Frequently Asked Questions

Using Google Chrome, go to SBS. Under the SBS heading, click print license, and follow the steps on the remaining pages.

The individual must be licensed in the new resident state first, request cancellation of the SC resident license, and apply for the SC nonresident license online at NIPR.

The resident license will need to be canceled in the previous home state. The SC nonresident license will also need to be canceled, if applicable. Once canceled, the resident license can be submitted online at NIPR. A letter of clearance from the previous home state is not required if SC can verify on the State Producer Licensing Database (SPLD) that the license has been canceled in the previous home state. 

To exempt the state licensing examination, the individual must submit the resident application within 90 days of canceling the license in the previous home state. If the license in the previous home state has been inactive for more than 90 days, in accordance with SC law, the individual is required to take the SC examination. 

If the application is for a resident surplus lines broker license, the 90-day law does not apply. All applicants for a resident surplus lines broker license must pass our surplus lines broker examination. 

If applying for a resident producer license, the applicant must be fingerprinted.

The department no longer issues letters of clearance or certification. Using Google Chrome, go to SBS, click the print license option, and log in. At the top of the page, you will see that the summary page serves as either a letter of clearance (if inactive) or a letter of certification (if active).

Using Google Chrome, go to NIPR. Click on Licensing Center, Change Contact Information, Go to the Online Application, sign in as an Individual, and follow the steps on the remaining pages.

Using Google Chrome, go to our Forms page and look for the Name Change Form-Individuals.

Using Google Chrome, go to our Forms page and look for the License Cancellation Form-Individuals.

Using Google Chrome, go to the SBS website. Under SBS click on print license and log in. On your summary page, scroll down to the appointment heading to view your appointments.

Contact Pearson Vue at 877-759-5226 or register to take the exam at Pearson Vue's website at home.pearsonvue.com/sc/insurance. 

Contact the insurance company directly and ask for the appointment to be canceled.

The insurance company can cancel your appointment. The insurance company cannot cancel your license.

agentmail@doi.sc.gov

All applications should be submitted online at NIPR. Supporting documentation should be attached to NIPR's Attachment Warehouse. The application will be received the next business day and will be reviewed. Once all documentation has been received, our processing time is usually 48-72 hours.

Producer $25 biennially
Adjuster $80 biennially*
Appraiser $80 biennially
Public Adjuster $80 biennially*
Surplus lines broker $200 biennially

*When the laws of another state require a higher fee, the nonresident shall pay an amount equal to the amount of charges imposed by their home state.

Adjusters August 1-31 of odd numbered years
Appraisers October 1-31 of odd numbered years
Producer Birth month of even (odd) years if born in an even (odd) year
Public Adjuster October 1-31 of even numbered years
Surplus Lines Broker May 1-31 of even numbered years

The applicant should first pass the state exam (if required), then apply for the license online at NIPR. Please note that NIPR will charge a processing fee in addition to our license fee. Once the application is received, the Department will send an email on fingerprinting or how to obtain a SLED report. 

The entity must first be licensed in their resident state prior to applying for a nonresident license. The application should be submitted online at NIPR and the appropriate license fee paid at the end of the application process. Please note that NIPR will charge a processing fee in addition to our license fee.

Using Google Chrome, go to NIPR. Click on Licensing Center, Add a Line of Authority, Go to the Online Application, sign in as an Individual, and follow the steps on the remaining pages. 

The producer must hold the life line of authority and pass Series 6 or 7 examination offered through FINRA. The applicant must also provide a CRD number on the application.

Long term care is included with the life or accident/health lines of authority. Before selling long term care insurance, the producer must provide proof to the insurer that 8 hours of long term care product training has been completed. Thereafter, every two years the producer must provide to the insurer proof that an additional 4 hours of long term care training has been completed. Resident producers must complete South Carolina’s training requirements.

Nonresident producers will complete the training in their home state.

Producers

A temporary license may be issued only under certain circumstances. Please refer to South Carolina Code Ann. §38-43 102. 

Yes. Please refer to Section 38-43-200 (D) of our law.

The department does not charge a fee to an insurance company to cancel an appointment. NIPR will charge the insurance company a processing fee.

A FOIA request should be submitted to our Legal Division. Please call  (803) 737-6132 for instructions.