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File a Complaint

The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, through its boards, offices, and divisions, investigates complaints and allegations involving regulated professions, occupations, businesses, and activities to determine whether they may constitute a violation of applicable state law or regulations. LLR also investigates allegations of unlicensed or unauthorized practice, when applicable.

LLR's boards, offices, and divisions may take disciplinary or other enforcement action when a violation is found. However, LLR cannot award monetary restitution on your behalf. If you are seeking monetary compensation or a settlement, you may want to consult an attorney.

To file a complaint, select the appropriate board, office, or division below and complete the provided form.

What to Expect as a Complainant

LICENSING COMPLAINTS
LABOR COMPLAINTS
STATE FIRE COMPLAINTS

Frequently Asked Questions for Licensing

What happens when I file a complaint?
A complaint analyst will review your complaint, check the facts, and determine if a possible violation of state law exists. Please note that we can only investigate administrative or licensing violations - not criminal or civil matters.
How do I find the license holder so I can file a complaint?
If you don’t know the person’s license number, use our Licensee Lookup tool. Please do not file the same complaint multiple times or for every license an individual may hold, as this slows the review process.
Is the license holder permitted to work when a complaint is filed against them?
Yes. The license holder has the right to due process. This means the complaint must first be investigated and reviewed by the appropriate board or panel before any action is taken.

An emergency suspension can occur only if public heath or safety is at immediate risk, but the license holder can still request a hearing afterward.
Are all complaints investigated?
No. If your complaint doesn’t fall under the board’s authority, it won’t be investigated, and you’ll be notified.

If more details are needed, you’ll receive a request for additional information. If you don’t respond within 10 business days, the case won’t be opened. If the extra information still isn’t enough to proceed, you’ll be notified that the case cannot move forward.
Will I know if an investigation has been opened based on my complaint?
Yes. The Office of Investigations and Enforcement (OIE) will send you a letter confirming whether an investigation has been opened and provide contact information for the assigned investigator. Please note that you are not a party to the case - the State of South Carolina and the license holder are. You may, however, be asked to serve as a witness.
Will my name be kept confidential?
No. State law generally requires that the license holder receive a copy of the complaint and the complainant’s name. In rare cases, a board may decide to withhold the complainant’s identity for good cause.
How long will the investigation take?
It depends on the complexity of the case. Investigators work to complete investigations as efficiently as possible, but timelines vary based on factors like case complexity, available evidence, and witness cooperation.
What happens during the investigation?
The investigator collects evidence, interviews, witnesses (including the license holder), and may issues subpoenas.
You may be asked to provide a written statement, documents, or testimony. Please respond promptly - delays or failure to cooperate can affect the investigation.
Will I be kept up to date on the case?
You may receive limited updates from the investigator, but most details cannot be shared due to confidentiality laws. You can contact the investigator with questions or to provide new information.

If you file anonymously, no updates can be given, and the case may be harder to investigate since the investigator can’t reach you for more details.
Can I get updates on a complaint filed by someone else?
No. Complaint investigations are confidential by law. We cannot share the status or details with anyone other than those directly involved. If you’re a witness, you may be contacted for information or testimony, but you won’t receive case updates. Public disciplinary orders are available on our website.
What happens when the investigation is complete?
When the investigation ends, the case goes to an Investigative Review Conference (IRC) for review. If the case is dismissed, you’ll be notified, but detailed reasons may not be shared due to confidentiality laws.

Sometimes, a Letter of Caution or Concern may be issued - this is not public discipline but stays in the license holder’s file. If further action is needed, the case is sent to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for possible legal proceedings.
How does the board make a decision regarding an investigation?
Each Board uses an Investigative Review Conference (IRC) made up of:

  • An LLR attorney
  • A subject matter expert (non-board licensee)
  • The board's executive
  • The lead investigator
The IRC reviews cases and makes recommendations. The board then votes to dismiss the case or move it forward for disciplinary action. If action is taken, the license holder may accept a consent agreement or attend a formal hearing.
What disciplinary actions can a board take regarding a professional license?
Discipline depends on the severity of the violation and the licensee’s history. Possible actions include:

  • Fines or probation
  • Practice restrictions
  • Suspension or license revocation
Will I be notified when the case is concluded?
Yes. You will be notified once the case is resolved. Public disciplinary actions and consent agreements can be requested through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. FOIA Information is available on our website.
Can I appeal a decision regarding the complaint if I disagree with it?
No. Since you are not a party to the case, you cannot appeal the board’s decision. If you have a private dispute with the license holder, you may seek legal advice on other options.
Can the license holder appeal?
Yes. The license holder has 30 days to appeal a board decision to the Administrative Law Court.
Can I get a copy of the investigation file?
Most investigation records are confidential by law and cannot be released. However, any public disciplinary actions (such as final orders) can be shared. You may submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for the file, and we will provide what it is legally allowed to release.

Frequently Asked Questions for Labor

Does your agency investigate allegations of human trafficking or human smuggling?

No. While LLR is on the S.C. Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force, it does not have the authority to investigate or prosecute human trafficking cases. If you are a victim, wish to report suspected trafficking, or want to learn more, visit:

Does my employer have to give me breaks or a lunch/dinner period?
No. South Carolina law does not require employers to provide breaks or meal periods.
Who do I contact if I believe I was unfairly terminated?

South Carolina is an at-will state, meaning you may be terminated for any reason or no reason, and you may also quit at any time.

If you believe you were discriminated against due to race, color, age, sex, disability, national origin, or religion, contact the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. Otherwise, you may wish to consult a private attorney.

If I quit or am terminated, does my employer have to pay me all wages due that day?
No. Employers must pay all wages due within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever comes first - but no later than 30 days.
Does my employer have to provide me with paid vacation and/or sick time?
No. State law does not require an employer to provide an employee with benefits. However, if an employer decides to do so, he must give notice of the policy to the employee, abide by the policy, and not discriminate in its administering of the policy.
When I leave a job, am I entitled to receive pay for unused vacation or sick time?
It depends on the employer’s policy.
Can my employer decrease my rate of pay?
Yes. However, if the employer has five or more employees, they must give written notice at least seven calendar days before the pay decrease takes effect.
At what age can a minor begin working in South Carolina?
Minors may begin working at age 14, but there are restrictions on the type of work and hours allowed.
What documents does a minor need to work in South Carolina?
The minor must provide the employer with proof of age, such as a birth certificate or driver’s license.
What posters must employers display in the workplace?
Required labor law posters can be downloaded for free at: State Required Posters
If a 14- or 15-year-old is homeschooled, when can they work during the school year?
They can only work outside the hours of the local school district in which they live, even if they are homeschooled.
How do I obtain a work permit if I am a minor?
South Carolina does not issue work permits for minors.
When can a minor aged 14- or 15-year-old work?
  • During school: Up to 3 hours a day, 18 hours a week, between 7:0a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
  • When school is out: Up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. during the summer).