Short answer: File Certificate of Authority with the South Carolina Secretary of State for $110, and name a South Carolina registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the South Carolina Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Registering an out-of-state LLC in South Carolina
File Certificate of Authority with the South Carolina Secretary of State ($110). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a South Carolina registered agent.
Must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in South Carolina.
How South Carolina compares
South Carolina's foreign LLC registration fee is $110. That's the 19th lowest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so South Carolina comes in $40 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $110 | 29 of 47 |
| District of Columbia | $220 | 15 of 47 |
| Georgia | $235 | 14 of 47 |
| North Carolina | $250 | 9 of 47 |
| Virginia | $100 | 33 of 47 |
| Alabama | $150 | 19 of 47 |
South Carolina fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| None required | $0 | none, None |
| Certificate of Authority | $110 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: South Carolina questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in South Carolina?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in South Carolina (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in South Carolina?
$110 to file Certificate of Authority.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in South Carolina. Must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in South Carolina.
Does a foreign LLC file the South Carolina annual report too?
Check the state requirements for foreign entities.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: dba where, dba fee.