How Do I Get an Insurance License in North Dakota?

Depending on what type of insurance agent you want to be or what types of policies you need to sell, you will need to choose what type or types of insurance licenses you need to get. After you’ve determined which licenses you need, it’s time to begin studying for the North Dakota insurance exams. The next step after completing all of your pre-license coursework or self-study is to take the insurance exam. You will take one exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry. North Dakota 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. After passing your exams and fingerprinting, the next step is to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you passed the test 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. For more information, call the Department of Insurance at (701) 328-2440 or email the Insurance Department.

How Do I Get a State Adjuster License in North Dakota?

The state of North Dakota does not offer a Resident Insurance Adjuster License and does not require a license to practice insurance claims adjusting within the state.

How do I renew my insurance license in North Dakota?

In the state of North Dakota, all individual insurance licenses expire on a biennial basis (meaning every two (2) years. Additionally, every individual insurance producer must complete a renewal application within 90 days of their license expiration date and pay a $25 fee by the last day of their birth month. Please note: if your license is not renewed before the expiration date, your license and appointments will be canceled. Furthermore, North Dakota requires that all resident individual licensees complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of continuing education every two-year licensing period. Three (3) hours of which must be in the subject of ethics. Your record must show compliance with continuing education requirements. Issuers have 15 days from course completion to file the credits with the <a href="https://www.insurance.nd.gov/">North Dakota Insurance Department</a>; courses are taken less than 15 days before the expiration date may not be credited in license renewal. After you have completed your continuing education and you are within 90 days of your license expiration, you may renew your North Dakota insurance license online or via paper application. <a style="letter-spacing: 0.01em; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can also help with the renewal process.

How do I renew my nonresident insurance license in North Dakota?

Every individual insurance producer license must be renewed biennially by the last day of their birth month. In the state of North Dakota, there is no grace period after the due date; meaning that if your license has not been renewed before the expiration date, your license and appointments will be canceled. The <a href="https://www.nipr.com/license_form.htm">National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)</a> can be used to submit a nonresident renewal application. The filing fee is $25 (which can be paid by credit card or electronic check). Filing your license renewal electronically will also require a $5 transaction fee which must be paid along with the North Dakota filing fee. <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can also help with the renewal process.

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

North Dakota does not license insurance adjusters. For North Dakota residents who want to become a licensed independent adjuster, we recommend obtaining a nononresident designated home state (DHS) license. Non-Resident applicants must be licensed for the same license type and lines of authority to be eligible for online submission. Additionally, Non-Resident Adjusters in Nevada are only required to complete the Continuing Education (CE) requirements of their DHS. There is a $25 renewal fee, this fee can be paid via the NIPR. For more information, contact the North Dakota Insurance Department.

How Do I Renew My Adjuster License In North Dakota?

North Dakota is one of 16 states that do not license insurance adjusters. This means you can legally adjust claims in your state without a license, but only in said state. To adjust in the state of North Dakota, you will need to obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license. You will go through that state’s (North Dakota or otherwise) licensing process, testing, and compliance regulations and their license will act as your resident, or home state license. If youre looking to become an insurance adjuster in a non-licensing state like North Dakota, the Florida 70-20 DHS License is the next best thing for the following reasons: The state offers the quickest turnaround time after you submit your documents. The Florida 70-20 license is reciprocal with most states. A Florida DHS license is good for 4 years. This is not to say this is the only way to obtain a DHS license, it is simply the easiest. Many of the licensing states offer DHS licenses. So be sure to do additional research to find the best fit. For more information, contact the North Dakota Insurance Department.

North Dakota

state commissioner

Jon Godfread

STATE email

ndlicensing@nd.gov

STATE phone

(701) 328-2440

STATE LICENSE DIVISION ADDRESS

North Dakota Insurance Department

Address

600 East Boulevard Avenue

Bismarck, North Dakota, 58505

Visit State Website

Appointments & Terminations

Required to report appointments?

Yes

Permits Just-in-time (JIT) appointments?

Yes

Initial appointment deadlines

Within 30 days of contract execution or first business submission; Later of the two

Initial appointment deadline rule

ND ST 26.1-01-07(1)(n) The appointing insurer must file a notice of appointment and pay an appointment fee within 30 days of the producer placing a contract with the insurer.

Can be processed via nipr?

Yes

Fees for appointing a resident agency or individual?

$10

Fees for appointing a nonresident agency or individual?

$10

Appoint agencies?

Yes

Adjuster appointments via NIPR?

Appointment effective date can be specified?

Yes

Appointment effective date rule

Required and is the date supplied on transaction. Must not be in the future and must be less than 30 days old.

State requires appointment renewal?

Yes

Appointment renewals via

Via NIPR Portal

When is the state renewal period?

March 1 through April 30

Appointment renewal fee

$10 per company per appointment

Licenses require appointment or affiliation?

Terminations processed via NIPR?

Yes

Termination reasons

Termination reason code is not required

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 and must be less than 30 days old

Termination fee

No fee

Allows carriers to terminate the appointment if license has expired?

Can a not-for-cause termination notice be emailed?

Email notices are permitted

If email is allowed, can notice be in body text?

Notice as a PDF attachment

Licensing

Initial individual new license fee

Resident New License Insurance Producer: $100
Resident New License Surplus Lines Producer: $100
Nonresident New License Insurance Producer: $100
Nonresident New License Surplus Lines Producer: $100

License renewal fee

Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $25 Resident Renewal Surplus Lines Producer: $25 Nonresident Renewal Insurance Producer: $25 Nonresident Renewal Surplus Lines Producer: $25

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 birth 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 birth month every 2 years based on year of first state license issue

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

Managing General Agent, Surplus Lines Insurer, Life Settlement Broker, Property & Casualty, Life, Consultant, Insurance Producer, Surplus Lines Producer, Public Adjuster, Reinsurance Intermediary, Risk Retention

State recognizes a licensing exemption for nonresident commercial lines producers with multistate contracts?

Yes

State broker license rule

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

Requires pre licensing courses?

Prelicense education requirement

Fingerprints Required?

Yes, for Resident Licensing

Fingerprint Submission Details

Live Scan at exam site

State Pre-Licensing Exam Website

PSI Exams

How Long are State Pre-Licensing Exams Active?

One Year

Where to apply for resident license?

NIPR Gateway

What Transactions are Retaliatory Fees Applied to?

None

Submit Partial License Renewals through NIPR?

Has Personal Lines LOA?

Yes

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

A licensee must notify the Commissioner of a change of residential or business address, email address, or legal name within 30 days. Contact Change Request supported via NIPR Gateway.

Name Change Form

Individual and Business Entities can process via NIPR

Travel license notes

North Dakota doesn't require a limited lines travel license for nonresident applicants with property and casualty licenses whose resident states include travel under a property and casualty line of authority. North Dakota honors state reciprocity, a nonresident applicant must get a North Dakota travel license if their resident state doesn't have any travel license, not even one included under a major line of authority.

Agency

Can a sole proprietor be licensed as an entity?

A business entity license is required if a business entity is operated under a Federal Tax Identification number that is different than the sole proprietor’s personal individual Social Security Number.

DRLP must have active state license

Yes

DRLPs must cumulatively cover all LOAs in application

Agency Licensing renewals

License is perpetual.

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

Branch office

Main license meets requirements

Deadline to report key business entity changes (address, dba, phone, email, etc.)

A licensee must notify the Commissioner of a change of residential or business address, email address, or legal name within 30 days. Contact Change Request supported via NIPR Gateway.

Adjuster

Requires adjuster license?

Only Public Adjusters

Offers designated home state?

Reciprocity states

None

Public Adjuster Renewal Period

Biennially, the day after the expiration date for business entities and on the last day of the individual's birth month for individual public adjusters.

Public Adjuster Details

Requires proof of surety bond for a minimum of $20,000. Business entities require a DRLP and individuals require a background check in addition to the surety bond.

Public Adjuster LOAs

Public Adjuster

Public adjuster fees

Licensing Fee: $100 Licensing Fee for Business Entity: $150 Reinstatement Fee: $150 Renewal Fee: $25.00 Renewal Fee for Business Entity: $150

Public adjuster exam required?

Yes

DHS Exam Required?

N/A

Address change request through NIPR?

DHS Contact Change Request Only

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 birth month

License renewal year based on...

Year of first license issuance

When is the CE due?

Prior to license expiration. Depending on the difference between your birthday and the date you were issued your license, your first licensing period may be less than two years.

How long before expiration does state send CE reminder?

90 days prior to expiration date

How long before expiration does state send CE reminder?

90 days prior to expiration date

Exemptions to CE

What if a producer missed the renewal date?

The license is terminated and they must reapply as a new licensee.

CE instructors get credit for teaching courses?

Yes

Can rollover excess hours?

Yes

Amount of rollover credits allowed

Up to 12 hours of coursework over the minimum requirement taken in the last 12 months of your reporting period may be credited to the next 12 months. Ethics hours may be carried forward as regular hours; however, they cannot be carried forward as ethics hours.

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 every two years

Annuity-specific CE requirements

One-time, 4-hour course

Adjusters

Check CE transcripts

https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/license-manager

For more from agentsync

https://agentsync.io/blog/individual-producers/insurance-continuing-education-north-dakota

Regulatory Updates

North Dakota Fee Updates for Residents and Nonresidents

Effective August 1, 2025, North Dakota will be updating fees around: license classes, exams, and appointments for residents and nonresidents. - Producer Appointments - Current Fee: $10.00 - New Fee: $25.00 - Third-Party Administrator - Current Fee Initial: $25.00 - Current Fee Renewal: $25.00 - New Fee Initial: $250.00 - New Fee Renewal: $100.00 - Life Settlements - Provider - Current Fee Initial: $250.00 - Current Fee Renewal: $100.00 - New Fee Initial: $100.00 - New Fee Renewal: $25.00 - Broker - Current Fee Renewal: $12.00 - New Fee Renewal: $25.00 North Dakota will also be switching from using Pearson VUE as the exam vendor to PSI. Examination Fee Updates - Current Fee: $100.00 - New Fee: $64.00 (Major Lines) / $58.00 (Limited Lines) Please see the attached for more information.

North Dakota Merging Securities Department and Insurance Department

Posted April 11, 2025, North Dakota is moving towards combining the [North Dakota Securities Department and the Insurance Department](https://www.insurance.nd.gov/news/governor-signs-bill-merging-insurance-and-securities-oversight-north-dakota?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery). This merger will: - Seek to simplify licensing/compliance - Efficient enforcement - Quicker resolution of fraud cases North Dakota will join 16 other states that have adopted this unified regulatory model. Please see the attachment for more information.

North Dakota LOA Name Update and Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensing Update

Effective August 1, 2025, North Dakota has made changes to the following Line of Authority (LOA) names for resident and nonresident licenses: Current LOA Name / New LOA Name - Life and Annuity / Life - Accident and Health / _Accident and Health or Sickness_ - Variable Life and Annuity / _Variable Life and Variable Annuity_ North Dakota requires both residents and nonresidents to maintain and monitor an email address for receiving regulatory communications from the Commissioner. Additionally, pharmacy benefits managers must hold an administrator license.

North Dakota 2025 Appointment Renewal Reminder

Posted March 4, 2025, North Dakota sent out a reminder about the 2025 appointment renewal. Payment starting March 3, 2025. Invoices must be paid by April 30, 2025, via NIPR.

North Dakota 2025 Renewal Reminder for Surplus Lines and TPA

Posted January 31, 2025, North Dakota sent out renewal reminders for the following license classes: - Surplus Lines - Third-Party Administrator Please see the attachment for more information.

North Dakota 2025 Company Appointment Renewal

Effective March 3, 2025, North Dakota company appointment renewal invoices will be available for payment electronically through April 30, 2025. The termination deadline is February 14, 2025. Total Fee per Appointment - $10.00 Please see the attachment for more information.

SBS LOA Updates

Effective November 1, 2024, State Based Systems (SBS) is updating multiple lines of authority effective dates for the below states. - North Dakota - Nebraska - New Hampshire - Tennessee

North Dakota Implement New Transaction Type to Process Designated Responsible Licensed Producer (DRLP)

Effective October 24, 2024, North Dakota will Implement new transaction types to process designated responsible licensed producers (DRLP).

North Dakota Going Paperless

Effective November 1, 2024, North Dakota will go paperless. All correspondence sent from the Licensing Division will be distributed via email. Please see the attachment for more information.

North Dakota Announces Company Appointment Renewal Dates

Effective March 1, 2024, North Dakota company appointment renewal invoices will be available for payment through April 30, 2024.

North Dakota Insurance Department Updates Affidavit Requirements for Surplus Lines License and Premium Tax

On January 18, 2024, North Dakota updated the general provisions section for Surplus Lines license and premium tax, particularly related to Domestic Surplus Lines Insurers (DSLI) by adding a supporting citation for diligent search requirements while removing another supporting citation for provisions related to exemptions. Another update was related to adding commercial cyber insurance to the export list of acceptable categories.

North Dakota Insurance Department Announces Electronic Appointment Renewals

On December 27, 2023, North Dakota Insurance Department announced that in 2024, appointment renewals will be processed electronically. Renewal Invoice and appointment list will be available on March 1st, 2024.

North Dakota Issues Company Appointment / Terminations Change in Procedure Notice

Effective December 1, 2023, North Dakota Insurance Department will no longer accept appointment / termination documents via paper, email or mail and will only accept electronically through NIPR. Please see attached for more details.

North Dakota Implements a New Transaction Type to Process Primary Name Updates

Effective August 10th, 2023, a new transaction type will be implemented for North Dakota to process individual and business entity primary name updates.

North Dakota Proposes to Amend Surplus Lines Producer Search Requirements

See bold section below for language removed. See attachment for full details. 45-09-01-03. Surplus lines insurance producer must conduct search. The licensed surplus lines insurance producer seeking the placement of nonadmitted insurance must conduct a diligent search to ascertain whether the insurance, indemnity contract, or surety bond can be procured from a company authorized to do business in this state. The surplus lines insurance producer may rely on a diligent search done by a licensed insurance producer or the insured if the surplus lines insurance producer deems it sufficient. ~~**After the placing of any surplus lines insurance, the surplus lines insurance producer must complete and file with the commissioner a surplus lines affidavit confirming such a search has been done no later than March first for the quarter ending the preceding December thirty-first, June first for the quarter ending the preceding March thirty-first, September first for the quarter ending the preceding June thirtieth, and December first for the quarter ending the preceding September thirtieth of each year. The affidavit is not required if the insured is an exempt commercial purchaser as defined in North Dakota Century Code section 26.1-44-02**.~~ History: Effective January 1, 1982; amended effective December 1, 2001; July 1, 2012; April 1, 2021, January 1, 2024. General Authority: NDCC 26.1-44-09 Law Implemented: NDCC 26.1-44-02

North Dakota Limited Lines: Travel Agent

For Residents and Nonresidents 2023 ND S.B. 2173(NS) (Effective 8/1/2023) - LIMITED LINES: TRAVEL AGENT - a) Added "travel administrator" definition. b) Added travel administrator licensing requirements. ND ST 26.1-26-54 (Effective 8/1/2023) - Per 2023 ND S.B. 2173(NS) - LIMITED LINES: TRAVEL AGENT - a) Revised the "limited lines travel insurance producer" definition to include travel administrators and exclude MGAs and a designation requirement for producers. b) Added "travel insurance" definition. c) Revised the limited lines travel insurance producer licensing requirements.

North Dakota Company Appointment Renewals

ND has announced their appointment renewal dates for 2023

North Dakota Changes Exam Vendor

North Dakota will use PSI as their exam vendor.

North Dakota Exam Provider Changes to PSI Effective 3/1

North Dakota Insurance Department is now contracted with PSI Services LLC (PSI) for the examination program. The goal of this partnership is to provide a process for examination and licensing.

Surplus Lines Alert For Several Jurisdictions

Several states have released key information on Surplus Lines and can be found in the attached document.

FAQs

How Do I Get an Insurance License in North Dakota?

Depending on what type of insurance agent you want to be or what types of policies you need to sell, you will need to choose what type or types of insurance licenses you need to get. After you’ve determined which licenses you need, it’s time to begin studying for the North Dakota insurance exams. The next step after completing all of your pre-license coursework or self-study is to take the insurance exam. You will take one exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry.

North Dakota 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. After passing your exams and fingerprinting, the next step is to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you passed the test 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.

For more information, call the Department of Insurance at (701) 328-2440 or email the Insurance Department.
How Do I Get a State Adjuster License in North Dakota?
How do I renew my insurance license in North Dakota?

In the state of North Dakota, all individual insurance licenses expire on a biennial basis (meaning every two (2) years. Additionally, every individual insurance producer must complete a renewal application within 90 days of their license expiration date and pay a $25 fee by the last day of their birth month.

Please note: if your license is not renewed before the expiration date, your license and appointments will be canceled.

Furthermore, North Dakota requires that all resident individual licensees complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of continuing education every two-year licensing period. Three (3) hours of which must be in the subject of ethics.

Your record must show compliance with continuing education requirements. Issuers have 15 days from course completion to file the credits with the North Dakota Insurance Department; courses are taken less than 15 days before the expiration date may not be credited in license renewal. After you have completed your continuing education and you are within 90 days of your license expiration, you may renew your North Dakota insurance license online or via paper application. AgentSync can also help with the renewal process.
How do I renew my nonresident insurance license in North Dakota?

Every individual insurance producer license must be renewed biennially by the last day of their birth month. In the state of North Dakota, there is no grace period after the due date; meaning that if your license has not been renewed before the expiration date, your license and appointments will be canceled.

The National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) can be used to submit a nonresident renewal application. The filing fee is $25 (which can be paid by credit card or electronic check). Filing your license renewal electronically will also require a $5 transaction fee which must be paid along with the North Dakota filing fee. AgentSync can also help with the renewal process.
How Do I renew My Non-Resident Adjuster License in North Dakota?

North Dakota does not license insurance adjusters. For North Dakota residents who want to become a licensed independent adjuster, we recommend obtaining a nononresident designated home state (DHS) license.

Non-Resident applicants must be licensed for the same license type and lines of authority to be eligible for online submission. Additionally, Non-Resident Adjusters in Nevada are only required to complete the Continuing Education (CE) requirements of their DHS.

There is a $25 renewal fee, this fee can be paid via the NIPR.

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

North Dakota is one of 16 states that do not license insurance adjusters. This means you can legally adjust claims in your state without a license, but only in said state.

To adjust in the state of North Dakota, you will need to obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license. You will go through that state’s (North Dakota or otherwise) licensing process, testing, and compliance regulations and their license will act as your resident, or home state license.

If youre looking to become an insurance adjuster in a non-licensing state like North Dakota, the Florida 70-20 DHS License is the next best thing for the following reasons:
The state offers the quickest turnaround time after you submit your documents.
The Florida 70-20 license is reciprocal with most states.
A Florida DHS license is good for 4 years.

This is not to say this is the only way to obtain a DHS license, it is simply the easiest. Many of the licensing states offer DHS licenses. So be sure to do additional research to find the best fit.

For more information, contact the North Dakota Insurance Department.