FAQs • Department of Insurance, SC • CivicEngage

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Department of Insurance, SC

How can I obtain a copy of an entity file?: A FOIA request should be submitted to our Legal Division. Please call (803) 737-6132 for instructions.

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Business Entity 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, click on the lookup feature and login.

2. 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 print license 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).

3. What is your mailing address?: South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)
Post Office Box 100105
Columbia SC 29202-3105

4. What is your physical address for personal or overnight delivery?: South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)
1201 Main Street
Suite 1000
Columbia SC 29201

5. What is your fax number?: (803) 737-6100

6. What is your email address?: agentmail@doi.sc.gov

7. 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.

8. 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 a Business Entity, and follow the steps on the remaining pages.

9. How do I change the name on the entity's license?: Using Google Chrome, go to www.doi.sc.gov. Click on Licensing & CE, then Forms, and look for the Name Change Form-Business Entity.

10. How much are the license fees?: Agency $40
Portable Electronics Vendor $1000
Motor Vehicle Rental Car $40
Self-Service Storage Facility $40

11. When do the licenses renew?: Agency January 1-31 of even numbered years
Portable Electronics July 1-31 of odd numbered years
Motor Vehicle Rental Car December 1-31 of even numbered years
Self-Service Storage April 1-30 of odd numbered years

12. 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-Business Entity.

13. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a resident entity 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.

14. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a nonresident entity 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.

15. How do I add a new line of authority to an existing license?: Business entities do not hold lines of authority.

16. How do I transfer from a resident to a nonresident license?: The entity 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.

17. 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 SC resident license can be submitted online at www.nipr.com.

18. Are appointments required for an entity license?: An appointment is not required for an agency license. An appointment is required for the following entity licenses: Portable Electronics, Motor Vehicle Rental Car, and Self-Service Storage Facility.

19. Can an entity pay a finder's or referral fee to an unlicensed individual?: Yes. Please refer to Section 38-43-200 (D) of our law. www.scstatehouse.gov

20. How can I obtain a copy of an entity file?: A FOIA request should be submitted to our Legal Division. Please call (803) 737-6132 for instructions.

21. How many affiliated or designated responsible licensed producers (DRLP) are required to maintain an entity license?: The department does not require producer affiliations to an agency. The department does require that there be at least one active DRLP for an agency's license to remain active.