Renewing Life And Health Insurance: Quick License Guide

Renewing a life and health insurance license is a straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of the requirements and fees involved. The first step is to determine the type of license you hold, such as a resident or non-resident license, and whether it needs to be renewed annually or biannually. Before submitting a renewal application, you must fulfill specific requirements, including providing evidence of completed continuing education (CE) credits and answering background questions. Additionally, there may be associated fees, such as a transaction fee and state license fees. The renewal process can often be completed online through platforms like Sircon, the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR), or state-specific portals.

Continuing Education requirements

To renew your life and health insurance license, you must meet specific continuing education (CE) requirements. These requirements vary by state and insurance category, so it's important to check the rules for your specific location and license type. Here are the key details you need to know about CE requirements:

In Texas, you must complete 24 hours of CE every two years to keep your license in good standing. At least 12 of these hours must be "classroom" or "classroom equivalent" courses, and three hours must be dedicated to ethics. It is recommended that you complete your CE hours at least 30 days before your license expires to avoid any delays in the renewal process. You can find approved courses on the Sircon website.

For New York, CE requirements include the completion of 15 credit hours of instruction. This should consist of at least one hour each of insurance law, ethics and professionalism, diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias, and flood insurance instruction. If you sell flood insurance through the NFIP, you need to complete three hours of enhanced flood insurance instruction. These courses can be taken in a classroom setting, via webinar, or as self-study. A list of approved providers can be found on the Continuing Education Provider Search website.

In Georgia, you are required to provide evidence of completing your CE requirements when applying for license renewal. The specific requirements depend on the insurance category, and you can request a CE reduction or exemption when applying.

North Carolina has a similar requirement, where all resident insurance producers must comply with the continuing education requirements for the licenses they hold.

Renewal fees

Texas:

The renewal fee for a life, accident, health, and HMO license in Texas is $50. A $25 late fee is charged if the renewal payment is not made before midnight CT on the expiration date. To keep the license in good standing, 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) must be completed every two years. Non-completion of CE hours before the expiration date results in a $50 fine for each hour.

California:

In California, a 50% late penalty fee is charged for renewing a license after the expiration date. Additionally, a $5.60 transaction fee is charged for Resident and Non-Resident license renewals, and state license fees may apply.

Georgia:

In Georgia, the renewal fees vary based on the insurance category. The fees are as follows:

• Agent (Renew with Variable): $200
• Agent (Renew without Variable): $100
• Adjuster, Counselor: $100
• Limited Subagent: $100
• Surplus Lines Broker: $600

It is important to note that the renewal process may differ slightly between states, and there may be additional requirements or steps involved. It is always recommended to refer to the official websites of the relevant state departments for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Resident vs Non-Resident license renewal

Renewing your insurance license is a straightforward process, but it differs depending on whether you are a resident or non-resident in the state where you wish to be licensed.

Resident License Renewal

To renew a resident insurance license, you will need to meet the continuing education requirements for the license(s) held and pay any associated fees. This includes a $5.60 transaction fee and any relevant state license fees. The specific requirements and fees vary by state, so it is important to review the rules and requirements for your state. In general, you will need to provide the following information when renewing your resident license:

• License Number and State or National Producer Number
• Last four digits of the Social Security Number or full FEIN
• Date of Birth (Individuals)
• Applicant, Licensee, License, and Residency Type

Non-Resident License Renewal

If you are renewing a non-resident insurance license, the process is similar. You will need to pay the same $5.60 transaction fee and any applicable state license fees. Again, it is important to review the specific rules and requirements for the state in which you are seeking licensure. The information required for non-resident license renewal is typically the same as for resident license renewal:

• License Number and State or National Producer Number
• Last four digits of the Social Security Number or full FEIN
• Date of Birth (Individuals)
• Applicant, Licensee, License, and Residency Type

It is important to note that the requirements and fees for license renewal may vary by state, so it is always a good idea to consult the relevant state's Department of Insurance website or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Online renewal

Renewing your life and health insurance license online is a straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of the requirements and any applicable fees. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the online renewal process:

Step 1: Check Requirements and Prepare Necessary Information

Before initiating the renewal process, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. This typically includes fulfilling any continuing education (CE) mandates specific to your state and license type. Some states, like Texas, mandate 24 hours of CE every two years, with at least 12 hours being "classroom" or "classroom equivalent" courses. New York, on the other hand, requires at least one hour each of insurance law, ethics and professionalism, diversity, flood insurance (if applicable), and three hours of enhanced flood insurance instruction for NFIP flood insurance sales.

Additionally, prepare the following information:

• License Number and State or National Producer Number
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number or full FEIN
• Date of Birth
• Applicant, Licensee, License, and Residency Type information
• Payment method: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or electronic check

Step 2: Access the Online Renewal Platform

The platform for online renewal varies by state. For instance, Texas uses the Sircon website, while Georgia directs licensees to the Georgia Licensing portal. New York licensees can renew through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) via the NY LINX platform.

Step 3: Complete the Online Renewal Form

Once you've located the appropriate platform, follow the instructions to complete the renewal form. Provide the information prepared in Step 1 and pay the applicable fees. In most cases, you'll be required to pay a transaction fee (around $5) and state license fees.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documentation

Along with the renewal form, you may need to submit supporting documents. For instance, Georgia requires uploading a Citizen Affidavit (if applicable) and a copy of your verifiable ID.

Step 5: Await Review and Approval

After submitting your application, the reviewing authority will assess it. If there are any issues, they will contact you. Upon approval, you will typically receive your renewed license via email. Processing times vary, but the average turnaround time is about two weeks.

Remember to renew your license before its expiration date to avoid any complications or late fees. Staying proactive and organized throughout the renewal process will help ensure a smooth and timely transition to your renewed license.

License renewal timing

The timing of your life and health insurance license renewal will depend on the state in which you are licensed and the type of license you hold. Here are some common scenarios and requirements:

Annual or Biannual Renewal:

Some states, such as Georgia, require insurance licenses to be renewed annually or biannually, depending on when the license was first issued. This means that you will need to renew your license every year or every two years, respectively. It's important to check with your state's insurance department to confirm the specific renewal period for your license.

Continuing Education Requirements:

Many states, including Texas, New York, and California, require insurance licensees to complete continuing education (CE) requirements before renewing their licenses. These requirements vary by state and may include a specific number of hours of CE courses, as well as specific topics that need to be covered. For example, in Texas, licensees must complete 24 hours of CE every two years, including a minimum number of hours in "classroom" or "classroom equivalent" courses and ethics. New York requires licensees to complete at least one hour of instruction in insurance law, ethics and professionalism, diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias, and flood insurance (with additional hours required if selling flood insurance through the NFIP).

Renewal Fees:

Most states charge a renewal fee for insurance licenses. The amount of the fee varies by state and license type. For example, in Texas, the renewal fee is $50, with a $25 late fee if not paid by the expiration date. In Georgia, the renewal fee for an agent license with a variable is $200, while it is $100 for an agent license without a variable.

Renewal Application Window:

You will typically need to renew your license before its expiration date. Some states, such as California, will send a renewal notification approximately 90 days before the expiration date, which includes information about the license and any continuing education requirements. Other states, like Georgia, allow licensees to apply for online renewal 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Non-Resident License Renewal:

If you hold a non-resident insurance license, the renewal process may differ. For example, North Carolina will recertify non-resident producer licenses by reviewing their license status in their home state. If the non-resident's home state license is in good standing, their North Carolina license will be extended.

Frequently asked questions