Bulletin 2020-03A Temporary Producer Licenses, Extension of Compliance Deadlines

SC DOI South Carolina Department of Insurance 1201 Main Street, Suite 1000 Columbia, SC 29201 Mailing Address P.O. Box 100105 Columbia, SC 29202 # BULLETIN NUMBER 2020-03A TO: All Insurers, Producers, Surplus Lines Brokers, Bail Bondsmen, and other Licensed or Authorized Persons Transacting the Business of Insurance in South Carolina FROM: Raymond G. Farmer Director of Insurance RE: Discontinuation of Temporary Producer Licenses for New Applicants Due to COVID-19 DATE: September 15, 2020 This Bulletin modifies temporary licensing section of Bulletin 2020-03 originally issued on April 2, 2020. Effective September 15, 2020, the Department of Insurance will no longer issue temporary producer licenses related solely to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Testing centers are now able to test at full capacity and online proctoring of examinations is available. There is no longer any disruption to the ability of a producer to secure a license. Temporary licenses that have already been issued will expire automatically 180 days after the issue date. Any active temporary producer license issued pursuant to this Bulletin may be converted to a regular producer license by completion of all prerequisites for a license for the desired line or lines of insurance, including meeting all examination and fingerprint requirements pursuant to the applicable statutes. No additional fee shall be required in association with the issuance of the regular producer license prior to the expiration of the temporary license. If an individual applies for a regular producer license after the expiration of the temporary license, they must pay the applicable fee. Remote testing for South Carolina license examinations is available through the Department's third-party vendor. To register for an exam, individuals should visit home.psiexams.com or call 833-518-7457. Producers may contact the Department's Individual Licensing Office with any questions at 803-737-6095 or email agentmail@doi.sc.gov. Bulletins are the method by which the Director of Insurance formally communicates with persons and entities regulated by the Department. Bulletins are Departmental interpretations of South Carolina insurance laws and regulations and provide guidance on the Department's enforcement approach. Bulletins do not provide legal advice. Readers should consult applicable statutes and regulations or contact an attorney for legal advice or for additional information on the impact of that legislation on their specific situation. Governor Henry McMaster Director Raymond G. Farmer