Apply for a Business License

Any business physically located within the Town of Bluffton is required to have a business license. Additionally, any business that is located outside of the Town of Bluffton, but comes into the Town to do business, is also required to have a business license.

To verify if your business or your client's home/business is within the Town of Bluffton, visit Bluffton Explorer.

Step 1 - Determine Commercial / Residential Locations

Commercial Locations

For commercial building locations within the Town of Bluffton, the following apply:

• Building Permit, Addressing and Zoning Approval are required.
• Please contact the Customer Service Center to obtain the required approvals necessary to open your business.
  Customer Service Center - Building Safety Division
  Theodore D. Washington Municipal Building
  20 Bridge Street
  Bluffton, SC 29910
  Phone: 843-706-4500
  
  This is a very important step that must be done.  A Certificate of Occupancy (for new or improved buildings) will be issued when a building permit is completed.
• Will you be changing the existing signage, or erecting a new sign?  You must have a sign permit before you can erect or make changes to any signs at your address

Residential Locations

For residential locations within the Town of Bluffton the following apply:

• A Home Occupation Application (PDF) is required.  The land owner or lease agent must also sign the application.

Step 2 - Preliminary Checks

Apply for your Federal Tax ID Number

Corporations and partnerships require a Federal Tax ID number.  Sole Proprietors may use their Social Security Number.

Visit the Internal Revenue Service's website for further information.

State Licensing

You must provide copies of all applicable State Licensing for the type of business you are conducting:

• If you will be selling alcohol, you will need an Alcohol Beverage License.
• If you will you be selling inventory, you will need a State Retail License.
• If your business will be in the construction trade, you will need South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation.
• If your business will your business be preparing foods, you will need the proper food safety permits.

Step 3 - Prepare Your Town of Bluffton Business License Application

Prepare your Town of Bluffton New Business License Application (PDF). If you are a restaurant or bar a Supplemental Business License Application (PDF) is also required. You must pay all required license fees when applying. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, money order or credit card. Payments can be made to:
Customer Service Center - Business License
Theodore D. Washington Municipal Building
20 Bridge Street
Bluffton, SC 29910

The division phone number is 843-706-4501. You must pay all license fees when you apply.

Necessary Information

Applicant must provide the following:

• Business Address
• Information for applicants and/or stockholders/corporation officers
• Telephone Numbers

Forms cannot be filed via our website at this time.

Step 4 - Submit Application

Submit the signed completed application, including all legal and supporting documents listed in Step 3, either by emailing the Business License Division, or mailing or stopping by our customer service center at Town Hall located at:
20 Bridge Street
Bluffton, SC 29910

Step 5 - Issuance of License

A Business License will be issued once all items and approvals are secured. All Licenses are renewable annually.

Town Ordinances are available online.

If you are not operating a physical location in the Town of Bluffton, please also check with the town or County where you plan to operate from.