Handyman License Requirements in Conway, SC

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed March 2026

Conway is in Horry County, South Carolina. For many small “handyman” style jobs, South Carolina does not require a state contractor license if the total project value stays under the state contractor licensing threshold, but trade work (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) is separately licensed and is not covered by the handyman exemption. You will typically still need (1) a City of Conway business license and (2) building permits for certain work even when you are exempt from state contractor licensing.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

The following work requires a state-issued contractor license in SC. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

• Any project where the total cost is $5,000 or more (labor + materials) that falls under South Carolina contractor licensing jurisdiction (verify classification with LLR).
• Electrical contracting (running new circuits, panel work, service upgrades, new receptacles where wiring changes, generators) — requires proper SC electrical contractor licensing and permits/inspection.
• Plumbing contracting (new water lines/drains/vents, water heater installs where regulated, sewer/water service work) — requires SC plumbing contractor licensing and permits/inspection.
• HVAC/mechanical work (install/replace HVAC systems, ductwork modifications, refrigerant line work) — requires SC mechanical/HVAC contractor licensing; EPA refrigerant handling rules also apply.
• Gas piping and gas appliance connections beyond very limited, code-allowed connector swaps — commonly requires properly licensed mechanical/plumbing contractor and inspection.
• Structural work (altering load-bearing walls, significant framing changes, roof structure changes) — typically requires permits and may require licensed contractors depending on project value/scope.
• Roofing and major exterior envelope work can trigger permitting and licensing scrutiny depending on cost and scope.

State Contractor Licensing Law (SC)

Even under $5,000, you cannot perform work that requires a separately licensed trade (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas) unless you hold that trade license or you subcontract it to a properly licensed contractor. Local building permits/inspections can still be required for otherwise-exempt projects. If you advertise as a ‘contractor’ or take on work that crosses into licensed classifications (e.g., building structural work, roofing, etc.), you can still be scrutinized for compliance.

County Requirements — Horry County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

• Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (former) / current military presence: none as an active base — If you specifically plan to work on a federal installation, ask the facility contracting office for vendor onboarding steps.
• Downtown Conway Historic District (local historic overlay / National Register area) — Historic review is about design/appearance and can apply even if the underlying work is otherwise simple. Always confirm before ordering windows/doors or starting exterior paint/siding.
• Opportunity Zones (Horry County/Conway-area census tracts) — If you are doing rehab work for an Opportunity Zone investor, your licensing/permits still follow normal city/county/state rules.

City Business License — Conway

Required. City of Conway Business License

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is your legal authorization to offer/perform certain work as a contractor or trade in South Carolina; permits are job-specific approvals issued by the local building department to ensure code compliance for that particular project. Even if you are exempt from state contractor licensing under the $5,000 threshold, you may still need permits and inspections for the work you perform, and trade-licensed work still requires the appropriate trade license.

Business Entity Registration (SC)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in SC: $110 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Conway, South Carolina

• Insurance: South Carolina does not universally mandate general liability insurance for all handymen, but cities, GCs, and commercial clients frequently require it (common requirement: $1,000,000 per occurrence). If you have employees, workers’ compensation rules apply.
• Multi-jurisdiction licensing: In SC, business licensing is often city-by-city. If you work in Conway and also in Myrtle Beach/North Myrtle Beach/Surfside, you may need a business license in each city where you perform work.
• Advertising risk: Do not advertise or contract for ‘electrical/plumbing/HVAC’ services unless properly licensed; enforcement actions can be based on advertising/holding out even before a job is performed.
• Permitting: Many code officials will require a licensed trade contractor to pull permits for trade work; even when they allow a permit, inspections still apply and failed inspections can create expensive rework.

Legal Registration Steps for Conway

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Conway, South Carolina:

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC optional but common) — SC LLC filing fee is $110 with the Secretary of State.
2. Step 2: Register for tax accounts as needed (SC Department of Revenue: withholding, sales/use tax if you sell taxable items).
3. Step 3: Apply for a City of Conway business license under the correct classification (handyman/home repair/contractor) and confirm your fee basis (minimum + gross receipts).
4. Step 4: Decide your scope: if you will take jobs at/above $5,000 or do regulated trades, start the appropriate SC LLR licensing path (classification + exams as required).
5. Step 5: Get insurance (general liability; add workers’ comp if you hire).
6. Step 6: Confirm permitting rules with the City of Conway (or Horry County for unincorporated jobs) before you bid—especially for water heaters, decks, electrical/plumbing/HVAC.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Small repair/maintenance jobs under $5,000 total project value (labor + materials) that do not require a licensed trade (researched threshold: $5,000).
• Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and patch/paint touch-ups.
• Minor drywall repair (small patches), trim/baseboard replacement, and caulking/grouting.
• Basic carpentry that is non-structural (installing shelving, replacing cabinet hardware, minor door adjustments).
• Fence/gate repairs that do not involve structural changes requiring a building permit (permit rules can still apply).

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.