No person or other entity may engage in the business of either Level I or Level II check-cashing service without first obtaining a license pursuant to 34-41-10 No person or other entity providing a Level I or Level II check-cashing service may avoid the requirements of this chapter by providing a check or other currency equivalent instead of currency when cashing payment instruments.

Level I

Level I check-cashing service means any person or entity engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, or money orders for a fee, service charge or other consideration.

Level II

Level II check-cashing service means any person or entity engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, or money orders for a fee, service charge, or other consideration; however, a Level II licensee may not be licensed to engage in the business of deferred presentment.

This chapter shall not apply to:

• A bank, savings institution, credit union, or farm credit system organized under the laws of the United States or any state; and
• Any person or entity principally engaged in the bona fide retail sale of goods or services, who either as an incident to or independently of a retail sale or service and not holding itself out to be a Level I or Level II check-cashing service, from time to time cashes checks, drafts, or money orders without a fee or other consideration.

Check Cashing Applications, Instructions and Forms

• Check Cashing Applications (PDF)
• Authorization to Release (PDF)
• Check Cashing Fee Form (PDF)
• Maintaining Your License (PDF)
• Check Cashing Amendment Checklist (PDF)
• Check Cashing Pre-Renewal Notice (PDF)