(a) A permit to engage in the practice of public accountancy in this state shall be issued by the division director, at the direction of the board, to each person who is certificated as a certified public accountant under Code Sections 43-3-6 through 43-3-12, registered as a public accountant under Code Sections 43-3-13 through 43-3-19, or registered as a foreign accountant under Code Section 43-3-20 who shall have furnished evidence, satisfactory to the board, of compliance with the requirements of Code Section 43-3-25, and to individuals and firms registered under Code Section 43-3-21, provided that such entities are maintained and registered as required under Code Sections 43-3-21 and 43-3-23. There shall be a biennial permit fee in an amount to be determined by the board.

(b) For the purpose of enabling persons or firms licensed in other states to perform specific professional engagements involving the practice of public accounting in this state, the board shall grant temporary permits to practice to persons or firms who make application and demonstrate their qualifications therefor in accordance with the following provisions:

(1) An applicant for a temporary permit under this subsection shall show that he or she is duly licensed and authorized to practice as a certified public accountant or as a firm of certified public accountants or the equivalent in another state or as a registered public accountant or as a firm of registered public accountants or the equivalent in another state and shall give the name of each person who will be engaged in the practice of public accounting in this state in the performance of the professional engagement which is the subject of the application;

(2) The board shall charge a fee for each application for issuance or renewal of a temporary permit under this subsection, in an amount to be determined by the board by rule, for each applicant and for each person who is to engage in the practice of public accounting in this state under the permit;

(3) A temporary permit issued under this Code section shall be limited to the single specific professional engagement which is the occasion for the application for a permit; it shall name each person who is to engage in the practice of public accounting in this state pursuant to such engagement; and it shall be valid for no more than 90 days after its issuance;

(4) An application for a temporary permit under this subsection shall constitute the appointment of the Secretary of State as the applicant's agent upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding against the applicant arising out of any transaction or operation connected with or incidental to the performance of the professional engagement for which the temporary permit was issued; and

(5) No temporary permit shall be issued to, or with respect to the performance of services by, any person who is a resident of this state.