Sec. 151.502. LICENSE REQUIRED.

(a) A person may not engage in the business of currency exchange or advertise, solicit, or hold itself out as providing currency exchange unless the person:

(1) is licensed under this subchapter;

(2) is licensed for money transmission under Subchapter D;

(3) is an authorized delegate of a person licensed for money transmission under Subchapter D;

(4) is excluded under Section 151.003; or

(5) has been granted an exemption under Subsection (d).

(b) For purposes of this chapter, a person engages in the business of currency exchange if the person exchanges currency and receives compensation or expects to receive compensation, directly or indirectly, for the currency exchange.

(c) A license holder may engage in the currency exchange business at one or more locations in this state owned, directly or indirectly by the license holder, under a single license.

(d) On application and a finding that the exemption is in the public interest, the commissioner may exempt a retailer, wholesaler, or service provider that in the ordinary course of business accepts currency of a foreign country or government as payment for goods or services, provided that a person is not eligible for the exemption if:

(1) the value of the goods or services purchased in a single transaction exceeds $10,000;

(2) the change given or made as a result of the transaction exceeds $100;

(3) an attempt is made to structure a transaction in a manner that evades the licensing requirements of this subchapter or avoids using a business licensed under this chapter;

(4) the person is engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, or other payment instruments for consideration and is not otherwise exempt from licensing under this chapter; or

(5) the person would not be eligible for a license under this chapter.

(e) In accordance with the investigation provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may examine a person to verify the person's exempt status under Subsection (d).

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1099 (H.B. 2218), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1000 (H.B. 483), Sec. 8, eff. June 19, 2015.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 198 (H.B. 2458), Sec. 7, eff. May 24, 2019.