How do I get an insurance license in Alabama?

The type of insurance agent you want to be, or the types of policies you need to sell, will determine what type or types of insurance licenses you need to earn. After you’ve determined which licenses you need, you must now take an insurance exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry. Alabama also requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing, which will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. There is a $47 fee for fingerprinting services. 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. One thing to be aware of: Alabama mandates that you must submit proof of citizenship within ten (10) days of submitting your license application. To complete this, you can upload a single file that includes the front and the back of your identification, whether that be a driver’s license or other state ID. If you have a question about which forms of ID will work, and which will not, please contact the Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4126 or email the License Department. 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 insurance adjuster license in Alabama?

The first step in getting an Alabama Insurance Adjuster License is taking and passing the Alabama Insurance Adjuster License exam. Additionally, Alabama requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check, so 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 can call the Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4126 or send them an email. Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license! 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 two to four (2-4) business 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 Alabama?

Individual Producer licenses are renewed in the Producer’s birth month every two years based on the producer’s birth year. Alabama requires you complete twenty-four credit hours of continuing education between renewals. Three of those credit hours need to be in ethics. If you take the same course multiple times during a reporting period, it only counts once. You must also within 90 days of your license expiration in order to apply for renewal. You’ll be charged $150 to renew your license. <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can help with insurance license renewals.

How do I renew my nonresident insurance license in Alabama?

Any nonresident producer must complete the continuing education requirements in his or her state of residence. The home state’s requirements may be used to meet Alabama’s continuing education (CE) requirements if that state recognizes reciprocity with Alabama’s CE requirements. Note that for a nonresident whose home state does not have a continuing education requirement or whose home state does not recognize reciprocity with Alabama’s continuing education requirements, must meet the continuing education requirements of this state. Non-resident producers are allowed to renew their license online 90 days prior to their birth month until the last day of their birth month, with a renewal fee of $70. <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can help with nonresident insurance license renewals.

How do I renew my nonresident adjuster license in Alabama?

Adjuster licenses are renewed biennially. Adjusters are allowed to renew their license online via the NIPR 90-days prior to their birth month until the last day of their birth month, with a renewal fee of $80. Non-resident adjusters who have met Continuing Education (CE) compliance requirements in their resident state or designated home state’s CE requirement are exempt here. NOTE: Alabama grants reciprocal licenses to adjusters who are licensed in their home state, except CA, HI, and NY. Candidates from these states applying for a Non-Resident Independent Adjuster license must take the appropriate pre-licensing course and pass the Alabama exam. For more information please contact the Alabama Department of Insurance.

How Do I Renew My Adjuster License In Alabama?

Alabama adjuster license renewal is required of all license-holders every two (2) years before the expiration date. The expiration date of your license is set as the last day of your birth month. In Alabama, you are required to complete a total of twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education (CE) each renewal period, including three (3) hours of ethics coursework, to upkeep your adjuster license. There is an $80 fee to renew your Alabama adjuster license. After you complete your renewal application, the Alabama Insurance Department will email you once your license renewal has been approved or if you need to submit additional documentation.

Alabama

state commissioner

Jim Ridling (retiring June 30, Mark Fowler to serve as acting commissioner)

STATE email

ProducerLicensing@insurance.alabama.gov

STATE phone

(334) 241-4126

STATE LICENSE DIVISION ADDRESS

Alabama Department of Insurance Attn: Licensing Division

Visit State Website

Appointments & Terminations

Required to report appointments?

Yes

Permits Just-in-time (JIT) appointments?

Yes

Initial appointment deadlines

Within 15 days of contract execution or first business submission; whichever is earlier

Initial appointment deadline rule

Appointments must be submitted within 15 days of the date the agent/agency contract is executed or the first piece of business is submitted to the carrier. The appointment submission deadline is the earlier of the two dates

Can be processed via nipr?

Yes

Fees for appointing a resident agency or individual?

$40

Fees for appointing a nonresident agency or individual?

$40

Appoint agencies?

Yes

Agency appointment covers affiliated producers?

Adjuster appointments via NIPR?

Appointment effective date can be specified?

Appointment effective date rule

Date processed through the gateway.

State requires appointment renewal?

Yes

Appointment renewals via

Via NIPR Portal

When is the state renewal period?

Jan. 5, 2023 until March 1, 2023

Appointment renewal fee

Insurance Producer: $25 Service Representative: $40 Title Insurance Agent: $10 Portable Electronics Insurance Small: $25 Portable Electronics Insurance Large: $25

Fees are retaliatory?

Appointment Terminated if license expires?

Yes

Terminations processed via NIPR?

Yes

Termination reasons

Voluntary termination; inadequate production; death; company defunct or liquidation; company indebtedness; poor policyholder service; agent moved; appointed in error; request regulatory review

Termination date can be specified by carrier?

Termination Effective date rule

Date is the day processed through the gateway

Termination notes

There is a 30-day grace period following expiration, during which time the producer can renew with a $50 late fee plus the renewal fee. If the license is not renewed at this time, the license expires, and all company appointments are canceled. Per the Alabama Department of Insurance (482-1-147 (b)), when a producer license expires, all lines of authority between the company and the individual must be terminated

Termination fee

No fee

Licensing

Initial individual new license fee

Resident New License Insurance Producer: $80 Resident New License Surplus Lines Broker: $230 Nonresident New License Insurance Producer: $80 Nonresident New License Surplus Lines Broker: $230

License renewal fee

Resident Renewal Insurance Producer: $70 Resident Renewal Surplus Lines Broker: $200 Nonresident Renewal Insurance Producer: $70 Nonresident Renewal Surplus Lines Broker: $200

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 birth

Late renewal or reinstatement period for resident individual producer license?

Late renewal allowed for 30 days after expiration; reinstatement allowed up to one year after expiration

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 birth

Late renewal or reinstatement period for nonresident individual producer license?

Late renewal allowed for 30 days after expiration; reinstatement allowed up to one year after expiration

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

For individual's business address only

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

Title Insurance Agent, Captive, Property & Casualty, Insurance Producer, PreNeed Sales Agent, Adjuster, Apprentice Adjuster, Surplus Line Broker, Life & Health, Temporary Producer, Reinsurance Intermediary, Portable Electronics Insurance Small, Portable Electronics Insurance Large, Temporary Title Insurance Agent, Pharmacy Benefit Manager

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

A producer who is not acting on behalf of an insurer is not required to become appointed. For purposes of this section, a producer who refers business to an appointed producer pursuant to Section 27-7-34 shall not be deemed to be acting on behalf of the insurer with whom the business is placed, regardless of whether commissions on this business are shared

Requires pre licensing courses?

Fingerprints Required?

Yes, for Resident Licensing

Fingerprint Submission Details

Required with Application - Via Gemalto Cogent Systems and valid for 30 days. Recommended submission after passing the exam and day before applying for the license

Proof of citizenship required?

Yes

Citizenship requirement details

Please submit proof of citizenship using this link: https://aldoi.gov/LicenseeCZ/Initial.aspx in order to have your license issued or renewed. In accordance with the Beason-Hammon Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, Alabama is now required to verify the citizenship of ALL APPLICANTS. There are sixteen different identifiers, including your official driver's license, any one of which can be used as proof.

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 producer must notify the Commissioner within 30 days of any change in the producer's legal name, mailing address, or electronic mail address. Contact Change Request supported via NIPR Gateway.

Penalty for failure to timely report personal data changes

Failure to notify the Commissioner within 30 days will result in a $50 penalty.

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

October 1st until December 31st during Even Years. Late Renewal period ends 30 days after the 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

Branch office

Branch office must be licensed

Adjuster

Requires adjuster license?

Yes

Offers designated home state?

Yes

DHS exam required?

Yes

Reciprocity states

AK, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NH, NM, NV, OK, OR, RI, SC, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WY

Which states require an exam for reciprocity?

CA, HI, NY, PR

Independent adjuster LOAS

Property and Casualty (excluding Workers' Compensation and Crop), Property & Casualty (including Workers' Compensation and Crop), Crop, Workers' Compensation

Independent adjuster fees

Initial Licensing Cost: $110 Renewal Cost: $80 Late Fee: $40 Reissue Fee (within 365 days): $160

Independent adjuster exam required?

Yes

Speciality adjuster renewal date

Biennially. If the individual is born in an even numbered year, the license will expire at the end of the birth month in an odd numbered year. The same pattern goes for even numbered years.

Apprentice adjuster license LOAS

Property and Casualty (excluding Workers' Compensation and Crop), Property & Casualty (including Workers' Compensation and Crop), Crop, Workers' Compensation

Apprentice adjuster license fees

$110

Apprentice adjuster license exam required?

No Exam Required

Apprentice adjuster license duration

1 Year

Apprentice adjuster license details

This license type can only be issued once. A supervisor holding an active independent license is required. This individual can supervise up to 5 apprentices once.

Emergency adjuster details

This license allows adjusters who are not licensed in the state and acting on behalf of an insurer to do business in the event of a catastrophe. Emergency adjusters can register online via the TEARS system and pay a fee of $50.

Continuing Education

Total hours per renewal period

Renewal period

2 years

License renewal date is

Last day of birth month

License renewal year based on...

Year of birth

When is the CE due?

Prior to license expiration.

How long before expiration does state send CE reminder?

90 days prior to month of birth

Exemptions to CE

Individuals licensed less than 1 year at the time of the first CE compliance dates are exempt for the first reporting period. Individuals licensed only for credit insurance, industrial fire (debit fire) insurance, rental vehicle, motor club, dental services or legal services are also exempt from CE requirements. Producers or service representatives who are employed by another producer or insurer to work only in the office of the employer, and who do not hold a nonresident license in any other state, must complete 50% the total required hours. Individuals who are at least 60 years of age and have been licensed continuously in Alabama for at least 15 years (both of these criteria must be satisfied) are exempt from CE requirements. Individuals who hold an active Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Charter Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC), Certified Health Consultant (CHC), or Associate Risk Manager (ARM) designation are exempt from CE requirements.

What if a producer missed the renewal date?

There's a 30 day grace period in which you can reapply and pay a $50 late fee (on top of the typical renewal fee) to keep your license current. Of course, you must also have completed your required CE.

CE instructors get credit for teaching courses?

Yes, only credit for one of each kind of course per renewal period

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

Annuity-specific CE requirements

One-time, 4 hour course

For more from agentsync

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

Regulatory Updates

Alabama Releases Predetermination Form

Alabama has released a Predetermination form for prospective Producers and Adjusters looking to be licensed in Alabama. This form would allow those who may have some sort of legal issue to submit that information before applying to help determine the “likeliness” of licensure. The online form can be found on www.aldoi.gov under Producer/Agents.

Alabama Issues 2024 Company Appointment Renewals

The invoice renewal period for Producer, Service Representative, Title Insurance Agent and Portable Electronics Insurance is from 1/5/2024 - 2/28/2024. **Renewal Fees** Producer - $25 / appointment Service Representative - $40 / appointment Title Insurance Agent - $10 / appointment Portable Electronics Insurance - $25 / appointment **There are 3 Late Renewal Fee Periods ** Applicable for Producer, Service Representative, Title Insurance Agent and Portable Electronics Insurance. March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 - Late Fee of $250 + Invoice Fee April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024 - Late Fee of $500 + Invoice Fee May 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024 - Late Fee of $750 + Invoice Fee The termination deadline is 12/31/2023

Alabama to Remove Service Representative License Class

Effective January 1, 2024, Alabama will remove Service Representative License Class impacting Resident Licensing and Non Resident Licensing applications. This change also impacts Non-Uniform Questions.

Alabama Will No Longer Require Pre Licensing Education

Effective January 1, 2024, Alabama will remove all Pre Licensing Education Requirements.

Alabama Announced No New Service Representative Licenses Will Be Issued

Effective January 1, 2024, Alabama will no longer issue Service Representative licenses to residents or non residents. No new service representative licenses will be issued on or after 1/1/2024. a. Any person holding a valid service representative license on 1/1/2024 may continue to renew the license if the person otherwise meets the requirements of AL ST § 27-7-5 _or AL ADC482-1-147-.09(2)._ b. If any service representative license expires and is not renewed for 12 consecutive months, the license will not be renewed or reactivated.

Alabama Making Changes Relating to Insurance Producers, Temporary Producers and Service Representatives

Effective January 1, 2024, Alabama is making changes to regulations relating to the licensing and appointment of insurance producers, temporary producers, and service representatives; and the various types of disciplinary action concerning licenses and grants of authority. See attachment for full details.

Alabama Making Changes to Independent Adjuster Regulations

Effective January 1, 2024, Alabama is making changes to Independent Adjuster regulations. See attachment for full details.

Alabama No Longer Regulating Prepaid Legal Insurance

Alabama recently issued a bulletin stating they will no longer regulate prepaid legal insurance. See attached bulletin.

Alabama Hearing to Discuss Removal of Pre-license Education for Certain License Types

5/30/2023 Contact: Reyn Norman, General Counsel Phone: (334) 241-4116 MONTGOMERY, AL Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, on Thursday, July 6, 2023, in the offices of the Alabama Department of Insurance, 201 Monroe Street, Fifth Floor Conference Room, RSA Tower, Montgomery, Alabama, as follows: Adoption of amendments to Insurance Regulation No. 147 [Chapter 482-1-147], which sets forth the requirements related to prelicensing education, examinations, licensing, appointments, and disciplinary consequences for insurance producers, temporary producers, and service representatives. The proposed amendments would remove the ability to apply for a service representative license and remove the prelicensing education requirements, as provided in recently adopted Alabama Act No. 2023-104. [43 pages] Adoption of amendments to Insurance Regulation No. 148 [Chapter 482-1-148], which sets forth the requirements for licensing title insurance agents. The proposed amendments would remove the prelicensing education requirements, as provided in recently adopted Alabama Act No. 2023-104. [39 pages] Adoption of amendments to Insurance Regulation No. 151 [Chapter 482-1-151], which sets forth the requirements for licensing independent adjusters. The proposed revisions would remove the prelicensing education requirements, as provided in recently adopted Alabama Act No. 2023-104. [45 pages] All of these amendments are narrowly tailored to remove obsolete, outdated, and unnecessary rules and to comply with a recently enacted state law, and thus are within the exceptions to the moratorium on adopting or amending administrative rules as found in Executive Order No. 735. The proposed effective date of all the proposed amendments is January 1, 2024. Any person wishing to submit testimony at said hearing is requested to submit said testimony in writing by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on July 5, 2023, to the Alabama Department of Insurance, Attention: Legal Division, Post Office Box 303351, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3351. Any written 2 submission of testimony prior to the hearing will not preclude anyone from making an oral or written presentation at the hearing. A copy of the regulations may be obtained by written request to the Alabama Department of Insurance, Post Office Box 303351, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3351. The request must include payment of $1.00 per page and a self-addressed, postage paid return envelope. A scanned copy may be obtained at no charge via electronic mail. You may send an e-mail request toRaymond.Taylor@insurance.alabama.gov.

Alabama 2023 Pre-Need Company Appointment Renewals

**Alabama 2023 Pre-Need Company Appointment Renewals** **Invoice Renewal Period will be 05/01/2023 to 09/01/2023** **Termination Deadline 04/27/2023**

Alabama Sets 2023 Appointment Renewal Dates

The 2023 Alabama appointment renewal dates are 1/5/2023 - 3/1/2023. Appointments added after 12/31/2022 will be associated with the 2024 renewal date period

Alabama is Removing their Travel Licensing Requirement

Alabama has deleted the travel insurance license requirement.

Alabama Pre-Need Company Appointment Dates Available

For Alabama 2022 Renewals (specifically pre-need), the invoice renewal period is 5/1/22 - 9/2/22.

FAQs

How do I get an insurance license in Alabama?

The type of insurance agent you want to be, or the types of policies you need to sell, will determine what type or types of insurance licenses you need to earn. After you’ve determined which licenses you need, you must now take an insurance exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry.

Alabama also requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing, which will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. There is a $47 fee for fingerprinting services.

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. One thing to be aware of: Alabama mandates that you must submit proof of citizenship within ten (10) days of submitting your license application. To complete this, you can upload a single file that includes the front and the back of your identification, whether that be a driver’s license or other state ID. If you have a question about which forms of ID will work, and which will not, please contact the Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4126 or email the License Department.

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 insurance adjuster license in Alabama?

The first step in getting an Alabama Insurance Adjuster License is taking and passing the Alabama Insurance Adjuster License exam.

Additionally, Alabama requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check, so 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 can call the Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4126 or send them an email.

Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license! 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 two to four (2-4) business 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 Alabama?

Individual Producer licenses are renewed in the Producer’s birth month every two years based on the producer’s birth year. Alabama requires you complete twenty-four credit hours of continuing education between renewals. Three of those credit hours need to be in ethics. If you take the same course multiple times during a reporting period, it only counts once.

You must also within 90 days of your license expiration in order to apply for renewal. You’ll be charged $150 to renew your license.

AgentSync can help with insurance license renewals.
How do I renew my nonresident insurance license in Alabama?

Any nonresident producer must complete the continuing education requirements in his or her state of residence. The home state’s requirements may be used to meet Alabama’s continuing education (CE) requirements if that state recognizes reciprocity with Alabama’s CE requirements.

Note that for a nonresident whose home state does not have a continuing education requirement or whose home state does not recognize reciprocity with Alabama’s continuing education requirements, must meet the continuing education requirements of this state.

Non-resident producers are allowed to renew their license online 90 days prior to their birth month until the last day of their birth month, with a renewal fee of $70.

AgentSync can help with nonresident insurance license renewals.
How do I renew my nonresident adjuster license in Alabama?

Adjuster licenses are renewed biennially. Adjusters are allowed to renew their license online via the NIPR 90-days prior to their birth month until the last day of their birth month, with a renewal fee of $80.

Non-resident adjusters who have met Continuing Education (CE) compliance requirements in their resident state or designated home state’s CE requirement are exempt here.

NOTE: Alabama grants reciprocal licenses to adjusters who are licensed in their home state, except CA, HI, and NY. Candidates from these states applying for a Non-Resident Independent Adjuster license must take the appropriate pre-licensing course and pass the Alabama exam.

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

Alabama adjuster license renewal is required of all license-holders every two (2) years before the expiration date. The expiration date of your license is set as the last day of your birth month.

In Alabama, you are required to complete a total of twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education (CE) each renewal period, including three (3) hours of ethics coursework, to upkeep your adjuster license.

There is an $80 fee to renew your Alabama adjuster license.

After you complete your renewal application, the Alabama Insurance Department will email you once your license renewal has been approved or if you need to submit additional documentation.