Usually a state license is required to book work for a fee. The agent's role is to promote the talent who has contracted for their marketing services, negotiate the most favorable contract for the talent and collect a commission from the talent. Remember, the agent will be working for you, not vice versa. Carefully review your contract with your agent. This is your agreement regarding what the agent will do to earn the commission you pay.
Legitimate agents work on a commission.
They don't get any money until you get paid for doing the work they have obtained for you. Pressure you to leave a check or cash deposit or sign a contract immediately. An agent's time should be spent finding work for his or her client, not selling products and services. Display pictures of famous models or celebrities on the walls to make you believe they are represented by that agency, although they're not. Use names which sound similar to well-known agencies.