South Carolina Fictitious Name Registration & Renewal
Registration requirements for South Carolina business entities
Business entities that plan to use a name other than their legal business name may need to register an assumed
name. Assumed name registration can take place at the state, local, or state and local levels of government.
State specific registration information is available below.
Initial Application for Registration
| Agency: | South Carolina Secretary of State - Division of Business Filings |
| Form: | Assumed Name Certificate |
| Filing Method: | Mail |
| Agency Fee: | $10 |
| Is registration mandatory?: | Required only for limited partnerships that plan to use a name other than name shown on its certificate of registration. |
| County Level Filing: | Filing is not required at the county level. |
| Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?: | Registration of an assumed name does not confer ownership rights and does not prevent another entity from using the same fictitious name. |
| Notes: | - Only limited partnerships file assumed name registrations in South Carolina.
- File two copies of the form with registration.
- Publication of registration is not required in South Carolina.
|
Renewal Filing
| Agency: | South Carolina Secretary of State - Division of Business Filings |
| Form: | Assumed Name Certificate (Renewal) |
| Agency Fee: | $10 |
| Due: | By December 31 of the 5th full calendar year following the most recent date of registration. |
| Law: | SC Code § 33-42-45 |
Revised November 23, 2021. Complete data last reviewed November 23, 2021.
