Reports are this email went to SC licensees on May 27, 2022:
This communication is to notify SC Real Estate Licensees of two important updates: alternative name registration and a full exemption from continuing education requirements for salespersons and brokers that meet certain criteria.
Alternative Name Registration
First, if you would like to identify yourself under a name other than your legal first name when conducting real estate business, the SC Real Estate Commission is now allowing licensees to register an "alternative name."
Once registered, this name can be used as an alternative to your legal first name only.
The alternative name will appear in parenthesis on your next-issued license pocket card. The alternative name will also be tied to your licensing information in the Commission’s database. So, if someone enters your alternative name in the first name field on Licensee Lookup on the Commission’s website, it will still pull up your license information.
If you are actively licensed and not due to renew at the time you register your alternative name, a new pocket card will be automatically issued. If you are still due to renew, your new pocket card will be issued after renewal.
To register an alternative name, you will need to log into your LLR account at the following link:
If you need assistance with recovering your login information, please review the instructions at the following link:
Both of the links above can be found under the "Quick Links" column on the right side of the SC Real Estate Commission web pages.
Full Continuing Education Exemption
Second, the law has changed regarding full exemptions from continuing education requirements for salespersons and brokers. Now, licensees who are at least 65 years of age and have been licensed in South Carolina for at least 25 years are able to obtain full exemptions from the continuing education requirements. Once a licensee has qualified for the full continuing education exemption and has submitted the appropriate form, that full exemption is permanently recorded with the Commission and the licensee does not need to submit additional paperwork to retain the exemption for subsequent renewals.
The partial exemption still remains in the current law for those who have 25 years of total licensed experience (including experience from other states). There is no age requirement for the partial exemption. Similar to the full exemption, the partial exemption is permanently recorded with the Commission and the licensee does not need to submit additional paperwork to retain the exemption for subsequent renewals.
Importantly, these exemptions only apply to continuing education requirements and do not apply to any other applicable renewal requirements, including but not limited to payment of renewal fees and criminal background checks.
Below are links to the two CE exemption request forms.
CE Exemption Request Forms:
Request for Partial Continuing Education Exemption (25 years of active licensure)
Document # 220
Posted by: Byron King on 05/31/22 (This information is only accurate as of 05/31/22. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 05/31/22 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)
This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.