1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not engage in the business of a collection agency within this State without having first applied for and obtained a license as a collection agency from the Commissioner.
2. A person engages in the business of a collection agency in this State for the purposes of subsection 1 if the person is located:
(a) In this State and is seeking to collect a claim, regardless of whether the debtor resided or currently resides in this State or another state;
(b) In another state and is seeking to collect a claim from a debtor that resides in this State; or
(c) In another state and is seeking to collect a claim on behalf of a person or entity that resides in this State.
3. A person engaging in the business of a collection agency shall obtain a license for the office of the principal place of business of the person. A person is not required to obtain a license for a branch office or remote location.
4. A debt buyer may share a single license as a collection agency with a person affiliated with the debt buyer if the affiliated person does not engage in any collection activities other than purchasing claims.