Business Licensing

2026 Renewals - Click here!

Click here to apply for a new Town of Yemassee Business License account.

The goal of the Town of Yemassee Business License is to quickly and efficiently set up new business license accounts, assist in annual renewals as well as maintain a current database of Business License information, Accommodations & Hospitality tax accounts.

Any business located within the corporate limits of Yemassee must have a valid business license. Additionally, any business conducting operations within the corporate limits of Yemassee must also obtain and possess a business license. Business Licenses in the Town of Yemassee are valid from May 1 thru April 30th each calendar year. Renewal notices are sent out in March with payment due by April 30th. Accounts not satisfied by April 30th are subject to a 5% penalty each month for up to two months. After two months, Town Staff shall contact the Town Attorney for the appropriate legal action.

Important Notice - The Yemassee ZIP code 29945 spans portions of four counties. Accordingly, please be sure that your business or job site is located within the Town Limits of Yemassee. Yemassee spans portions of Beaufort and Hampton county. Do not rely on the zip code to determine if the property is within town limits. To see which areas are within Town Limits, click here.

Steps for Procuring a New Business License

The following items are generally what is needed to establish a new Business License account in the Town of Yemassee. If you are renewing an existing license, this information won't be required unless we do not have all of your supporting documentation on file. If you have any questions, please contact the Business License Department at (843) 589-2565 Ext. 2.

Step 1 - Determine Location

For commercial buildings in the Town of Yemassee, the following apply

• Building Permit (If renovating existing space or building new location)
• Valid E-911 Address from the respective County addressing Authority. If you are unsure of your address, please contact us. If you need to obtain a new address, please complete form YEM-013 and return to our office in-person, by mail, or e-mail to permits@townofyemassee.org 
• If you are replacing an existing sign, or erecting a new sign, a Sign Permit Application and the associated fee will be required. Click here for Form YEM-006 to apply for a sign permit.

Step 2 - Complete application and provide required information

You should complete your Business License application form prior to arriving at the Town Hall so we may expedite your license request. Please bring all necessary documentation

• Completed Town of Yemassee Business License Application
• Valid Drivers License/Passport/Military ID for the owner and/or principals
• Corporations and Partnerships require a Federal Tax ID number. Sole proprietors should use their Social Security Number on the application. Visit the Internal Revenue Service's website for further information.
• If you are a South Carolina organized entity and your main address is within a jurisdiction that has a local business license ordinance, a current, non-expired license that is in good standing with the home jurisdiction. Staff will contact your home jurisdiction to verify license status.  
• You must provide copies of ALL state licenses that may be required for the Business you plan on conducting. A license cannot be issued without the necessary documentation.
  • If you are selling alcohol, you will need an Alcohol and Beverage License.
  • If you will be selling Inventory, you will need a State Retail License.
  • If your business will be in the construction trade, you will need a South Carolina Labor, Licensing, Regulation certificate
  • If your business will be selling prepared food and beverages, you will need the appropriate food safety permits. You will also be required to collect and remit a 2% Hospitality Tax on any sales of prepared food and beverage.
  • If your business will be providing transient overnight lodging accommodations for periods of ninety (90) days or less, you will be required to assess and remit a quarterly 3% Accommodations Tax on any overnight lodging accommodations.
  • Adjusters, Insurance Brokers, and Surety Bondsman must submit their South Carolina Department of Insurance Certificate showing any applicable lines of authority held.

Step 3 - License Issue

• If all documentation is readily available we can process your application. We accept cash (exact change), check, money order, and all major Credit & Debit cards. Please note, there is a 3% service fee that is billed separately by Forte, our payment portal partner, for any credit/debit card transactions.
• Once you have been issued your license, it is important to place it in your business in a prominent location where it can be easily inspected by Town Staff.
• If you do not operate a brick and mortar business in the Town Limits, such as contractors and handymen, please ensure that any staff member that is on-site will have a copy of the Business License. We will be happy to print out additional copies for your vehicles or job sites
• If you do not have an online portal account to manage your license account, please let us know. We'll be happy to establish one for you to allow you to manage your account.