All in person submissions and requests for Dorchester County business licenses and license renewals MUST be done in our Summerville office 

Email: DCBusinessLIcense@DorchesterCountySC.gov.

A Business License is required for every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession, in whole or in part, in unincorporated Dorchester County.

Process

For new licenses, zoning is reviewed, along with permit applications, where applicable. Once sign‐off is obtained from all required departments, a business license fee is calculated and e‐mailed to address on file. Payment is due within 30 days. Upon receipt of payment the business license is issued and e‐mailed to address on file.

Helpful Links

• Business License Handbook
• New Business Checklist
• New Business Checklist - FOOD
• NAICS Code to Class Index
• Class Rate

Forms

• Business License Application
• New Business Verification Form
• New Business Verification Form - Mobile Food Vendors
• New Business Zoning Verification Form
• Home Business Zoning Agreement - Home Occupations
• Home Business Zoning Agreement - Daycare & Ed Programs
• Business Closure Form