LICENSING FAQ
- How do I apply for an agent's license?
- How do I apply for a temporary agent's license?
- How do I apply for an adjuster's license?
- May I send a completed license application by fax?
- Where may I find licensing forms?
- How do I apply for a Texas non-resident license?
- I am moving to Texas and now hold a Texas non-resident license. How do I keep this license with no lapse time?
- How do I get material to use for examination preparation?
- What are the Continuing Education requirements?
- How do I get a continuing education extension?
- How do I get a continuing education exemption
- My CE Provider registration and/or a course certification has expired. What do I do?
- How do I renew my license?
- How do I get a copy of my license
- How do I get a letter of certification?
How do I apply for an agent's license?
Refer to the License Type and Descriptions chart to determine whether a state-administered exam is required, if you must take a company-administered exam, or if you are exempt from taking any exam.
If a state examination IS required:
- Candidate should review thoroughly the Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook from Thomson Prometric, our testing vendor. It contains exam content outlines, important information regarding eligibility, and details the exam process and the licensing application process;
- contact Thomson Prometric to make an exam reservation;
- appear at the assessment center the day examination is scheduled;
- submit a Thomson Prometric license application to Thomson Prometric;
- For the Thomson Prometric forms and contact information, click here,or call 866.267.0455.
If a state examination is NOT required:
If a company-administered examination is required (Pre-need, county mutual, and life not exceeding $15,000):
- Contact your sponsoring company to arrange taking the company administered exam. After successfully completing your company exam, submit to TDI:
- TDI Agent/Adjuster License Application (Individual). Read instructions carefully. ;
- application fee;
- fingerprint receipt (Starting January 1, 2007);
- copy of exam certification.
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How do I apply for a temporary agent's license?
General Lines-Life, Accident & Health, General Lines-Property & Casualty and Limited Lines applicants submit to Thomson Prometric, our testing vendor:
- Completed Thomson Prometric application (read instructions carefully);
- application fee of $150;
- fingerprint receipt (Starting January 1, 2007).
County Mutual, Life Insurance Not Exceeding $15K, and Funeral Pre-Need submit to TDI:
A Notice of Appointment is needed at time of application for a temporary license from:
- the authorized appointing official of an insurance company, or
- the executive officer or partner of a sponsoring agency, or
- the sponsoring individual agent
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How do I apply for an adjuster's license?
Refer to the License Type and Descriptions chart to determine whether you may qualify for exemption from the exam.
Adjusters may qualify for a license in one of two ways, if not exempt:
A. By successfully completing a TDI certified course and approved final examination. Students who meet the course requirements and pass the comprehensive test at the end of the course are issued a certificate of completion that is good for one year. To view a list of approved Adjuster Licensing Providers, click here Once you have completed the course, submit to TDI:
- TDI Agent/Adjuster License Application (Individual)form. Read instructions carefully;
- application fee;
- fingerprint receipt (Starting January 1, 2007);
- course completion certificate;
B. By passing the Thomson Prometric exam.
- Candidate should review thoroughly the Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook from Thomson Prometric, our testing vendor. It contains exam content outlines, important information regarding eligibility, and details the exam process and the licensing application process;
- contact Thomson Prometric to make an exam reservation;
- appear at the assessment center the day examination is scheduled;
- submit a Thomson Prometric license application to Thomson Prometric;
- For the Thomson Prometric forms and contact information, click here,or call 866.267.0455.
May I send a completed license application by fax?
No. Faxed applications are not acceptable
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Where may I find licensing forms?
License Applications, the FAST form required for fingerprinting, and other forms are available for download at the agent forms page.
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How do I apply for a Texas non-resident license?
Non-residents may apply by reciprocity and are exempt from the fingerprint requirement. Non-residents may apply to TDI by submitting:
A non-resident may also apply on line. Click here for information
Non-resident applicants who do not hold a current license in good standing in their state of residence must, through the law enforcement agency of that state, submit a copy of their criminal history records along with a completed license application and fees. They must pass the proper Texas licensing examination (if required).
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I am moving to Texas and now hold a Texas non-resident license. How do I keep this license with no lapse time?
- Submit a signed and dated address change request to Licensing Division MC 107-1A, PO Box 149104, Austin Texas, 78714-9104, or fax it to 512.322.3553. Do this before the license expiration date.
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How do I get study material to use for examination preparation?
- The Texas Department of Insurance does not provide or develop study materials for the exams. However, we suggest that you:
- Review the exam content outline in the Thomson Prometric Licensing Information Bulletin.
- Contact your sponsoring company, agent or agency for referrals to study materials or exam prep-courses
- Contact the private vendors in this list. They publish study materials or offer courses of study
0Chance2Fail
877-516-8384
www.0chance2fail.com (LAH and P&C)
ABLE Incorporated
800-586-2253
www.examsimulator.com (Note: LAH package available in Spanish)
A.D. Banker and Company of Conroe
936-494-0044
www.conroe.adbtc.com (LAH and P&C)
CPMI Professional Development Inc.
877-601-2273
www.cpmipro.com (LAH and P&C - Spanish/English)
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
800-880-7428
http://www.iiat.org (LAH, P&C, Adjuster-All Lines only)
INS e.t.c.
281-360-2628
http://www.ins-etc.com (LAH and P&C)
Insurance Schools, Inc.
800-333-3926
http://www.insuranceadjusterscourse.com (Adjuster only)
Kaplan Financial
800-824-8742
www.kaplanfinancial.com (LAH and P&C)
Lakeway Training Institute
512-402-9785
www.lakewaytraining.org (Adjuster, All Lines)
Noble Financial Group
800-275-2589
www.noblece.com (Life and Health only)
Saturn Learning Solutions
214-823-8808 x5
http://www.license2go.net (LAH only)
Securities Training Corporation
800-782-8505
http://www.stcusa.com (LAH only)
Disclaimer: TDI does not regulate these firms. If you are a vendor who would like your information listed here, please contact us at LICENSE@tdi.state.tx.us
What are the Continuing Education requirements?
30 hours per 2-year renewal period with 2 in ethics for:
- General Lines Agents,
- Managing General Agents,
- Adjusters (all types),
- Life & Health Insurance Counselors,
- Insurance Service Representatives
- Full-Time Home Office Employees
10 hours including 2 in ethics, for:
- Limited Lines Agents
- Life Insurance Not Exceeding $15K Agents,
- County Mutual Agents
Everyone subject to Continuing Education must do at least half the hours in a classroom setting or as classroom-equivalent. For more details go to the Continuing Education page.
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How do I get a continuing education extension?
- Extensions are granted for a number of non-work related situations. Write a letter and attach full documentation, such as doctor's letters, military orders sending you to a theater of war, or other statements of extenuating circumstances. A request for extension must be made before your license's expiration date. A continuing education extension does not extend the renewal date, nor does it waive any renewal late fees that may become due. Click here for details
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How do I get a continuing education exemption?
- You must have been continuously licensed for at least 20 years, with no break in licensure greater than 90 days. Your license must have been issued by this department. You cannot count home state licensure in another state. Submit a completed CE Exemption or Extension form to TDI
My CE provider registration and/or course certification has expired. What do I do?
- Stop giving courses at once and get the necessary paperwork filed. A provider may be fined for each student who takes an expired course.
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How do I renew my license?
- About 85 days before your license expires, a perforated renewal invoice is sent to your last known mailing address on file with TDI. Tear-off the bottom portion of the renewal invoice and return with your fee.
You may:
return the renewal invoice in the pre-addressed envelope with a check or money order
OR
- renew by credit card (most major cards accepted) through Texas on Line, or
Sircon
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How do I get a copy of my license?
If your mailing address is current with TDI, you may request a copy of your license
- through our automated phone service by calling 512-322-3503 and selecting option 2 on the main menu, or
- by email at LICENSE@tdi.state.tx.us.
If your mailing address has changed you will need to submit to TDI: a written statement that contains your full name, license number, new mailing, business and/or resident address, any new contact numbers and your signature. You may submit:
- by mail Licensing Division MC 107-1A, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78714-9104, or
- fax to (512) 322-3553.
How do I get a letter of certification?
There are two ways to get a letter of certification. First, you may request and print the certification on-line through our database vendor, Sircon Corp. using Visa or Mastercard for the $11 state fee and the vendor's convenience fee. Second, you may go to the TDI request form through this link, fill it out, print it, and mail it with the $11 fee to the address on the form.
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For more information contact: License@tdi.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Insurance
