Rebidia homeowner resource · South Carolina
Check a contractor’s South Carolina credentials
Use the state lookup to check licensing or registration for residential roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and general remodeling. The credential depends on the work and its scope.
Official sources checked October 17, 2026
A practical first check
Start with the state lookup
- 01
Ask for the contractor’s legal name and South Carolina license or registration number. Write down the exact work in your proposal and the name of the business that will contract with you.
- 02
Open the official Residential Builders Licensee Lookup. Search by the individual or company name, or by license number. If the lookup opens to its board menu, select Residential Builders.
- 03
Match the record to the person and business in your proposal. Check that the credential is current and that its type or trade classification fits the work. If the record, business name, or scope is unclear, contact LLR with the credential number before relying on it.
Open the official LLR Licensee Lookup. LLR says firms where the licensee owns less than 51% of the business need a Certificate of Authorization; see its licensing overview if the company name and credential holder differ.
01 · Credential to check
Residential roofing
Residential Specialty Contractor registration · RBS
LLR lists roofers as a trade classification available under Residential Specialty Contractor registration. The registration is limited to its listed classifications and work scope.
What to verify
- Look for an RBS registration with the Roofer classification when the proposed work falls within that specialty-registration category. LLR describes this category for qualifying residential specialty undertakings over $500 that are not regulated under Chapter 11, Title 40.
- Compare the listed classification with the exact roof work in the proposal. LLR says work outside an RBS registrant’s classification needs direct supervision by a person or entity licensed for that work. LLR also says construction of additions to residential structures requires supervision by a Residential Builder.
02 · Credential to check
Residential heating and air conditioning
Residential Specialty Heating and Air license · RBH
LLR identifies residential HVAC as a licensed specialty trade. Its HVAC guidance says residential HVAC work exceeding $500 requires a license.
What to verify
- For residential HVAC work over $500, look for the RBH license and confirm the lookup record is current.
- LLR says a Residential Builder may perform specialty work without a separate specialty credential, except where the builder’s license shows RBW. LLR describes RBW as a reciprocal license issued without testing in mechanical trades. If the contractor offers a builder credential instead of RBH, check whether RBW appears and confirm the proposed scope with LLR.
03 · Credential to check
Residential plumbing
Residential Specialty Plumbing license · RBP
LLR identifies residential plumbing as a licensed specialty trade. Its plumbing guidance says residential plumbing work exceeding $500 requires a license.
What to verify
- For residential plumbing work over $500, look for the RBP license and confirm the lookup record is current.
- LLR says a Residential Builder may perform specialty work without a separate specialty credential, except where the builder’s license shows RBW. LLR describes RBW as a reciprocal license issued without testing in mechanical trades. If the contractor offers a builder credential instead of RBP, check whether RBW appears and confirm the proposed scope with LLR.
04 · Credential to check
General residential remodeling
Residential Builder license · check license type and any RBW restriction
“Remodeling” is not one blanket credential. LLR defines a Residential Builder by the type of residential structure and work, and says the definition applies when the undertaking costs more than $5,000.
What to verify
- For covered residential construction, repair, improvement, or reimprovement over $5,000, check the Residential Builder license record. LLR lists RBB as the Residential Builder license type. Its separate Act summary explains that RBW indicates a reciprocal license issued without testing in mechanical trades. The builder definition applies to residential buildings or structures no more than three floors high and no more than sixteen units in a single apartment building.
- Do not use the $5,000 builder threshold to decide which credential applies to a trade contractor. LLR sets separate thresholds for the roofing, HVAC, and plumbing specialty paths, while also allowing Residential Builders to perform specialty work without a separate credential except for the RBW mechanical-trade restriction. For a project combining trades, verify the exact scope and license record with LLR.
Source desk
Official South Carolina sources
- LLR Licensee Lookup · Residential BuildersSouth Carolina LLR
Official LLR lookup for residential-builder licenses and specialty registrations; search by individual, company, or license number.
- Residential Builders Commission: LicensureSouth Carolina LLR
LLR’s overview of residential licensing, registrations, and business certificates of authorization.
- Residential Specialty Contractor RegistrationSouth Carolina LLR
LLR’s registration definition, available trade classifications, and scope limits, including roofers.
- Residential HVAC LicenseSouth Carolina LLR
LLR’s residential HVAC licensing guidance and work threshold.
- Residential Plumbing LicenseSouth Carolina LLR
LLR’s residential plumbing licensing guidance and work threshold.
- Residential Builder LicenseSouth Carolina LLR
LLR’s residential-builder definition, undertaking threshold, and license type.
- Modifications to the Residential Home Builders ActSouth Carolina LLR
LLR’s summary of the $500 specialty-work threshold, builder specialty scope, and the RBW mechanical-trade restriction.
A clearer first step for your next home project.
Read the homeowner bid guide