Registering a Corporate/Trade Name

The South Carolina Secretary of State is responsible for business filings including the registration of incorporated businesses, limited liability companies (LLC's), limited liability partnerships (LLP's), limited partnerships, non-profit organizations, and professional associations.

To register your corporate/trade name, you must do the following:

Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Corporation

  1. Use the appropriate form and file in duplicate.

  2. Have the form signed by an attorney.  This form MUST be signed by a South Carolina attorney.

  3. Check to be sure that the registered agent's address is in South Carolina.

  4. Attach a CL-1 form.

  5. Enclose the $135 fee.

Articles of Incorporation for a Non-Profit Corporation

  1. Use the appropriate form and file in duplicate.

  2. Enclose the $25 fee.

  3. Check to be sure that the registered agent's address is in South Carolina.

  4. Register with our Charities Division if you are planning to solicit funds, or have them solicited on your behalf.

Certificate of Limited Partnership

  1. Use the appropriate form and file in duplicate.

  2. Check to be sure that the registered agent's address is in South Carolina.

  3. Enclose the $10 fee.

Application to Initiate or Renew a Limited Liability Partnership

  1. Use the appropriate form and file in duplicate.

  2. Execute the application.  The application must be executed by a majority in interest of the partners or by one (1) or more partners authorized to execute this application.

  3. Check to be sure that the registered agent's address is in South Carolina.

  4. Attach a self-addressed, stamped envelope addressed to the principal office of the partnership and directed to the partner who is responsible for filing any renewal of this application.

  5. Enclose the $100 fee.

Articles of Organization of a Limited Liability Company

  1. Use the appropriate form and file in duplicate.

  2. Execute the application.  The application must be executed by a majority in interest of the partners or by one (1) or more partners authorized to execute this application.

  3. Check to be sure that the registered agent's address is in South Carolina.

  4. Attach a self-addressed, stamped envelope addressed to the principal office of the partnership and directed to the partner who is responsible for filing any renewal of this application.

  5. Enclose the $100 fee.

 Articles of Organization of a Limited Liability Company

  1.  Use the appropriate form and file in duplicate.
  2. Check to be sure that the registered agent's address is in South Carolina.            
  3. Enclose the $110 fee.