How do I Get an Insurance License in California?

The first step in getting your insurance license is determining what type of insurance agent you want to be, or what types of policies you need to sell. That will help you figure out what type, or types, of insurance licenses you need to get. Then, it’s time to begin studying. After completing all of your pre-license coursework or self-study you’ll need to take your insurance exam. You’ll take one exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry, although Life, Accident & Health and Property & Casualty (P&C) lines are combined as one test each, so you wouldn’t take four tests, you would only take two altogether. You must pass your exams within one year of completing your pre-license education course. California requires that all insurance license applicants provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you have passed the exam for, be sure to apply for all of those lines. Once you have submitted your application and have filled all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. Your background check will also be reviewed.

How Do I Get a State Adjuster License in California?

The first step to apply for the California adjuster license is to take the exam. The next step after completing all your coursework is to take and pass the California Insurance Adjuster License exam. One thing to note – the State of California requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. If you have specific questions regarding things that may come up on your background check you may call the California Department of Insurance at (800) 967-9331 or send them an email. Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license. You must obtain and submit a surety bond in the penal sum of $2,000 executed by a California admitted surety, and signed by the principal. Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes about fifteen to forty-five (15-45) working days. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.

How do I renew my insurance license in California?

The State of California requires that resident individual licensees complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period. Three (3) of those hours need to focus on ethics. You can only receive credits for courses approved for your type of license, and the same course cannot be taken repeatedly in one reporting period. Once you are within 90 days of your license expiration, you may renew your California insurance license online by using the California Department of Insurance Online Renewal tool. You can use this tool before completing your continuing education requirements. But the renewal will not go into effect until your continuing education is complete. You’ll be charged $188 per line to renew your license(s). <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can help with insurance license renewals.

How do I renew my non-resident insurance license in California?

Non-California resident licensees are not exempt from the training. If your resident home state requires continuing education (CE) hours, you will not have to comply with California CE requirements in addition to those of your home state. However, if you market long-term care you must complete a <a href="http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0090-faq/general-faq/long-term-care.cfm">California 2004 8 Hour Long-Term course</a> from an approved California education provider. Additionally, if you market Annuities you must comply with <a href="http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0050-renew-license/0200-requirements/life-only/questions-answers.cfm"> California’s Annuity training requirement</a> . The renewal fee for Non-Resident Insurance Producers in California is $188.00. <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can help with non-resident insurance license renewals

How Do I renew My Non-Resident Adjuster License in California?

California requires all licensees to pass an examination, regardless of having passed an examination in another state. Other non-resident license requirements may include bonds, fingerprints, and E&O coverage. If your resident state requires continuing education hours, you will not have to comply with California continuing education requirements. However, if you market long-term care you must complete a California 2004 8 Hour Long-Term course from an approved California education provider and if you market Annuities you must comply with Californias Annuity training requirement. There is a $264 fee to renew your California adjuster license. You can renew your California license through NIPR starting 90 days before the license’s expiration date. Licensees can renew their license through Non-Resident Adjuster License Renewal application up to license expiration date. For more information, contact the California Department of Insurance.

How Do I Renew My Adjuster License In California?

Once you have your license, you’ll need to complete some additional steps every few years to keep it active. Resident California adjusters are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The 24 hours must include at least 3 hours of Ethics. Your continuing education hours are completed by taking adjuster CE courses. These courses are generally held online and taken on a self-paced basis. There is an $188 fee to renew your California adjuster license. Please note that California does not grant reciprocal licenses. To become a licensed adjuster in California, you must pass the state exam then renew every two years. Additional information can be found by contacting the California Department of Insurance.

California

state commissioner

Ricardo Lara

STATE email

cdilicensing@insurance.ca.gov

STATE phone

(800) 967-9331

STATE LICENSE DIVISION ADDRESS

California Department of Insurance Producer Licensing Bureau

Visit State Website

Appointments & Terminations

Required to report appointments?

Yes

Permits Just-in-time (JIT) appointments?

Yes

Initial appointment deadlines

Within 14 days of first business submission (L/H)Within 15 days of appointment effective date (P/C)

Initial appointment deadline rule

Life/Health/Annuity lines permit JIT appointments; appoinments must be submitted within 14 days of the date the first piece of business is submitted to the carrier. Property/Casualty lines DO NOT permit JIT appointments; Property/Casualty appointments must be submitted prior to the solicitation of business. The appointment must be submitted to the DOI within 15 days of the appointment effective date, which is determined by the carrier and listed on the appointment form

Can be processed via nipr?

Yes

Fees for appointing a resident agency or individual?

$32

Fees for appointing a non resident agency or individual?

$58

Appoint agencies?

Yes

Agency appointment covers affiliated producers?

Yes

Adjuster appointments via NIPR?

Appointment effective date can be specified?

Yes

Appointment effective date rule

Required and is the date supplied on transaction.

State requires appointment renewal?

No, perpetual

Appointment renewal fee

No fees

Appointment Terminated if license expires?

Yes

Terminations processed via NIPR?

Yes

Termination reasons

Voluntary termination; inadequate production; cancelled by general agent; death; company defunct or liquidation; company indebtedness; poor policyholder service; agent moved

Termination date can be specified by carrier?

Yes

Termination Effective date rule

Required and is the date supplied on transaction. Must not be in the future

Termination notes

There is no grace period on license expiration. If license expires, appointments must be renewed with appropriate forms and fees

Termination fee

$32

Licensing

Initial individual new license fee

Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 (all LOAs other than those specified) Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 (Life-Only Agent and/or Accident and Health Agent) Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 (Property Broker Agent and/or Casualty Broker Agent) Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 (Personal Lines Broker Agent) Resident New License Insurance Producer: $646 (Surplus Lines Broker, Special Lines SL Broker) Resident New License Personal Lines Broker: $188 Non Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 (all LOAs other than those specified) Non Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 ( Life-Only Agent and/or Accident and Health Agent) Non Resident New License Insurance Producer: $188 (Property Broker Agent and/or Casualty Broker Agent) Non Resident New License Personal Lines Broker: $188

License renewal fee

Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Resident Renewal Personal Lines Broker: $188 Non Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Non Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Non Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $188 Non Resident Renewal Personal Lines Broker: $188

When does the resident individual producer license renewal period begin?

90 days before expiration

What is the resident individual producer license renewal date?

Last day of license anniversary month every 2 years based on year of first state license issue

When does the nonresident individual producer license renewal period begin?

90 days before expiration

What is the nonresident individual producer license renewal date?

Last day of license anniversary month every 2 years based on year of first state license issue

Late renewal or reinstatement period for nonresident individual producer license?

Late renewal allowed up to one year after expiration

Can a producer use a P.O. Box in their resident or business address?

Are individuals required to list their county as part of the address?

What addresses are required for individual license maintenance?

Residence, Business, and Mailing

State individual licenses include

Resident Vehicle Service Contract Provider-Agency, Non-Resident Vehicle Service Contract Provider-Agency, Life/Disability, Independent Adjuster, Property & Casualty, Public Adjuster, Resident Title Marketing Representative, Reinsurance Intermediary Broker, Reinsurance Intermediary Manager, Adjuster, Crop Adjuster, Resident Insurance Producer, Resident Per Lines Broker-Agent, Non-Resident Per Lines Broker-Agent, Resident Credit Insurance Agent, Non Resident Credit Insurance Agent, Resident Life Settlement Broker, Bail, Apprentice Public Adjuster, Non Resident Life Settlement Broker, Non Resident Insurance Producer

Appointment Terminated if license expires?

Yes

State broker license rule

Included in Producer License Class. Insurers are not required to appoint Brokers per NAIC PLMA

Broker license notes

Following the California update to the uniform Producer Licensing Model Act on 5/27/2022, California will include broker licensing under LC 3 Insurance Producer for both residents and non-residents

Requires pre licensing courses?

Yes

Study method requirements

Classroom / monitored self study

Submission of completion certificate rule

Must be submitted upon request

How long is the pre licensing certification valid?

Pre-licensing certificates of completion expire 3 years from the course completion date whether or not license is issued.

Exemptions to pre licensing requirements

Applicants holding one or more of the following designations are exempt from general insurance course requirements: a. Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF); b. Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); c. Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI); d. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU); e. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC); f. Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (CEBS); g. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC); h. Certified Financial Planner (CFP); i. Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI); j. Health Insurance Associate (HIA); k. Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC); l. Registered Health Underwriter (RHU); or m. Associate in Risk Management (ARM). Applicants completing the following course requirements are exempt from general insurance course requirements: a. an approved insurance-related course taught by an accredited college or university totaling 15 credit hours; b. an approved course or instruction program created or sponsored by an authorized insurer, recognized agents' association or insurance trade association, or any independent instruction program may qualify for the number of classroom hours assigned by the curriculum board or the Commissioner; or c. an approved correspondence course may qualify for the number of classroom hours assigned by the Commissioner. Life agents are exempt if they are appointed to sell only life insurance or annuities: a. with a face amount of $20,000 or less; and b. designated for the payment of funeral or burial expenses.

Fingerprints Required?

Yes, for both Residents and Non Residents

Where to apply for resident license?

NIPR Gateway

What Transactions are Retaliatory Fees Applied to?

None

Submit Partial License Renewals through NIPR?

Yes

Has Personal Lines LOA?

Yes

Deadline to report personal data changes (address, name change, phone number, etc.)

A licensee must immediately notify the Commissioner electronically of any change in his/her email, residence, principal business, or mailing address. Contact Change Request supported via NIPR Gateway.

Agency

Can a sole proprietor be licensed as an entity?

DRLP must have active state license

Yes

DRLPs must cumulatively cover all LOAs in application

Yes

Agency Licensing renewals

90 days prior to expiration date until the license expiration date. Late renewal ends one year past expiration date.

Agency License required?

Yes

Affiliations: Indicates if producers selling on behalf of/through an entity must be formally affiliated with that entity and if the entity must notify the department of changes

Yes

Branch office

License not required but branch must be registered

Adjuster

Requires adjuster license?

Yes

Offers designated home state?

DHS exam required?

N/A

Reciprocity states

AK, AR, AZ, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NH, NM, NV, SC, UT, VT, WA

Which states require an exam for reciprocity?

AL, FL, HI, IN, NY, OK, OR, PR, RI, TX, WV, WY

Independent adjuster LOAS

No LOA required

Independent adjuster fees

Licensing Fee (Two year term): $311 per qualified manager. Examination Fee: $79

Independent adjuster exam required?

Yes

Independent adjuster renewal date

Biennially on the last day of that same calendar month the license was issued.

Independent adjuster details

Fingerprints required

Speciality adjuster renewal date

Biennially, on the last day of that same calendar month the license was issued.

Apprentice adjuster license LOAS

No LOA required

Apprentice adjuster license fees

$264

Apprentice adjuster license exam required?

No Exam Required

Apprentice adjuster license duration

1 Year

Apprentice adjuster license details

Those that complete the apprentice license term of 12 months will meet the experience requirement of 2 years for the California Adjuster license.

Emergency adjuster details

After an emergency is declared, the qualified licensed adjusters are required to read and understand the CDI’s most recent Notice and guide within 15 calendar days of when that individual began adjusting claims.

Continuing Education

Total hours per renewal period

Renewal period

2 years

CE due before license renewal date?

Yes

License renewal date is

Last day of license anniversary month

License renewal year based on...

Year of first license issuance

When is the CE due?

Prior to license expiration.

How long before expiration does state send CE reminder?

90 days prior to expiration date

Exemptions to CE

Any person who is 70 years of age or older, and has been licensed in good standing for 30 continuous years is exempt from completing continuing education to renew Life and/or Fire & Casualty licenses. However, the licensee must still satisfy the California LTC requirement to sell long-term care insurance, as well as the annuities training in order to sell annuity products. [This exemption will no longer be available after the California full adoption of the NAIC Producer Licensing Model Act goes into effect in May 2022].

What if a producer missed the renewal date?

Licensee has one year to apply for reinstatement under your original license (as well as paying a 50% late fee). Until reinstatement, one can’t transact any insurance business. This doesn't apply to bail agents, who have to reapply as a new applicant if their license is not renewed prior to expiration.

CE instructors get credit for teaching courses?

Yes

Ethics requirements

Flood-specific CE requirements

3 hours of NFIP course

LTC-specific CE requirements

8-hour initial certification, with 4 hours of LTC-specific training each renewal cycle thereafter; must be specific to California laws, no state equivalents accepted

Annuity-specific CE requirements

8-hour initial certification, with 4 hours of annuity-specific training each renewal cycle thereafter; must be specific to California laws, no other state-equivalents accepted

For more from agentsync

https://agentsync.io/blog/individual-producers/insurance-continuing-education-california?preview_id=4723&preview_nonce=b6ce041cba&preview=true

Regulatory Updates

California Added Examination Language Requirements

On September 19, 2023, California communicated additional language requirements for examinations. Examinations must be provided in certain languages as discussed below. a. From 1/1/2018 to 1/1/2024, the life agent and accident and health or sickness agent license examinations will be provided in English and Spanish. b. Beginning 1/1/2024, the life agent, accident and health or sickness agent, property broker-agent, and casualty broker-agent examinations must be provided in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. c. On or after 7/1/2024, the life agent, accident and health or sickness agent, property broker-agent, and casualty broker-agent examinations must be provided in Tagalog.

California License Exam Requirement Changes

Effective January 1, 2024, California is making license exam requirement changes. See attachment for full details.

California Will Hold Public Hearing Concerning Renewal of Export List in Surplus Lines Area

California Bulletin – No Changes to Surplus Lines Export List

Pursuant to California Insurance Code §1763.1, I, by order, may declare eligible for placement with a non-admitted insurer, exempt from all of the requirements of California Insurance Code §1763, (except the filing of a confidential written report), any type of insurance coverage or risk for which, after a public hearing, I find that there is not a reasonable or adequate market among admitted insurers or that the type of coverage is for new, innovative products for which a reasonable or adequate market among admitted insurers has not had time to develop. In 2022, as required by law, my Department held a public hearing and comment period regarding the annual renewal of the list. After the public hearing and receiving comments, I decided to not make any changes to the Export List. See attachment for full details.

California Announces New Online Services for Bail License

The Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act will take effect July 1, 2023 (Assembly Bill 2043, Jones-Sawyer, Chapter 768, Statutes of 2022). This Act requires all individuals who are currently or would like to be a Bail Fugitive Recovery Person to be licensed by the California Department of Insurance (Department). See attachment for full details.

California New Electronic Funds Transfer Bank Account and Routing Numbers

Effective May 31, 2023, US Bank will be replacing Union Bank for all Automated Clearing House Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) transactions with California Department of Insurance (Department). First Data and Fiserv services will not be impacted and will continue to work with US Bank. The EFT bank account and routing numbers will change for ACH credit method. No change is expected on ACH debit method. See attachment for full details.

California LOA Description Updates

Effective May 11, 2023, California will update several LOA descriptions for Life Settlement Broker and Reinsurance Intermediary Broker license classes. Additionally, they will add a new License Class called Fugitive Recovery Agent on the PDB for display only

California Background Check Disclosure Reminder

California sent a reminder for background check disclosures. California Insurance Code (Cal. Ins. Code) section 1729.2 requires all licensees and applicants to report any changes in background information to the California Department of Insurance (CDI) within 30 days of the date the licensee or applicant learns of the change in background information. See attachment for full details.

California Announces New Coverage Codes

California announced new coverage codes for Surplus Lines filers. See attachment for details.

California Course Provider Update

Effective March 1, 2023, CA Educational Objectives will include a required one hour study on insurance fraud.

California Requires License Numbers on Emails

Beginning on 1/1/2023, California will have in place a new law requiring license numbers on emails regarding any activity for the several listed license types.

California Announces their Stance on the Roe v. Wade Overturning

California has shared information on how California law protects insurance coverage for abortion. They have made it clear that they protect reproduction freedom and insurance coverage for abortion and that defending people's right to healthcare is a top priority.

California Publishes Surplus Lines Export List

California released their surplus lines export list. They noted that, after review, the list has not changed.

PLMA Update: California Changes Initial and Renewal Applications

California will turn off the initial and renewal applications starting at 1PM CST. The application turn on time has not changed. This update relates to previous updates on the conversion to PLMA standards.

Updates to California Converts to PLMA Standards

The conversion to PLMA standards is now to take effect on May 27th. Appointments and terminations applications will be turned off on May 20, 2022, at 6:00 pm central. See the original post for more details on the impact of this conversion.

Update to California Converts to PLMA Standards

This update calls out that with this conversion, specific licenses and license qualifications will be converted to comply with PLMA standards. Current licenses will become inactive on May 27, 2022 and new license types will be added to the record.

Update to California Moving to PLMA Standards

The turn-off date has been updated to 8AM CST on May 6, 2022.

California Converts to PLMA Standards

May 12, 2022, California will be converting existing Producer license class descriptions to meet PLMA standards. This will impact licensing, termination, and renewals for both residents and non-residents, entities and individuals.

California to Remove Non-Uniform Questions Related to Surplus and Special Lines

California is removing Non-Uniform questions related to Surplus and Special lines. This will apply to the individual entity type. A business rule is being added stating the required bond needing to be on file with the state in order for the license request to be approved. The questions to be removed asked about the bonds existence. Effective Date not yet announced.

California – Adding Non-Uniform Questions

California is adding new Non-Uniform (State specific) questions on March 25th, 2022 that will impact initial and renewal applicants for both individual and business entities and residents and non-residents.

California Issues a Reminder to Update Background Information and Report Changes

California requires all licensees (residents and non-residents) to report any changes in background information to CDI within 30 days of learning of the change.

FAQs

How do I Get an Insurance License in California?

The first step in getting your insurance license is determining what type of insurance agent you want to be, or what types of policies you need to sell. That will help you figure out what type, or types, of insurance licenses you need to get. Then, it’s time to begin studying. After completing all of your pre-license coursework or self-study you’ll need to take your insurance exam. You’ll take one exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry, although Life, Accident & Health and Property & Casualty (P&C) lines are combined as one test each, so you wouldn’t take four tests, you would only take two altogether. You must pass your exams within one year of completing your pre-license education course.

California requires that all insurance license applicants provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts.

Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you have passed the exam for, be sure to apply for all of those lines. Once you have submitted your application and have filled all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. Your background check will also be reviewed.
How Do I Get a State Adjuster License in California?

The first step to apply for the California adjuster license is to take the exam. The next step after completing all your coursework is to take and pass the California Insurance Adjuster License exam. One thing to note – the State of California requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. If you have specific questions regarding things that may come up on your background check you may call the California Department of Insurance at (800) 967-9331 or send them an email.

Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license. You must obtain and submit a surety bond in the penal sum of $2,000 executed by a California admitted surety, and signed by the principal. Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes about fifteen to forty-five (15-45) working days. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.
How do I renew my insurance license in California?

The State of California requires that resident individual licensees complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period. Three (3) of those hours need to focus on ethics.

You can only receive credits for courses approved for your type of license, and the same course cannot be taken repeatedly in one reporting period.

Once you are within 90 days of your license expiration, you may renew your California insurance license online by using the California Department of Insurance Online Renewal tool. You can use this tool before completing your continuing education requirements. But the renewal will not go into effect until your continuing education is complete.

You’ll be charged $188 per line to renew your license(s).

AgentSync can help with insurance license renewals.
How do I renew my non-resident insurance license in California?

Non-California resident licensees are not exempt from the training. If your resident home state requires continuing education (CE) hours, you will not have to comply with California CE requirements in addition to those of your home state.

However, if you market long-term care you must complete a California 2004 8 Hour Long-Term course from an approved California education provider.

Additionally, if you market Annuities you must comply with California’s Annuity training requirement .

The renewal fee for Non-Resident Insurance Producers in California is $188.00. AgentSync can help with non-resident insurance license renewals
How Do I renew My Non-Resident Adjuster License in California?

California requires all licensees to pass an examination, regardless of having passed an examination in another state. Other non-resident license requirements may include bonds, fingerprints, and E&O coverage.

If your resident state requires continuing education hours, you will not have to comply with California continuing education requirements. However, if you market long-term care you must complete a California 2004 8 Hour Long-Term course from an approved California education provider and if you market Annuities you must comply with Californias Annuity training requirement.

There is a $264 fee to renew your California adjuster license. You can renew your California license through NIPR starting 90 days before the license’s expiration date. Licensees can renew their license through Non-Resident Adjuster License Renewal application up to license expiration date.

For more information, contact the California Department of Insurance.
How Do I Renew My Adjuster License In California?

Once you have your license, you’ll need to complete some additional steps every few years to keep it active. Resident California adjusters are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The 24 hours must include at least 3 hours of Ethics.

Your continuing education hours are completed by taking adjuster CE courses. These courses are generally held online and taken on a self-paced basis.

There is an $188 fee to renew your California adjuster license.

Please note that California does not grant reciprocal licenses. To become a licensed adjuster in California, you must pass the state exam then renew every two years. Additional information can be found by contacting the California Department of Insurance.