How to become an insurance agent in South Carolina
South Carolina insurance agents are licensed by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in South Carolina, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an insurance agent in South Carolina?
- Pass the producer exam for each line of authority
- Submit fingerprints for a state (SLED) and FBI background check
- Apply online through NIPR
South Carolina insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. South Carolina licenses resident insurance producers by line of authority through the Department of Insurance. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | South Carolina Department of Insurance |
| License name | Resident Producer (lines such as Life; Accident and Health; Property; Casualty; Personal Lines) |
| Education or training | No pre-licensing course appears in the Department's resident producer steps; the exam is required. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE gives the South Carolina producer exams at $59 per exam (candidate handbook); exam reports expire 12 months after issue. |
| License term | Biennial, by the end of the producer's birth month. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every two years: 3 in ethics, 8 in each line of authority held, and the rest in any line. No extensions. |
How much does it cost?
| Producer license fee | $25 |
|---|---|
| Producer renewal fee (plus NIPR transaction fee) | $25 |
| Pearson VUE exam fee, per exam | $59 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become an insurance agent in South Carolina
- Book the exam with Pearson VUE for each line you want
- Pass the exam(s) and keep your score report (valid 12 months)
- Apply online through NIPR and pay the $25 license fee
- Follow the Department's email to book a fingerprint appointment with IdentoGO
- Get your license and an insurer appointment
- Renew every two years by the end of your birth month after 24 CE hours
Apply on the official South Carolina site
How do you check an insurance agent's license in South Carolina?
- Search the name or license number on the official South Carolina insurance agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.