Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 80 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND FINANCE
Chapter 80-14 - INSTALLMENT LOANS
Subject 80-14-1 - PLACE OF BUSINESS, ADVERTISING, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Rule 80-14-1-.01 - Place of Business Requirements; Convenience and Advantage of Community
Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 20, 2024
(1) A licensee shall not engage in the business of installment lending at a location in this state unless the licensee has first received written approval from the Department.
(2) The "main office" is the physical location indicated on the license application or amendments thereto as the principal place of business, where the books and records are kept.
(3) A "branch" shall be any physical location, other than the principal place of business, where a licensee engages in the business of installment lending.
(4) For the main office and each proposed branch office, an applicant or licensee shall provide information establishing that approval of the proposed location will serve the convenience and advantage of the community. Such information shall include but is not limited to the following:
(5) Factors to be considered by the Department in making a determination as to whether a proposed location will serve the convenience and advantage of the community include but are not limited to the following:
(6) Notwithstanding Paragraph 4 of this rule, the Department may waive the requirement for information regarding the convenience and advantage of the community if a licensee proposes to relocate an existing approved main office or branch office within the same community; however, the proposed relocation remains subject to prior written approval by the Department.
(7) A location, including a personal residence, shall be considered a branch of a licensee requiring approval for purposes of the Georgia Installment Loan Act ("Act") if any of the following conditions are met:
(8) Notwithstanding Paragraph (4) of this rule, a location, including a personal residence, will not be deemed a branch and will be required to have its own license if:
(9) An unstaffed storage facility shall not constitute a branch.
(10) The mailing address of a licensee may be different from the main office address but shall be the address where the Department is authorized to send all correspondence, official notices and orders. The licensee is responsible for keeping the Department informed of any changes in this mailing address.
(11) Each licensee must keep the Department informed of the name, telephone number, and email address of the current contact person for consumer complaints, who is available and has authority to investigate and resolve questions and complaints from consumers which have come to the Department for resolution.
O.C.G.A. §§ 7-3-22, 7-3-32.