(a) A person may not operate as a service contracts provider, or offer to be a provider unless the person is either registered with the department or the service contracts offered are specifically exempt from Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1304.     
      (b) A registration expires one year from the date issued.     
      (c) An applicant for a provider registration must submit on department-approved forms:      
        (1) a completed application;       
        (2) a completed personal information form from each controlling person as defined in Texas Occupations Code §1304.0035;       
        (3) a completed criminal history questionnaire from each controlling person as defined in Texas Occupations Code §1304.0035, if applicable;       
        (4) the fee required under §77.80; and       
        (5) proof of financial security required under §77.40.       
      (d) Within 30 days of a provider's initial registration date, the provider must submit a list of the following information:      
        (1) website addresses where a consumer may purchase the provider's service contracts, as applicable;       
        (2) the provider's administrator(s) as applicable, including each administrator's name, assumed name, street address, telephone number, and department registration number; and       
        (3) the provider's service contracts sellers, except those excluded under Texas Occupations Code §1304.1025(c)(2), including each seller's name, assumed name, street address, and telephone number.       
      (e) A provider must report changes in its controlling person(s) within 30 days of the change on a department approved form, unless the change occurs within 30 days of the provider's renewal date. If the change occurs within 30 days of a provider's renewal, the provider may report it at the time of renewal on a department approved form(s).     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §77.20 adopted to be effective November 16, 2009, 34 TexReg 7791; amended to be effective March 1, 2012, 37 TexReg 1319; amended to be effective January 15, 2015, 40 TexReg 60; amended to be effective June 15, 2022, 47 TexReg 3455