South Carolina Insurance License Requirements and Renewal Guide
Complete 2026 guide for new and renewing South Carolina insurance agents
Insurance licensing in the Palmetto State is administered by the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI). State exams are handled through Prometric, while all official applications and renewals are processed online via the national NIPR system.
South Carolina Insurance License Types
South Carolina issues separate licenses by line of authority. Independent agents and agency owners typically hold one or more major lines to cover commercial and personal risks for their clients.
| Line of Authority | Coverage Scope |
|---|---|
| Property and Casualty | Commercial and personal property, general liability, auto insurance, and surety bonds. |
| Life | Life insurance products, annuities, and endowments. |
| Accident and Health | Major medical health insurance, disability income, and Medicare supplements. |
| Personal Lines | Personal auto and homeowners insurance limited exclusively to individuals. |
| Surplus Lines Broker | Placement of high risk policies with non admitted carriers. |
How to Get a South Carolina Insurance License
Obtaining a resident license requires passing the state exam and completing a fingerprint background check. Due to recent legislative changes, mandatory classroom hours are no longer required.
Step 1: Exam Preparation
The state of South Carolina eliminated the statutory requirement for mandatory pre licensing education hours. However, because the exams are highly technical, candidates are strongly advised to complete a self study exam prep course through providers like Kaplan or ExamFX before sitting for the test.
Step 2: Pass the State Licensing Exam
State exams are administered by Prometric. The exam tests general insurance concepts along with South Carolina specific insurance laws. You must achieve a score of 70 percent or higher to pass.
Step 3: Submit Fingerprints
All new resident applicants must complete digital fingerprinting for state and FBI criminal background checks. This process is managed through authorized IdentoGO centers.
Step 4: Submit the NIPR Application
After passing your exam and processing fingerprints, submit your official application through the NIPR portal. The standard state application fee applies, alongside standard NIPR processing fees.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
South Carolina producer licenses must be renewed every 2 years. The expiration date is tied to the last day of the producer’s birth month. Producers born in even numbered years renew in even years, and those born in odd numbered years renew in odd years.
Continuing Education Standards
Resident agents must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education during each two year cycle to maintain an active license status.
- Ethics Requirement: Out of the 24 total hours, at least 3 hours must be specifically dedicated to professional ethics.
- Carryover Hours: South Carolina rewards proactive agents. You can carry over up to 18 excess general CE hours into your next biennial renewal cycle.
- Strict Deadlines: There is no grace period. If you fail to complete your CE by the end of your birth month, your license expires and you will face a penalty fee to reinstate.
Non Resident Licensing
Producers who hold an active license in their home state can obtain a non resident license in South Carolina without taking another exam, thanks to reciprocal agreements.
- No CE Duplication: Fulfilling the continuing education requirements in your home state automatically exempts you from South Carolina CE obligations.
- Application Process: Apply directly online through NIPR and pay the applicable non resident state fee.
Agency Business Entity Licensing
Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships selling insurance in South Carolina must maintain an active business entity license with the SCDOI.
- Designated Producer: The agency must legally designate at least one Designated Responsible Licensed Producer (DRLP). The DRLP must hold an active individual license for every line of authority the agency offers.
- Entity Compliance: The agency must report any changes in ownership, address, or DRLP status to the department promptly.
While LLCs do not file annual reports with the Secretary of State, corporations must file required annual tax returns with the Department of Revenue. Maintaining good standing is essential for license compliance.
Read the South Carolina Annual Report Guide →