(1) The commissioner may license as a surplus line broker a person who is otherwise qualified under this code but who is not a resident of this state, if by the laws of the state or province of his or her residence or domicile a similar privilege is extended to residents of this state.

     (2) A person under subsection (1) of this section must meet the same qualifications as any other person seeking to be licensed as a surplus line broker under this chapter, except for residency, and is not required to submit fingerprints with the license application for a background check. A person granted a nonresident surplus line broker's license must fulfill all the same responsibilities as any other surplus line broker, except for bonding, and is subject to the (a) commissioner's supervision as though resident in this state and (b) rules adopted under this chapter.

     (3) A nonresident surplus line broker's license expires if not timely renewed. A nonresident surplus line broker's license is valid for the time period established by the commissioner unless suspended or revoked at an earlier date. The request and fee for the renewal of the license is the same as the renewal and fee requirements for a resident surplus line broker licensed under RCW 48.15.070.

     (4) Each licensed nonresident surplus line broker, by application for and issuance of a license, is deemed to have appointed the commissioner as the surplus line broker's attorney to receive service of legal process issued against the surplus line broker in this state upon causes of action arising within this state. Service upon the commissioner as attorney constitutes effective legal service upon the surplus line broker.

     (a) The appointment of the commissioner as attorney is irrevocable, binds any successor in interest or to the assets or liabilities of the surplus line broker, and remains in effect for as long as there could be any cause of action against the surplus line broker arising out of the surplus line broker's insurance transactions in this state.

     (b) Service of legal process must be accomplished and processed in the manner prescribed in RCW 48.02.200.

[2010 c 18 § 2; 2009 c 162 § 4; 2001 c 91 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2010 c 18: See note following RCW 48.15.070.

     Effective date -- 2009 c 162: See note following RCW 48.03.020.