Section 7-1-700. Definitions

   As used in this article, the term:

   (1) "Check casher" means an individual, partnership, association, or corporation engaged in cashing checks, money orders, or other drafts for a fee. Such fee may be payable in cash, in the form of exchange of value in excess of regular retail value, in the form of mandatory purchase of goods or services by patrons, or in the form of the purchase of catalog items or coupons or other items indicating the ability to receive goods, services, or catalog items.

   (2) "Licensed casher of checks" means any individual, partnership, association, or corporation duly licensed by the department to engage in business pursuant to the provisions of this article.

   (3) "Licensee" means a licensed casher of checks, drafts, or money orders.

   (4) "Registered casher of checks" or "registrant" means any individual, partnership, association, or corporation engaged in cashing checks, money orders, or other drafts for a fee limited to the greater of $2.00 or 2 percent of the face amount of the check. Such fee may be payable in cash, in the form of exchange of value in excess of regular retail value, in the form of mandatory purchase of goods or services by patrons, or in the form of the purchase of catalog items or coupons or other items indicating the ability to receive goods, services, or catalog items. A registered casher of checks shall not advertise its check cashing services and shall be duly registered by the department to engage in business pursuant to the provisions of this article.

Code 1981, § 7-1-700, enacted by Ga. L. 1990, p. 739, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 485, § 25; Ga. L. 2007, p. 502, § 25/SB 70; Ga. L. 2010, p. 878, § 7/HB 1387.