Tennessee Code Title 56. Insurance § 56-14-104

(a) The commissioner may issue a surplus lines license to any agent licensed pursuant to chapter 6 of this title. Such license shall grant the agent authority to procure the kinds of insurance provided for in this chapter from unauthorized companies in this state under the conditions prescribed in this chapter.

(b) Every license issued pursuant to this section shall be for a twenty-four month term. A license fee in the amount of one hundred twenty dollars ($120) shall be paid to the commissioner in advance of issuance or renewal of a license. Licenses expiring on December 31, 2011, shall be extended until the next scheduled renewal of a producer's license issued under chapter 6 of this title and may be renewed biennially thereafter. New licenses issued on or after January 1, 2012, may be renewed for ensuing periods of twenty-four (24) months expiring on the last day of the producer's birth month.

(c) Before the commissioner may issue or renew a license, the agent seeking licensure or renewal of a license shall file an application in a form that the commissioner prescribes.

(d) Before a license is issued, the applicant shall hold a valid license from the department authorizing the applicant to write the coverages provided for in this chapter with a company licensed to transact business in this state. The commissioner may participate in the NAIC producer licensing database.

(e) An agent licensed pursuant to this section may accept insurance provided for in this chapter from any insurance producer licensed pursuant to chapter 6 of this title and place that insurance with an eligible surplus lines insurer licensed pursuant to this chapter. The agent may compensate the insurance producer according to § 56-14-115.