(a) Upon the filing of a properly completed application, accompanied by the nonrefundable supervision fee, as provided in § 45-1-118(i), and other required documents, the department shall investigate to ascertain whether the qualifications and requirements prescribed by this chapter have been met. If the department finds the applicant meets the qualifications and requirements, the department shall issue the applicant a license to engage in the check cashing business in this state. Any license issued under this chapter shall remain in effect through December 31 of each year following its date of issuance unless otherwise specified by the department or earlier surrendered, suspended, or revoked. If the commissioner finds that the qualifications and requirements prescribed by this chapter have not been met, the commissioner shall deny the application in writing setting forth the reasons for the denial.

(b) The commissioner shall approve or deny every application for a license within ninety (90) days from the date a completed application with all required fees and documents is submitted, which period may be extended by the written consent of the commissioner. If the commissioner denies an application, or if the commissioner fails to act on an application within ninety (90) days after its filing, the applicant may make written demand to the department for a hearing before the commissioner on the question of whether the license should be granted.

(c) Any hearing on the denial of a license shall be conducted pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. In the hearing, the burden of proving that the applicant is entitled to a license is on the applicant. Decisions of the commissioner following any hearing on the denial of a license are subject to review under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.

(d) Licenses are not transferable or assignable.