Every LLC formed in South Carolina is legally required to appoint and continuously maintain a registered agent — a person or company with a physical South Carolina street address, available during business hours, to receive legal and state notices for the company. Here’s how South Carolina’s rules work, whether you can be your own agent, and which services we’d actually use.
South Carolina LLC at a glance
| Requirement | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Registered agent required? | Yes — every LLC |
| LLC filing fee | $110 (one-time) |
| Ongoing report | None |
| Be your own agent? | Allowed with a physical South Carolina address |
South Carolina does not charge an ongoing state report fee — one of the cheaper states to keep an LLC in good standing.
Can you be your own registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina lets you serve as your own registered agent if you (a) have a physical street address in South Carolina — not a PO box — and (b) are there during normal business hours to accept service of process. The trade-offs are universal: your address becomes public record, you’re tied to business hours, and being handed a lawsuit in front of customers is its own problem. Full decision guide: can I be my own registered agent?
Best registered agent services for South Carolina LLCs
We scored every major provider with the same Verdict Score. The ones worth using in South Carolina:
| Service | Verdict | RA price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest | 9.2 | $125/yr | Privacy included, no upsells — our #1 |
| ZenBusiness | 8.0 | $199/yr | Best all-in-one dashboard |
| Bizee | 6.0 | Free yr 1, ~$119/yr | Cheapest entry |
| LegalZoom | 7.0 | $249/yr | Brand name, priciest RA |
For most South Carolina LLCs we’d pick Northwest Registered Agent — address privacy at no extra charge and no upsell games. Full breakdown: best registered agent services.
Get Northwest in South Carolina →
What if your South Carolina LLC has no registered agent?
Fail to maintain one — or your agent can’t be reached — and South Carolina can pull your LLC’s good standing and eventually dissolve it administratively. Worse, a lawsuit can proceed by default because the notice never reached you. The full consequences →
FAQ
How much does it cost to keep an LLC in South Carolina?
$110 to form, with no ongoing state report fee. A professional registered agent adds about $125/yr (Northwest).
Can I change my South Carolina registered agent later?
Yes — file a change with the South Carolina Secretary of State at any time (small or no fee). Your LLC stays intact.
LLCVerdict earns commissions from some links — never changes our verdicts or your price. Disclosure. Fees verified June 2026; confirm current figures with the South Carolina Secretary of State.