South Carolina Lien Law
South Carolina's mechanic's lien law sets two strict deadlines that a contractor must not miss. This chapter covers the time to file the lien and the time to enforce it.
Filing the lien
South Carolina's mechanic's lien law is in S.C. Code Chapter 29-5. A contractor or supplier must serve and file the statement of the lien within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to the project (§29-5-90). Missing the 90-day window generally forfeits the lien.
Enforcing the lien
After the lien is filed, a suit to enforce (foreclose) it must be commenced within six months of the last furnishing of labor or materials (§29-5-120). If suit is not filed in time, the lien dissolves and the claimant is left with ordinary contract remedies.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (CLB), Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
- Passing score
- 70%
- Scored questions
- 50
- Time limit
- 125 minutes
Does South Carolina require a state contractor license?
Yes. The South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (CLB), within LLR, licenses commercial contractors under S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11. A commercial license is required when the cost of the work exceeds $10,000 (after Act H.4115 of 2023).
What is on the South Carolina Business Management and Law exam?
The Business Management and Law exam is 50 questions, 125 minutes, and requires 70% to pass. Financial Groups I through V tie bid limit, working capital, net worth, and bond together (Group I $100,000 up to Group V unlimited), and applicants qualify by net worth or working capital.
What extra rules apply to South Carolina contractors?
A commercial CLB license also authorizes residential work, and a GC-Building contractor may self-perform ancillary specialty work only up to about 20% of project cost. The E-Verify requirement and the NPDES construction stormwater permit (one acre or more) also apply.
Sources: https://llr.sc.gov/clb/