a surety bond.
Residential Specialty Contractor: No insurance is required by law, but bonding is. To register for roofing, you must post a $5,000 surety bond (the bond protects consumers if the contractor violates regulations). This bond is maintained as long as the registration is active. In effect, even small roofers working under $10K projects must maintain this bond if any single job exceeds $5,000.
Insurance:
General Contractor: The state expects licensed GCs to carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance. Artigues Roofing, for instance, maintains comprehensive liability coverage and W/C for our employees. Always ask to see your roofer’s insurance certificates.
Residential Specialty Contractor: The SC Residential Builders Commission does not require liability insurance for registered specialty contractors. This is why the bond is so important. Even so, reputable contractors like Artigues carry insurance voluntarily to protect clients.
Other: The business entity must be properly formed (SC LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) and any qualifying party (individual) must meet character requirements (no recent felonies, no past license revocations). Note that misrepresentation or aiding unlicensed work is also prohibited.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a South Carolina Roofing License
Choose Your License – Decide if you need a General Contractor (Commercial Roof) license or a Residential Specialty (Roofing) registration. Check if your expected projects exceed $10,000.
Prepare Documentation – Gather proof of experience (affidavits, pay stubs, reference letters). Ensure your business entity paperwork (e.g. SC Secretary of State records) is in order. Obtain a creditable balance sheet or plan for the required bond ($5K).
Pass the Exams – Schedule your Business & Law exam and any required Roofing trade exam through PSI (see the SC LLR website or PSI for details). Study the current building codes (the 2021 codes are now in effect in SC).
Complete the Application – For General Contractors, use the SC LLR Contractors Licensing Board application. For Residential Specialty, use the Residential Builders Commission application. Provide all identifying info, business details, and the qualifying party’s info.
Submit Fees and Bond – Pay the non-refundable application fee ($100 for both licensure types). Once approved, pay the licensing fee ($160 or $80 depending on the cycle). Registered specialty contractors must mail or electronically submit their $5,000 bond with LLR.
Get Licensed – Upon approval, LLR will issue your license or registration. Artigues Roofing, for example, received our Residential Specialty “Roofing” registration (SC RBS#62550) on schedule. Keep copies of your license and bond and display your Registration Certificate as required.
Tip: Use tools and templates to streamline this process. For instance, draft an Experience Affidavit form that details your roofing work and have your supervisors or licensed colleagues sign it. Keep a contractor application checklist (business info, exam scores, references, bond, etc.) to ensure no steps are missed. The South Carolina LLR website and Residential Builders Commission portal provide application forms and fee schedules that you should review.
