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Individual FAQ's

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1. How do I search the status of my license, print my license, or find my license number?

Using Google Chrome, go to www.statebasedsystems.com. Under the SBS heading, select one of the options and follow the steps on the remaining pages.

2. How do I transfer from a resident to a nonresident license?

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 www.nipr.com. 

3. How do I transfer from a nonresident to a resident license?

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 www.nipr.com. 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.

4. How do I request letters of clearance or certification?

The department no longer issues letters of clearance or certification. Using Google Chrome, go to www.statebasedsystems.com. Under the SBS heading, 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).

5. How do I change my address?

Using Google Chrome, go to www.nipr.com. 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.

6. How do I change my name with the Department?

Using Google Chrome, go to www.doi.sc.gov. Click on Licensing & CE, then Forms, and look for the Name Change Form-Individuals.

7. How do I cancel my license?

Using Google Chrome, go to www.doi.sc.gov. Click on Licensing & CE, then Forms, and look for the License Cancellation Form-Individuals.

8. How can I find a list of my active and inactive producer appointments?

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

9. How do I register to take the state licensing examination?

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

10. How do I cancel my appointment with an insurance company?

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

11. Can an insurance company with whom I am appointed cancel my appointment and license with the state?

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

12. What is your mailing address?

South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)
P.O. Box 100105
Columbia, SC 29202-3105

13. What is your physical address for personal or overnight delivery?

South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)
1201 Main Street, Suite 1000
Columbia, SC 29201

14. What is your email address?

agentmail@doi.sc.gov

15. What is your fax number?

(803) 737-6100

16. What is the turn-around time for paperwork submitted to the Department?

All applications should be submitted online at www.nipr.com. 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.

17. How much are the license fees?

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.

18. When do the licenses renew?

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

19. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a resident individual license?

The application should be submitted online at www.nipr.com 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.

20. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a nonresident individual license?

The entity must first be licensed in their resident state prior to applying for a nonresident license. The application should be submitted online at www.nipr.com 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.

21. How do I add a new line of authority to an existing license?

Using Google Chrome, go to www.nipr.com. 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. 

22. What is required to obtain a resident producer Variable Contract license?

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.

23. I am currently licensed for Life and Accident/Health insurance and would like to sell Long Term Care Insurance. Which line of authority do I have to apply for to sell this product?

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.

24. What individual license types require an appointment?

Producers

25. Who qualifies for a temporary license?

A temporary license may be issued only under certain circumstances. Please refer to South Carolina Code Ann. §38-43 102 at http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c043.docx.

26. Can a producer pay a finder's or referral fee to an unlicensed individual?

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

27. Is there a fee to cancel producer appointments with insurance companies?

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

28. How can I obtain a copy of an individual's file?

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