Ready to launch a flexible, fulfilling career as a licensed insurance producer in South Carolina? Whether you’re going full-time or starting a side hustle, the process is simpler than you think — and you don’t need a degree or years of experience to begin.
At Envela, we provide everything you need to thrive: a digital agency-in-a-box, instant commissions, marketing tools, and on-demand support. But first, let’s get you licensed.
South Carolina has licensed over tens of thousands of producers, and you can be next. The steps are straightforward:
To get licensed in South Carolina, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the basics:
South Carolina offers several insurance license types (also called "lines of authority"):
You can hold multiple lines of authority under one insurance producer license. South Carolina lets you take a combined exam (e.g., Life & Health or Property & Casualty) so you can obtain multiple licenses with one test and application, rather than doing them separately.
Unlike many other states, South Carolina does not require pre-licensing education to sit for the insurance exam. However, due to the difficulty and nature of the exam, many aspiring agents choose to take a prep course to feel more confident on test day. These courses often include practice quizzes, flashcards, and state-specific materials to help improve your chances of passing.
Once you’re ready, schedule your licensing exam with Pearson VUE, South Carolina’s official testing provider. The exam is multiple choice, requires a score of 70% or higher to pass, and includes both general insurance concepts and South Carolina-specific laws. Pearson VUE offers an exam content outline to help you prepare.
Once you've completed your exam, your score will be automatically sent to the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI).
South Carolina requires a one-time fingerprint-based background check. All resident producer applicants must provide fingerprints, but you won’t need to re-fingerprint at renewal as long as your license stays active.
You’ll get an email from the DOI after you apply with instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
Details:
Once you complete your fingerprinting, the results are sent directly to the DOI, and any new criminal charges will be automatically reported to them in the future.
After passing your exam, you’ll need to submit your license application online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Since it takes about 48 hours for your exam results to be uploaded to NIPR, you should wait at least 2 days before applying for your license.
To apply for your license, you’ll need:
After you apply, the South Carolina Department of Insurance will begin processing your application. This can take a few business days, but you can track your status online.
To actually sell insurance, you must be appointed by at least one licensed insurance company. This tells the state which insurer you’re authorized to represent.
Appointment Info:
Captive agents usually get one appointment. Independent agents are often appointed by several insurers. You need at least one active appointment to sell policies and keep your license valid. The good news is that appointments are handled by the companies, and not you.
All resident agents must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years to keep their license active. Specifically, if you were born in an even-numbered year, you renew by the end of your birth month in even years. If born in an odd-numbered year, renew by your birth month in odd years. For example, if you were born July 15, 1990 (even year), your license must be renewed by July 31, 2026, then July 31, 2028, etc.
CE Requirements:
You can track and complete your CE requirements through State Based Systems (SBS).
When your renewal is due, you will renew through NIPR or the state’s online system and pay a renewal fee ($25, the same as the initial fee). You can’t renew if your CE is deficient, and your CE must be completed before you submit for renewal.
We recommend finishing your CE at least a week or more before the deadline so it’s recorded in the system. If you miss your renewal deadline or CE, your license could lapse, and you might have to pay a fine or go through reinstatement (which could involve back CE and fees).
You’re looking at around $135–$475+ per line of authority. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to spend per license:
Exam Fees
As of 2025, exam fees for South Carolina are:
Fingerprinting and Background Check Fees
Fingerprinting for your background check usually costs $50.50 in SC.
Application Fees
You’ll need to pay $25 for each license application. If you’re applying for a combined license (like P&C), you only need to pay one application fee. But if you’re applying for multiple licenses like Personal Lines and Life, you’ll need to pay the fee for each one.
| Exam Fees | $59 |
| Fingerprinting | $50.50 |
| Application Fee | $25 per license |
| Study Materials Optional | $0–$300 depending on the course or provider |
| Renewal fee | $25 every two years |
When your license is in hand, the next step is choosing how you want to sell insurance. Your options generally fall into two buckets:
Work exclusively for one insurance company — think State Farm, Allstate, or GEICO. You’ll likely receive a salary or base pay, along with benefits and company training. The trade-off? You can only offer your clients that company’s products, which limits your ability to shop around or offer alternatives.
As a captive agent, you:
Contract with an agency or brokerage that works with multiple carriers, like Envela. That means more freedom, more products, and often higher commission potential. Independent producers are usually 100% commission-based, but they also control their schedules and build their own brand. As an independent agent, you:
With Envela, you get the best of both worlds: full independence, but with the tools, tech, and support of a full-service agency.
You don’t need a corner office or a nameplate on the door to build a successful insurance business, but you do need the right tools to get started. If you're a captive agent, some of these essentials might be provided. For independent producers, these tools are the foundation of your future success.
Whether you're working from your kitchen table, a local coffee shop, or a home office, these are the essentials that help you operate like a pro and win your clients’ trust.
If you want to take things up a notch, these optional tools may be worth considering:
Starting from scratch is overrated. With Envela, licensed agents skip the setup drama and jump straight into growth mode. Our agency-in-a-box platform allows you to sell on your terms — no franchise fees, micromanagement, or chasing down your paycheck. We provide everything you need to grow your book of business and keep more of what you earn:
Ready to join a platform that puts you in control? Apply now and start your journey as an independent agent in South Carolina.
How long does it take to get licensed in South Carolina?
Most agents complete the process in 2–6 weeks. You can get licensed quickly if you study consistently and schedule your exam and fingerprinting back-to-back. Just be sure to track your progress through NIPR and SBS.
Do I need a degree to become an insurance agent in South Carolina?
Nope. Just be 18+, legally allowed to work in the U.S., and pass the licensure exam of your choosing.
Do I need to take a pre-licensing course?
South Carolina doesn’t require pre-licensing courses, but skipping this option can make passing the exam much harder. A pre-licensing course can help you understand the material, avoid common pitfalls, and feel more confident walking into the exam.
Can I sell insurance part-time?
Yes! Many agents start part-time and scale up over time. With Envela, you can sell on your terms — whether that’s on evenings, weekends, or full-time from home.
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