Insurance licensing in the United States

Insurance Licensing in the United States

Overview

Insurance licensing in the United States is regulated at the state level, meaning each state has its own department of insurance, licensing requirements, exam process, and continuing education rules.

To legally sell insurance—such as life, health, property & casualty, or variable annuities—an individual must first obtain the appropriate license in their state(s) of operation.

Why Licensing Matters

• 🔐 Ensures consumer protection and regulatory compliance
• 📚 Verifies agents are properly educated and qualified
• 💼 Allows agents to represent carriers and earn commissions
• 📜 Required to be appointed by insurance companies

Types of Insurance Licenses

Common license types across most states include:

Life Insurance

• Covers term life, whole life, universal life, and final expense policies

Health Insurance

• Covers medical, dental, vision, Medicare Supplement, and ACA plans

Property and Casualty (P&C)

• Covers auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial lines

Variable Products

• Requires both insurance license + FINRA registration (Series 6 or 7) for variable life/annuities

Adjuster License

• For claims adjusters and appraisers (varies by state)

Licensing Process

The general licensing process involves the following steps:

1. Pre-Licensing Education

• Many states require a minimum number of classroom or online hours before taking the state exam (e.g., 20–40 hours for life/health)

2. Background Check & Fingerprinting

• Required in most states
• Conducted through authorized vendors

3. State Exam

• Computer-based exam administered through vendors like Pearson VUE or Prometric
• Passing score typically 70%

4. License Application

• Filed through the state’s Department of Insurance or via the **NIPR** (National Insurance Producer Registry)

5. Carrier Appointment

• Required before you can legally sell policies for a specific insurance company

State-by-State Differences

Every state has its own:

• Exam content outlines
• Pre-licensing education requirements
• Application fees and timelines
• Continuing education rules
• License renewal periods

Visit your state’s Department of Insurance or use NIPR for official licensing guidance.

Continuing Education (CE)

To keep your license active, most states require:

• 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years (some require ethics training)
• CE providers must be approved by your state
• Failure to comply may result in license expiration or penalties

License Lookup Tools

You can verify an agent’s license using:

• NIPR Producer Lookup
• Your state’s Department of Insurance website

Multi-State Licensing & Non-Resident Licenses

Thanks to the NAIC's Producer Licensing Model Act, licensed agents can apply for non-resident licenses in most other states with minimal effort—often without an additional exam.

• Use NIPR to apply for non-resident licenses.
• Must maintain good standing in your home (resident) state.

Appointments and E&O Insurance

• Agents must be appointed by each carrier they represent
• Most agents carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance for professional liability protection

Key Organizations

• NIPR – National Insurance Producer Registry (https://nipr.com)
• NAIC – National Association of Insurance Commissioners (https://naic.org)
• FINRA – For agents selling variable products (Series 6, 7, 63)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become an insurance agent? No. You only need to pass the licensing requirements in your state.

Can I sell insurance in multiple states? Yes. You can apply for non-resident licenses via NIPR once licensed in your home state.

What’s the cost to get licensed? Costs vary by state but typically range from $200–$400 including pre-licensing, exam, fingerprinting, and license fees.

How long does it take to get licensed? On average, 1–3 weeks depending on how quickly you complete pre-licensing and pass the exam.

External Resources

• NIPR: National Insurance Producer Registry
• NAIC: National Association of Insurance Commissioners
• Prometric Insurance Exams
• Pearson VUE Insurance Testing

Related Pages

• How to Become an Insurance Agent
• Appointment Process with Insurance Carriers
• Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O)
• Continuing Education for Insurance Agents
• Insurance Producer Tools and Software