South Carolina § 33-15-102 - Consequences of transacting business without authority.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 33-15-102 — Consequences of transacting business without authority., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-15-102. Consequences of transacting business without authority.
(a) A foreign corporation transacting business in this State without a certificate of authority may not maintain a proceeding in any court in this State until it obtains a certificate of authority.
(b) The successor to a foreign corporation that transacted business in this State without a certificate of authority and the assignee of a cause of action arising out of that business may not maintain a proceeding based on that cause of action in any court in this State until the foreign corporation or its successor obtains a certificate of authority.
(c) A court may stay a proceeding commenced by a foreign corporation, its successor, or assignee until it determines whether the foreign corporation or its successor requires a certificate of authority. If it so determines, the court may further stay the proceeding until the foreign corporation or its successor obtains the certificate.
(d) A foreign corporation is liable for a civil penalty of ten dollars for each day but not to exceed a total of one thousand dollars for each year it transacts business in this State without a certificate of authority. The Attorney General may collect all penalties due under this subsection.
(e) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the failure of a foreign corporation to obtain a certificate of authority does not impair the validity of its corporate acts or prevent it from defending any proceeding in this State.
HISTORY: Derived from 1976 Code SECTION 33-23-140 [1962 Code SECTION 12-23.14; 1962 (52) 1996; Reenacted 1984 Act No. 494, SECTION 1; Repealed, 1988 Act No. 444, SECTION 4(1)]; 1988 Act No. 444, SECTION 2.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 33-15-102
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 33-15-102 cover?
Section 33-15-102 ("Consequences of transacting business without authority.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 33-15-102?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 33-15-102" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 33-15-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.