1. Upon the filing of the application, the filing of a certified audit, the payment of the investigation fee and the approval by the director of the necessary bond, the director shall cause, investigate, and determine whether the character, responsibility, and general fitness of the principals of the applicant or any affiliates are such as to command confidence and warrant belief that the business of the applicant will be conducted honestly and efficiently and that the applicant is in compliance with all other applicable state and federal laws. If satisfied, the director shall issue to the applicant a license pursuant to the provisions of sections 361.700 to 361.727. In processing a renewal license, the director shall require the same information and follow the same procedures described in this subsection.

2. Each licensee shall pay to the director before the issuance of the license, and annually thereafter on or before April fifteenth of each year, a license fee of three hundred dollars.

3. The director may assess a reasonable charge, not to exceed three hundred dollars, for any application to amend and reissue an existing license.