Tattoo / Piercing Permits & Licenses in North Charleston, SC

Required for all LLCs. Online filing recommended. Name reservation ($10) may be needed separately if name availability check fails.

Applies to all LLCs. Filing maintains good standing.

Requires bloodborne pathogens training (16 hours initial, 8 hours refresher), CPR/First Aid certification, and application submission. Applies to tattoo artists only; piercing separate.

Requires bloodborne pathogens training (16 hours initial, 8 hours refresher), CPR/First Aid certification, and application submission.

Requires approved facility plans, at least one licensed artist on staff, compliance with S.C. Code Reg. 61-126. Establishment must be permitted before operating.

Requires approved facility plans, at least one licensed piercer on staff, compliance with S.C. Code Reg. 61-126.

Required if using DBA. Renew every 10 years. Search name availability first.

All businesses selling taxable goods or services, including tattoo and piercing services (which are subject to sales tax in SC), must register for a sales tax permit. Tattoo and piercing services are considered taxable services under SC Code Section 12-36-910(82).

Required for all employers in South Carolina who withhold state income tax from employee wages. LLCs with employees must register even if the owners are not on payroll.

All employers must register with SC DEW. Employers pay unemployment insurance tax at a rate based on experience rating; new employers pay 0.5% on first $8,000 of each employee's wages annually.

All LLCs in South Carolina must file an Annual Report and pay a $130 fee. This is not a franchise tax in the traditional sense but a mandatory annual fee. South Carolina does not impose a corporate income or gross receipts tax on LLCs beyond this.

Most cities and counties in SC require a local business license or privilege tax. For example, Columbia requires a $100 license; Myrtle Beach and Charleston have similar requirements. Check with the local treasurer or clerk of court. Tattoo and piercing studios may be subject to additional zoning or health regulations at the local level.

Tattoo and piercing services are subject to South Carolina sales tax at the standard rate (currently 7%). Filers must submit Form ST-3 or file electronically via MyDORWAY.

Employers must file Form WH-3 and remit withheld state income taxes. Frequency determined by DOR based on deposit amount.

Although not a tax per se, an EIN is required for federal tax purposes. All multi-member LLCs and those with employees must obtain an EIN. Apply online via IRS website.

All tattoo and piercing establishments must be licensed and inspected by SCDHEC or a local health department. Compliance includes sanitation, sterilization, and safe practices. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

Tattoo and piercing artists are exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Employers must implement an Exposure Control Plan, provide PPE, offer hepatitis B vaccine, use sharps containers, and train staff annually. Applies to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or OPIM.

Requires employers to maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), label hazardous chemicals, and train employees on chemical risks. Common in tattoo/piercing studios using alcohol, bleach, or antiseptics.

Tattoo and piercing studios are places of public accommodation. Must ensure physical access (e.g., entrances, restrooms), accessible counters, and policies allowing service animals. New construction or alterations must meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Used tattoo/piercing needles are regulated as "universal waste" under federal EPA rules. Must be stored in labeled, puncture-resistant containers and disposed of through licensed medical waste handlers. State rules may be stricter (SC follows federal baseline).

While the FTC Funeral Rule does not apply, the FTC Act Section 5 prohibits deceptive or unfair practices. Tattoo/piercing studios must not misrepresent healing times, infection risks, ink safety, or pricing. Must disclose all fees and risks truthfully in advertising and consultations.

FDA regulates tattoo inks as cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Inks must not be adulterated or misbranded. While FDA has not approved any inks for injection, it monitors adverse events and may take action against unsafe products. Studios must use inks intended for dermal use and avoid unapproved colors or contaminants.

All employers, including LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization. Employers must examine original documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license + SSN card). E-Verify is not federally required unless under federal contract.

All LLCs registered in South Carolina must file an Annual Report and pay a $130 fee. This is a mandatory fee, not a franchise tax. South Carolina does not impose a corporate income or gross receipts tax on LLCs beyond this requirement.

All SC counties require business licenses based on location and projected gross revenue. Tattoo/piercing businesses classified under body art services. Check specific county treasurer's office (e.g., Greenville County: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Business/License.aspx)

Required in all SC municipalities. Tattoo studios often under "personal services." Example for Columbia: https://columbiasc.gov/business-licenses/. User must specify city for exact code (e.g., Charleston Code Sec. 16-2)

Tattoo/piercing typically allowed in B-2/B-3 commercial zones. Home occupation usually prohibited due to health/safety. Greenville County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.4.2: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/zoning/ordinance.html

DHEC issues via county environmental health offices. Facility must pass pre-op inspection per S.C. Code Reg. 61-119. Local enforcement (e.g., Richland County: https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Health)

Required for interior build-out, sterilization rooms. Must comply with 2021 International Building Code as adopted locally. Example: Horry County: https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/building-codes/

Verifies fire sprinklers, exits, extinguishers per SC Fire Code. Often issued with building permit. Charleston Fire: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/149/Fire-Department

Limits on size, illumination, placement per zoning code. Greenville Code Sec. 6-28.3(d)

Required in most SC cities to reduce false alarms. Columbia ordinance: https://columbiasc.gov/alarms/

Required for all employers with four or more employees in South Carolina, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt but may elect coverage. Tattoo/piercing businesses with employees must carry coverage under S.C. Code § 42-1-10 and Regulation 61-1.1.

While not mandated by South Carolina law, general liability insurance is strongly recommended for tattoo/piercing studios due to risks of client injury, slip-and-fall claims, or property damage. Some local governments or landlords may require it as a condition of occupancy or lease. No state agency enforces this as a legal requirement.

Not mandated by South Carolina state law. However, it is highly recommended for tattoo and piercing artists to protect against claims of negligence, infections, or unsatisfactory results. No state agency requires this coverage, but industry best practices strongly advise it.

Covers minimum wage, overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), recordkeeping. Applies to tattoo artists and piercers unless exempt (none apply here). Independent contractors must meet strict IRS/DOL criteria to avoid misclassification.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical/family reasons. Most small tattoo/piercing studios do not meet the 50-employee threshold, but must monitor if growth triggers compliance.

All LLCs in South Carolina must file an annual report by April 30 each year. The report confirms business information such as principal office address, registered agent, and management structure. Filing is free if submitted online by the deadline.

All body art establishments (tattoo and piercing studios) must obtain and renew an annual permit from SC DHEC. This includes compliance with infection control standards, facility design, and equipment sterilization protocols.

Each tattoo/piercing artist must hold a personal license issued by SC DHEC. Licenses must be renewed annually. Practitioners must also complete initial and ongoing training in bloodborne pathogens and infection control.

Per Regulation 61-27, all body art practitioners must complete DHEC-approved infection control training prior to licensure and every three years thereafter. Training covers sterilization, disinfection, and bloodborne pathogen safety.

DHEC conducts annual inspections of body art facilities to ensure compliance with sanitation, waste disposal, and sterilization regulations. Inspection checklist includes autoclave monitoring, sharps containers, and single-use supplies.

Employers must file Form 941 quarterly to report federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withholding. Form 940 (FUTA) is filed annually to report federal unemployment tax. These obligations apply only if the business has employees.

Businesses with employees must register for a withholding account and file returns (Form SC SD-100) based on assigned frequency (monthly or quarterly). Due dates depend on the reporting cycle.

LLC owners (unless taxed as a corporation) are typically subject to self-employment tax and must make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES.

Self-employed individuals must make estimated state income tax payments using Form SC-1040ES if they expect to owe $200 or more in tax.

Regulation 61-27 requires body art establishments to maintain client consent forms, procedure logs, and sterilization records (e.g., autoclave spore testing results) for a minimum of 3 years. These must be available for DHEC inspection upon request.

The body art establishment permit and each practitioner’s license must be displayed in a conspicuous location visible to clients. Failure to display is a violation of Regulation 61-27.

Employers must display federal and state labor law posters, including South Carolina Minimum Wage, Equal Employment Opportunity, and OSHA Workplace Safety. SCDEW provides printable versions online.

A $5,000 surety bond is required for each location under S.C. Regulation 44-27. Tattoo and body piercing establishments must file Form 44-27B with the LLR. The bond ensures compliance with state health regulations. This is a license bond, not a performance bond.

Required for any vehicle registered to the business. South Carolina law mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Applies to all businesses using motor vehicles; not specific to tattoo/piercing industry.

Not mandated by South Carolina law. However, if the business sells aftercare products (e.g., ointments, lotions), product liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect against claims of defective or harmful products. No state agency enforces this requirement.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license. Most tattoo/piercing studios do not serve alcohol. If alcohol is served, the business must comply with SC DOR regulations and likely carry liquor liability insurance as part of risk management, though not always explicitly mandated by statute. Local municipalities may impose additional requirements.

While not an insurance mandate, DHEC requires strict adherence to infection control protocols. Failure to maintain proper practices may lead to liability claims, making professional and general liability insurance de facto essential. This regulation is enforced under S.C. Regulation 44-27 and DHEC guidelines. Insurance is not directly mandated, but operational compliance is.

Not required by state law, but commonly required by landlords and local zoning ordinances. Covers equipment, inventory, and fixtures.

While not all LLCs are required to have an EIN (e.g., single-member LLC with no employees may use SSN), most tattoo/piercing businesses open bank accounts or hire staff, making EIN necessary. Required for federal tax purposes.

LLCs are pass-through entities unless electing corporate taxation. Single-member LLCs report on Schedule C (Form 1040); multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. If owners take profits, they owe self-employment tax. Employers must withhold and pay payroll taxes (Form 941 quarterly).

Tattoo and piercing studios are considered high-risk workplaces under OSHA. Employers with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries) and post Form 300A annually. Even smaller studios should maintain injury records as best practice.

Most South Carolina municipalities require periodic fire safety inspections for commercial occupancies. This includes checking exits, fire extinguishers, and flammable material storage. Contact local fire department for specific schedule.

Most cities and counties in South Carolina require a local business license or occupational tax certificate. Renewal deadlines and fees vary. For example, Charleston requires annual renewal by the last day of the business’s fiscal month.