South Carolina License Requirements
South Carolina Insurance License Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know to get and keep your South Carolina insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.
South Carolina Insurance License Requirements at a Glance
Key facts for getting and maintaining your South Carolina insurance license.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of South Carolina |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life) | None required (optional) |
| Prelicensing Hours (Health) | None required (optional) |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined) | None required (optional) |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Fee | $59 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Background Check Cost | $52 |
| Fingerprinting Required | Yes |
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics CE Hours | 3 hours |
| Renewal Deadline | South Carolina licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years |
| License Duration | 2 years |
| Special Training Required | No |
| Total Cost Estimate | $350-500 estimated total cost |
| Total Licensing Time | 2-4 weeks |
How to Get Your South Carolina Insurance License
Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in South Carolina.
Complete Prelicensing Education
Prelicensing education status for South Carolina: None required (optional). Check with the South Carolina Department of Insurance for current requirements.
Browse South Carolina Prelicensing Courses →Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The South Carolina insurance licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $59, and you'll need a passing score of 70%. Schedule your exam online after completing your prelicensing education.
Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE →Complete Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting required through Instructions emailed after applying
Apply for Your License
Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $25. Processing typically takes 1-5 business days.
Apply for Your South Carolina License →Get Appointed and Start Selling
Once your South Carolina insurance license is issued, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier before you can sell their products. Each carrier you work with will submit an appointment request to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Appointments are typically processed within a few business days, and there is no additional exam required. Your sponsoring agency or carrier will guide you through this process.
South Carolina Fingerprinting Requirements
Fingerprinting required through Instructions emailed after applying
Name Match Requirement
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
South Carolina CE Renewal Requirements
To keep your South Carolina insurance license active, you must complete continuing education every 2 years. Here are the details:
24 hours
Total CE Hours
3 hours
Ethics Hours Required
2 years
Renewal Period
South Carolina licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years
Renewal Deadline
$39
CE Package Price
SCDOI
Regulatory Body
South Carolina Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations
Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in South Carolina.
Insurance Code
South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 38 – InsuranceView Statute
Prelicensing Education
N/A — not required
Examination Requirements
S.C. Code Ann. 38-43-100(B)
Age Requirements
S.C. Code § 38-43-100(F)(1)
Background Check
S.C. Code Sec. 38-43-100(F)(5)(a)-(b)
Fingerprinting
S.C. Code § 38-43-100(F)(5)(a)-(b)
License Application
S.C. Code Ann. § 38-43-100(F)
CE Requirements
S.C. Code Ann. 38-43-106
CE Ethics
S.C. Code §38-43-106; Reg. 69-50
Administrative Code
Chapter 69 - Department of InsuranceView Statute
Provider Regulation
South Carolina Code of Regulations §69-50
South Carolina Insurance License Requirements — FAQs
How long does it take to get a South Carolina insurance license?
Most candidates complete the South Carolina insurance licensing process in 2-4 weeks. This includes completing prelicensing education, passing the state exam, fingerprinting (if required), and waiting for license approval after submitting your application.
What happens if my name doesn't match my ID in South Carolina?
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
Where do I get fingerprinted in South Carolina?
Fingerprinting required through Instructions emailed after applying
Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to South Carolina?
Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. No exam is required.
How much does a South Carolina insurance license cost?
The total cost to get your South Carolina insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($59), the state application fee ($25), and the background check cost ($52). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.
What are the South Carolina CE requirements?
South Carolina requires licensed insurance agents to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training. Your renewal deadline is South Carolina licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years. JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.
How does the fingerprinting process work for a South Carolina insurance license?
South Carolina sends fingerprinting instructions via email after you submit your license application through NIPR. You do not need to arrange fingerprinting before applying. South Carolina does not require prelicensing education. After completing fingerprinting and passing the PSI exam, the South Carolina Department of Insurance processes your application, typically within a few business days.
What are the prelicensing hour requirements in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires None required (optional). Courses are available fully online through JustInsurance.
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