Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in South Carolina
Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in South Carolina, and the fee.
Short answer: The Secretary of State's Office does not register DBA or trade names. A foreign LLC whose legal name is not available in South Carolina must file a fictitious name form with its application for a certificate of authority. S.C. Secretary of State, FAQs about Business Entities (Q12 and common rejection reasons)
| DBA / assumed name | The Secretary of State's Office does not register DBA or trade names. A foreign LLC whose legal name is not available in South Carolina must file a fictitious name form with its application for a certificate of authority. Business licenses are issued at the county or city level. |
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| Name rules and reservation | The name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C.", "LLC", "L.C.", or "LC"; "Limited" may be abbreviated "Ltd." and "company" "Co." The Secretary of State will not accept a name identical to one already in its database. You do not need to reserve a name if you are ready to organize, but a name may be reserved for a nonrenewable one hundred twenty-day period; the reservation fee is twenty-five dollars. |
Where to get help in South Carolina
More South Carolina starting an llc & small business
- What an LLC Costs in South Carolina
- LLC Annual Report in South Carolina
- All South Carolina starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How do you register a DBA in South Carolina?
The Secretary of State's Office does not register DBA or trade names. A foreign LLC whose legal name is not available in South Carolina must file a fictitious name form with its application for a certificate of authority.
What are the LLC name requirements in South Carolina?
The name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C.", "LLC", "L.C.", or "LC"; "Limited" may be abbreviated "Ltd." and "company" "Co." The Secretary of State will not accept a name identical to one already in its database. You do not need to reserve a name if you are ready to organize, but a name may be reserved for a nonrenewable one hundred twenty-day period; the reservation fee is twenty-five dollars.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.