# South Carolina business search

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-search/south-carolina
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

South Carolina's official business search is Business Name Search, run by the South Carolina Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name.

[Search South Carolina records](https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Entity/Search)

## How to check if a name is taken in South Carolina

1. Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
2. Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
3. If nothing close comes up, run a [free trademark search](https://joinopenfile.com/trademark-search). A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.

## LLC name endings in South Carolina

An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, LC, Limited Company, Limited Liability Company.

## Once the name is clear

South Carolina charges $110 to form an LLC and $135 to form a corporation. See [how to start an LLC in South Carolina](https://joinopenfile.com/llc/south-carolina), or a [South Carolina DBA](https://joinopenfile.com/dba/south-carolina) if you only need a trade name.

## South Carolina business search questions

Is the South Carolina business search free?

Yes. The South Carolina Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.

Does searching reserve a name in South Carolina?

No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.

Can I see who owns a South Carolina LLC?

The record shows what South Carolina requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.

[Start my South Carolina LLC](https://joinopenfile.com/start?state=SC&entity=llc&pkg=basic)