The City of Charleston is extending the deadline for filing 2016 business license applications to Friday, February 19, 2016. This deadline extension is valid only for the 2016 business license year.
New for 2016! With the implementation of the City of Charleston’s new Business License software system, business representatives may renew licenses for 2016 online at our Customer Access Portal (CAP): http://charleston-sc.gov/cap. Online Business License access is for renewals only; new business applications require a separate process and should be completed in person or by mail (New Business Licenses). If you are licensed as an out of town (itinerant) contractor, renewals must be completed in person at: The City of Charleston Permit Center, 2 George St, Charleston, SC 29401.
Online payments for business license renewals are easy! Simply enter your gross receipts and any applicable discounts then click “Calculate Fee” to view and pay your 2016 license fees. Payment can be made by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Licenses will be printed by City staff and mailed to your business address.
We are working diligently to approve account requests as quickly as possible. Due to the high volume of account requests, the account approval can take several business days to complete, and may take longer if there are questions about your business or account request. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to respond to all inquiries regarding account requests.
To help us expedite the approval process, please do not try to log back in to the CAP website after registering your email address or request a new password until you have received a second email confirming your account approval.
If the online application is not in process or the renewal fee is not received by the extended deadline of Friday, February 19, 2016, a penalty of 5% of the unpaid renewal fee will be assessed on February 20th, an additional 25% beginning March 1st and an additional 5% per month until a penalty of 55% accrues.