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A criminal background check is now required for all initial applicants, from a source approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission pursuant to SC Code Section 40-57-115. The law currently reads as follows:

SC Code 40-57-115. Criminal background checks required for initial applicants.

In addition to other requirements established by law and for the purpose of determining an applicant's eligibility for licensure as a salesman, broker, broker-in-charge, property manager, and property manager-in-charge, the commission shall require initial applicants to submit to a state criminal records check, by a source approved by the commission, and a national criminal records check. Costs of conducting a criminal records check must be borne by the applicant. The commission shall keep information received pursuant to this section confidential, except that information relied upon in denying licensure my be disclosed as necessary to support the administrative action.

Background Check Instructions:

Effective July 1 2020, all applicants for initial salesperson, broker, property manager with the Real Estate Commission will be required to obtain state and national fingerprint-based criminal records checks from the State Law Enforcement Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The cost of conducting the criminal records must be borne by the applicant. This is pursuant to an amendment to S.C Code of Law 40-57-115

For any applications submitted after June 30th 2020, instructions will be provided after the initial application is received on how to obtain your fingerprint background checks. The Commission cannot use background checks that were obtained for other licensing, security clearance or weapons permitting purposes.

After your application is reviewed, a specific South Carolina Real Estate Commission identifier will be provided along with instructions for your fingerprinting.

YOU CANNOT APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE EXAMINATION UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE BACKGROUND CHECK. IT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION, ALONG WITH YOUR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FROM YOUR REAL ESTATE, BROKER OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CLASS.