Life Insurance License: Delaware's Hour Requirements Explained

To become a life insurance agent in Delaware, you must complete a five-step process, which includes taking a licensing exam and applying for a license. While the state does not require pre-licensing education, it is highly recommended that you complete a pre-licensing course to prepare for the exam. The Delaware Life Insurance Licensing Exam is administered by Pearson VUE and costs $90. It consists of 90 scored questions covering general and state-specific knowledge, and you will have 135 minutes to complete it. In addition to the exam fee, you can also expect to pay for a fingerprint-based background check ($75) and the license application fee ($100, plus a $5.60 transaction fee). Obtaining your license in Delaware is relatively straightforward, but it is important to be aware of the specific steps and requirements to ensure a smooth process.

Pre-licensing education courses

Although not a formal requirement, it is highly recommended that you complete a pre-licensing education course before you take the Delaware life insurance licensing exam. This will give you the best chance of passing the exam on your first attempt.

When choosing a pre-licensing education course, consider the course's flexibility, price, and the provider's reputation. ExamFX is a popular choice, with over 81% of readers of one source using their online courses. They offer a money-back guarantee and their courses come with a first-time pass guarantee.

Another option is ABTrainingCenter.com, which offers live online pre-licensing exam prep courses and self-study materials.

Exam requirements

To obtain a life insurance license in Delaware, you must pass the relevant Delaware Insurance License Exam. While pre-license education courses are not mandatory, they are highly recommended to help you pass the exam on your first attempt.

The Delaware Insurance License Exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you must pay a $90 fee when you make your reservation, as fees are not accepted at the test centre. The exam is divided into two sections: General Knowledge and State-Specific. You will have 135 minutes to answer 90 scored questions and achieve a passing score of 70%.

For the Life Insurance Examination, you will have 135 minutes to answer 101 questions (90 scored and 11 pre-test), and you must achieve a passing score of 70%. The Accident and Health Examination has a time limit of 150 minutes to answer 115 questions (92 scored and 18 pre-test), and the same passing score of 70%.

It is important to note that you must bring two valid forms of government-issued identification, such as a driver's license and passport, with one including a photograph and signature. Without these, you will not be permitted to take the exam.

After completing the examination, you will receive a score report marked "pass" or "fail". If you pass, you will receive information on how to apply for your license. Your test results will be automatically submitted to the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) online system within two to five business days. However, exam results are only valid for 12 months, so you must apply within this time frame.

Other Requirements:

In addition to passing the relevant exam, there are several other requirements to obtain a life insurance license in Delaware:

• Complete a pre-licensing education course (optional but recommended)
• Complete a fingerprint and background check
• Submit your insurance license application through the NIPR, including a $100 application fee and a $5.60 transaction fee
• Watch for your application results

Background checks

To obtain a life insurance license in Delaware, you must complete a five-step process, which includes a fingerprint-based background check. Here is a detailed overview of the background check requirements:

The background check is a crucial component of the licensing process and involves a thorough investigation of your past conduct to ensure you meet the state's insurance agent regulations. The process is initiated by submitting your fingerprints to the Delaware State Police, which costs $75 or $85, depending on the source. This fee covers the cost of your state criminal background report and fingerprint card submission to the FBI. It is important to schedule a fingerprinting appointment by calling the Delaware State Police at (302) 739-2528. They will guide you through the process of obtaining both state and FBI background checks, which are essential for your Delaware insurance license.

After completing your fingerprinting, you will receive your state and federal background reports. It is crucial to retain these reports, as you will need to fax them to the Delaware Department of Insurance at (302) 736-7906. Additionally, you can refer to the FBI's Identity History Summary Checks page for instructions on submitting your fingerprint card.

It is important to be mindful of any misdemeanors or felonies on your record, as these may impact your chances of obtaining a life insurance license in Delaware. If you have concerns or specific questions about your background check, you can contact the Delaware Department of Insurance for further guidance. They can be reached at (302) 674-7390 or via email at [email protected].

The background check is a standard step in the licensing process, and by following these steps, you can ensure you meet the requirements and increase your chances of obtaining your life insurance license in Delaware.

Application process

To obtain a life insurance license in Delaware, you must complete an application process through the Delaware Insurance Department (DID). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your life insurance license:

Step 1: Pre-Licensing Education

Before you can apply for your license, you must complete the required pre-licensing education hours. For Delaware, this requirement is typically fulfilled by completing a comprehensive course on basic insurance concepts, which can range from 20 to 40 hours in length. This course will cover topics such as insurance regulations, types of insurance, policy provisions, and ethical practices. You can take this course in person or opt for an online option through an approved education provider.

Step 2: Exam Registration and Scheduling

Once you have successfully completed your pre-licensing education, you can proceed to register for and schedule your state licensing exam. The exam is usually administered by the Delaware Insurance Department or a designated testing service provider. During the registration process, you will need to provide proof of your pre-licensing education completion, such as a certificate of completion or a transcript. Additionally, you may be required to pay an examination fee, which secures your exam seat and covers the cost of administering the test.

Step 3: Taking the State Licensing Exam

The state licensing exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during your pre-licensing education. It typically consists of two parts: a general section and a state-specific section. The general section focuses on fundamental insurance concepts, while the state-specific section delves into laws, regulations, and practices unique to Delaware. You must pass both sections to demonstrate your competency and eligibility for a life insurance license.

Step 4: Submitting Your License Application

After successfully passing the state licensing exam, you can initiate the process of submitting your license application to the Delaware Insurance Department. The application process is generally done online through their website or a designated portal. During the application, you will be required to provide various personal and professional details, including your contact information, educational background, and any relevant criminal history or disciplinary actions. Along with the application, you will need to pay a licensing fee, which varies depending on the type of license and the cost of processing the application.

Step 5: Background Check and Fingerprinting

As part of the licensing process, the DID conducts a thorough background check on all applicants to ensure they meet the necessary standards of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. During this step, you will be required to submit fingerprints electronically, which can be done at authorized locations within the state. The background check process verifies your identity, criminal history (if any), and overall suitability to hold a position of trust as a life insurance licensee.

Step 6: License Approval and Issuance

Once your license application, background check, and all other requirements have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Delaware Insurance Department, you will be notified of your license approval. Your life insurance license will then be issued and mailed to the address provided on your application. With this license, you are authorized to sell life insurance products, provide advice, and offer related services to clients within the state of Delaware, adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.

Please note that the processing times and specific requirements may vary, so it is advisable to refer to the Delaware Insurance Department's website for the most current information, guidelines, and updates pertaining to the life insurance license application process.

License renewal

In Delaware, insurance licenses expire every two years. The expiration date will be the last day of February of each even-numbered year, i.e., February 28/29. The renewal period begins on December 1 of each odd-numbered year.

To keep your license active, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. At least three of these hours must be dedicated to ethics modules. The CE provider will report the successful completion of your CE courses to the Delaware Department of Insurance (DDOI). Once this process is complete, the DDOI will renew your license and set your new expiration date as the last day of February in the next even-numbered year. The renewal fee is $100.

The DDOI only accepts electronic license and renewal applications, meaning that you’ll need to renew your license via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). NIPR charges a $5.60 processing fee.

If you don't renew your license on time, there will be a $200 late renewal fee. For every hour of CE you fail to complete on time, you’ll need to pay a $200 CE late fee. You will not be able to renew your license until you complete your CE hours and pay any outstanding fines.

It is recommended to complete all continuing education credits 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license. This will give the CE provider time to report the successful completion to the department of insurance. Your CE courses can be taken at any time within your license term.

Steps to Renew Your Delaware Insurance License

Step 1: Complete Delaware Insurance License Continuing Education

Complete the required 24 hours of CE.

Step 2: Apply for Delaware Insurance License Renewal

According to the DDOI, you may renew your Delaware insurance license by logging into NIPR. Choose the account where you signed up for during your Delaware insurance license application.

Step 3: Pay the Delaware Insurance License Renewal Fee

The renewal fee is $100 per line of authority. To avoid paying late renewal fees, you must complete CE hours and apply for renewal at least 30 days before your license expires. The late fee is $200 per line of authority.

Pay the renewal fees via NIPR by credit card, electronic check, or your chosen online payment system.

The Delaware Department of Insurance will send you a renewal notice within 90 days before your license expires. If you don’t renew your license on time, there will be a $200 late renewal fee.

If you haven’t completed your CE requirements by February 28, you will pay the $200 CE late fee in addition to the late renewal fee. Not meeting your CE requirements prevents you from renewing your insurance license. Once your license expires, you will be subjected to late fines and will not be able to transact business in the state.

Frequently asked questions