Short answer: Must include Limited Liability Company, LLC, or an accepted variation.
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.
South Carolina naming rules
Must include Limited Liability Company, LLC, or an accepted variation.
Open the official South Carolina name search
Reserving a name
South Carolina lets you reserve a name for $25, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
South Carolina DBAs are filed with: UNCONFIRMED. Fee: UNCONFIRMED.
How South Carolina compares
South Carolina's name reservation fee is $25. That's the 18th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, right where South Carolina sits.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| District of Columbia | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| Georgia | $35 | 12 of 50 |
| North Carolina | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Virginia | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Alabama | $28 | 17 of 50 |
South Carolina fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $125 | $110 base fee plus $15 electronic records access fee for online filing |
| Name reservation (optional) | $25 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $110 | |
| DBA / assumed name | UNCONFIRMED | UNCONFIRMED |
Name search and rules: South Carolina questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in South Carolina?
Use the official South Carolina Secretary of State business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a South Carolina LLC name include?
Must include Limited Liability Company, LLC, or an accepted variation.
Can I reserve an LLC name in South Carolina?
Yes. Reservation costs $25 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in South Carolina?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: UNCONFIRMED. Fee: UNCONFIRMED.
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.