33-17-603. Certificate of registration. (1) Except as provided in 33-17-604, a person may not act as or represent to the public that the person is an administrator in this state unless the person holds a certificate of registration as an administrator.

(2) An application for a certificate of registration must be accompanied by a fee of $100. The commissioner shall issue the certificate unless the commissioner finds that the applicant is not competent, trustworthy, financially responsible, or of good personal and business reputation or that the applicant has had a previous application for a license denied for cause within 5 years.

(3) A certificate of registration must be renewed each year by the administrator paying a continuation fee of $100 on or before July 1. Upon payment, the certificate continues in force unless suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated. The commissioner shall deposit the fee with the state treasurer to be credited to the general fund.

(4) A certificate of registration may be suspended or revoked if, after notice and hearing, the commissioner finds that the administrator has violated any of the requirements of this part or that the administrator is not competent, trustworthy, financially responsible, or of good personal and business reputation.

(5) Unless a certification requirement is waived, a person who acts as an administrator without a certificate of registration is subject to a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,500.