(a) An escrow agent’s business shall not be removed from the premises or address shown on the license without the prior approval of the commissioner, and notice of any intended change shall be transmitted to the commissioner not less than 30 days prior to the date of the intended change of location; provided, however, that the commissioner may waive the 30-day notice requirement when the move is occasioned by fire, emergency, or other catastrophe. The commissioner’s approval shall be granted or denied within 30 days from the date of the commissioner’s receipt of the licensee’s request containing such information as the commissioner may require.

(b) When a licensed business is to be moved a distance of five or more miles, and a change in ownership results from a transfer of 50 percent or more of the shares of the corporation, a licensee shall file an application for authorization to change location on a form furnished by the commissioner and the commissioner shall: (1) treat the matter as an application for a new license by invoking the provisions of Sections 17209, 17209.1, 17209.2, and 17209.3, and (2) require the payment of such fees as are applicable under Section 17207. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply when the actual or contemplated change of ownership is to the transferor’s ancestors, descendants, or spouse, or any custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the transferor’s ancestors, descendants, or spouse.

(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 663, Sec. 9.)