(a) The department shall approve or deny an application for a permit to solicit insurance under § 911.055. If the department finds that the application complies with this chapter, the department shall issue to the applicants a permit to solicit insurance.
(a-1) If the department finds that the application does not comply with this chapter, the department shall deny the application. On the applicant’s request, the commissioner shall hold a hearing on a denial. Not later than the 30th day after the date of the applicant’s request for a hearing, the commissioner shall request a hearing date.

(b) A permit issued under this section authorizes the permit holders to solicit insurance on the mutual or cooperative plan in accordance with the terms of the application. The permit does not authorize the permit holders to:
(1) issue insurance policies; or
(2) pay losses.
(c) A permit issued under this section is valid for six months. On receipt of an application for renewal and a fee in the amount of $10, the department may renew a permit issued under § 911.055 as frequently and for the period as the department determines necessary.