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Business Entity FAQ's

Show All Answers

1. What is your mailing address?

South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)
Post Office Box 100105
Columbia SC 29202-3105

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

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

3. To whom do I make my check payable?

South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)

4. What is your fax number?

(803) 737-6100

5. What is your email address?

agntmail@doi.sc.gov

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

After the paperwork is received from the Department's Accounting Division, applications can be processed in 3 to 7 business days. The processing time depends on the amount of paperwork received by the Licensing Division.

7. How can I expedite the processing of my application?

To expedite processing time, non-residents may apply online at www.nipr.com.

8. Why can't I bring my money and application to the Department and receive my license on the spot?

There are several steps involved in processing an application. Paperwork with checks attached are sent to the Accounting Division for processing of the check. The Accounting Division enters the check number, name and FEIN/SSN. An invoice is generated for payment of the entity. After the invoice is generated, the licensing paperwork is forwarded to the Licensing Division. The Licensing Division must ensure each entity application meets the requirements established by state law. Once the information is verified and approved by our processors, the application is entered into the database. If all required paperwork has been submitted and additional information is not needed, the license is processed. Entities can check the status of their license on the Department’s website, https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Public/Queries/AgncyLicSrch.aspx. When the license shows active, the license can be printed from the Department’s website, https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Companies/AgncyLicPrintTerms.aspx.

9. How do I find my entity license number?

a) Go to the Department’s website at www.doi.sc.gov
b) Select Online Services
c) Select Search SCDOI Database under the General Public heading or at the top of the page
d) Click on Search for Agencies or Search for Companies
e) Enter the Agency or Company Name and click Search
f) The entity’s license number will be shown there.

10. How can I obtain a copy of my license?

A copy of the agency license may be printed from the Department’s website at no cost by performing the following steps:

a. Go to the Department’s website at: www.doi.sc.gov
b. Select Online Services
c. Select Print Agency License under the Registered Agency Users heading
d. Click on the I Agree button at the bottom of the Terms of Use page
e. Key in the FEIN and Agency Code in the format as shown next to the FEIN and Agency Code boxes and click Login;
f. Click Print License;

Copies of Duplicate or Amended license can be obtained any time using steps a-f above.

Rental Car and Portable Electronics companies must contact our office for a copy of the license.

11. How do I change my address?

Agencies can change their address by using the Department’s online services. Each agency is assigned a userID and password when the agency becomes licensed in South Carolina. The userID and password is sent to the agency with the new South Carolina license. Agencies can change their address online at https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Login.aspx.

If the licensee is unable to change the address online, the address change must be submitted via US mail or email on the proscribed form found on our website.

The licensing division will not accept faxed address change requests. In addition, we will not accept third-party or unsigned address change requests.

12. My userID and password for my online account has expired. How can I have my userID and password reset?

You will need to send an email to the Department’s technology area at irmmail@doi.sc.gov and ask that your userID and password be reset. Make sure you include your name and your license number. Someone from the technology area will reset your information and contact you by email. The Department cannot provide you this information by phone.

13. I forgot my userID and password for my online account. How can I have my userID and password reset?

You will need to send an email to the Department’s technology area at irmmail@doi.sc.gov and ask that your userID and password be reset. Make sure you include your name and your license number. Someone from the technology area will reset your information and contact you by email. The Department cannot provide you this information by phone.

14. How do I change the name of the entity with the Department?

The entity must submit via US mail or email on the proscribed form found on our website with legal verification showing the change in the resident state.

If the name and FEIN are changing, a new license must be applied for.

15. How much are the license fees?

Agency $40
Portable Electronics $1000
Rental Car Company $40

16. When do the licenses renew?

Agency January 1-31 even numbered years
Portable Electronics July 1-31 odd numbered years
Rental Car Company December 1-31 even numbered years

17. How do I cancel my South Carolina license?

The entity must submit via US mail or email on the proscribed form found on our website. Only an officer may cancel the entity license.

The licensing division will not accept third-party or unsigned license cancellation requests.

18. How do I request a Letter of Certification?

A Letter of Certification may be requested either by mail with a $3 fee per letter or on-line at www.doi.sc.gov. “Online Services,” “Registered Agency Users”, “Generate Agency Certification Letter.” There is no fee for the online request.

A self-addressed stamped envelope is required with the written request sent to the Department.

19. How do I request a Letter of Clearance?

A Letter of Clearance may be requested via mail including a $3 fee per letter payable to South Carolina Insurance Department. The entity must submit a signed statement requesting the license be cancelled and a letter of clearance issued. A self-addressed stamped envelope is required with the request sent by US mail.

20. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a resident entity license in South Carolina?

The Business Entity and Rental Car Company must complete the licensing application and pay a $40 licensing fee. The Portable Electronics vendor must complete the licensing application and pay a $1000 licensing fee.

21. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a nonresident entity license in South Carolina?

The entity must be licensed for the same lines of authority in their state of domicile. The nonresident must complete an online licensing application and pay a $40 ($1000 for Portable Electronics vendor) fee at www.nipr.com.

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

Neither an entity nor companies hold lines of authority in SC. The individual’s that are affiliated to the entity hold the lines of authority.

23. How do I transfer from resident to nonresident in South Carolina?

The entity must apply and become licensed in the new home state. Once the new home state has issued a license, the entity can apply and pay online at www.nipr.com for a nonresident license in South Carolina.

24. How do I transfer from a nonresident license to a resident license in South Carolina?

The license will need to be canceled in the previous home state. After the license is canceled, mail a completed application to South Carolina along with a $40 license fee.

25. May I send a completed application by fax?

No. The application must be completed online or mailed to the Department along with the fee.

26. Are appointments required in South Carolina?

Yes, for producers only.

27. Where may I find licensing forms?

Visit the Department’s website at www.doi.sc.gov under “Agents & Brokers” click on “Agency”, “Rental Car”, or “Portable Electronics Vendor”.

28. How can I verify my license status?

Verify license status by first clicking on “Online Services” then “Search SCDOI Database” on the Department’s home page. Click on “Search for Agencies” or “Search for Companies” enter either the SC Agency code or the name. Next click on “Search”. Once you have found the entity’s name, click on the entity’s name and this will take you to the “Agency Demographics and License Information” page. On this page you will find the license type, license status and license qualifications.

29. May an agency pay a finder's fee or referral fee to an unlicensed individual?

Yes. See 38-43-200 (D) of the law.

30. How can I obtain a copy of an entity file?

Put your request in writing to Steve Dubois at the South Carolina Department of Insurance or email to sdubois@doi.sc.gov. A fee will be charged for your request. The address is P. O. Box 100105, Columbia, SC 29202.

31. How many affiliated or designated responsible producers are required to maintain a business entity license?

According to Section 38-43-100 (H)(2) of the insurance law, a business entity is required to maintain a licensed producer responsible for the business entity license.