Section 17B:17-12 - Certificate of authority; license defineda. A "certificate of authority is a certificate issued by the commissioner evidencing the authority of an insurer to transact insurance in this State.b. A "license" is authority granted by the commissioner pursuant to this code authorizing the licensee to engage in a business or operation of insurance in this State as an agent, broker, or solicitor, as the case may be, and the written evidence of such authority.