Plain-language guides to licensing, public bidding and getting paid in South Carolina, written from the statutes, rules and agency pages and linked to them.
Licensing
South Carolina licenses general and mechanical contractors through the Contractor's Licensing Board. Here is when a license is required, how the five license groups cap job size by net worth, and how classifications and unlicensed subs work.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Public bidding
SCDOT opens electronic bids at a monthly letting in Columbia, and only prequalified contractors may bid. Here is how to prequalify, where to get plans, how bid bonds work, and what subcontractors need.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Payment rights
South Carolina's mechanics' lien deadlines are short and strict. Here is how to serve and file a lien, what the notice of project commencement and notice of furnishing do, and how payment bond claims work on public projects.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Public bidding
South Carolina agencies advertise bids in SCBO, and supplier registration is moving to a new system, SCPro, on November 9, 2026. Here is what changes, what to do during the registration freeze, and how to spot the fake 'compliance' emails targeting state suppliers.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Guides are general information, not legal advice.