Fingerprinting: A Must For Health And Life Insurance License

Whether or not fingerprinting is required for a health and life insurance license depends on the state. For example, California requires fingerprint impressions for all unlicensed applicants. The majority of states require applicants for resident producer and adjuster insurance licenses to get fingerprinted as part of the process. However, Arkansas, Iowa, and Kentucky don't require fingerprinting, but still run a general background check. In addition, some states have specific requirements for non-resident applicants. For instance, California requires all non-resident applicants to submit fingerprints, unless they have an active resident license issued by a state with a fingerprint requirement.

Fingerprinting requirements for non-resident insurance license applicants in California

In California, fingerprint impressions are required for all unlicensed applicants seeking an insurance license. This is to ensure that a thorough criminal background check can be carried out by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This process helps protect insurance consumers from unscrupulous insurance producers.

If you are a non-resident of California and have an active resident license issued by certain states, you may be exempt from submitting fingerprints when applying for a non-resident license in California. The following states are currently exempt:

• Alabama
• New Mexico
• Wisconsin
• District of Columbia
• North Carolina
• Wyoming
• Hawaii
• North Dakota
• Kansas
• Virginia
• Minnesota
• West Virginia

If you are a non-resident applicant who does not meet the above exemption criteria, you will be required to file fingerprint impressions before submitting your application to the California Department of Insurance (CDI). This can be done by scheduling an appointment with CDI's contracted fingerprint vendor, Accurate Biometrics, or by visiting a law enforcement agency or authorised vendor who can complete paper fingerprinting on a standard FBI fingerprint card.

To ensure your fingerprint impressions are properly recorded, you must complete the Request for Live Scan Service form BCIA 8016 and the Licensing Applicant Instructions form LIC 442-39A. You will also need to include the applicable processing fee, which covers the FBI processing fee, DOJ processing fee, and the vendor's rolling fee.

Once your fingerprints have been submitted, please allow at least two weeks for a response. If your fingerprints are delayed, you can check their status by first contacting CDI, and if they do not have your results, you can use the DOJ's online Applicant Background Check Status service.

The process of submitting fingerprints with an insurance license application

California:

• Submit your license application: After submitting your application, you can schedule an appointment to submit your fingerprint impressions.
• Schedule an appointment with Accurate Biometrics: Call Accurate Biometrics, the California Department of Insurance's contracted fingerprint vendor, at (866) 361-9944 to find a fingerprint location near you.
• Complete the necessary forms: When you go for your appointment, bring a completed Live Scan Form BCIA 8016 and print out the LIC 442-39A Licensing Applicant Instructions.
• Pay the fingerprint fee: This fee covers the FBI and DOJ processing fees, as well as a "rolling fee" charged by the live scan vendor.
• Complete your fingerprint impressions: Ensure that your fingerprints are properly recorded.
• Retain a copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form: This will allow you to have your fingerprints redone at no charge if they are rejected.
• Check the status of your fingerprint submission: Allow a minimum of seven days before making a status inquiry. Check with the Department first, as they receive the results directly from the DOJ. If the Department does not have your results, use the DOJ's online Applicant Background Check Status.

Texas:

• Submit your initial application: Provide the information requested and indicate your intent to apply for a license.
• Receive a service code: Once your application is registered, you will receive an email with a service code, which is needed to register for your fingerprinting appointment.
• Register for fingerprinting: Use the service code to register for your fingerprinting appointment with Identogo.
• Obtain your fingerprints: Visit an Identogo location to have your fingerprints taken.
• Submit the rest of your application: After obtaining your fingerprints, submit the remaining components of your application using the instructions provided.

Florida:

Florida offers two methods for submitting fingerprints: LiveScan (electronic submission) or Fingerprint Cards (mail submission). Florida requires fingerprinting for almost all licenses, and the results are valid for one year for applicants without a valid Florida Insurance agent license.

• Register with IdentoGO by Idemia: This is the only approved fingerprinting vendor for Florida. Register, find locations, and pay the fingerprinting fee ($49.50 plus local sales tax) by visiting their website.
• Submit your fingerprints electronically via LiveScan: After payment, a list of LiveScan locations will be provided. Your fingerprints will be submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the results will be sent to the Florida Department of Financial Services.
• Submit your fingerprints by mail using Fingerprint Cards: Register and pay for fingerprint cards. IdentoGO by Idemia will send you a fingerprinting packet with instructions and two fingerprint cards. Have your fingerprints taken by an approved entity, and mail the completed cards to the provided address. Do not include any other documents with the fingerprint cards.

It is important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the state and the type of insurance license you are applying for. Always refer to the official instructions and guidelines provided by the relevant state department or agency.

The cost of fingerprinting for an insurance license application

In Florida, fingerprinting is also a mandatory requirement for most licenses, and applicants must use the state's designated vendor, IdentoGO by Idemia. The cost of fingerprinting in Florida is $49.50, plus local Florida county sales tax. Out-of-state applicants may need to submit their fingerprints by mail, in which case they will need to register for the Cardscan Service and select their preferred cost and shipping method.

In North Carolina, applicants for a Resident Insurance Producer's License must submit their fingerprints within 30 days of applying for the license. However, the source does not mention the cost of fingerprinting in this state.

It is important to note that each state has its own requirements and designated fingerprint vendors, and applicants should refer to their state's insurance licensing board for specific instructions and cost information.

Whether fingerprinting is required before or after passing the insurance exam

The process of getting a health and life insurance license involves several steps, including prelicensing, examination, citizenship affidavits, and background checks. While the specific requirements vary across different states in the US, fingerprinting is typically mandated as part of the licensing procedure.

In most states, fingerprinting is a prerequisite for obtaining a resident producer or adjuster insurance license. However, the process of obtaining fingerprints can differ. Some states have designated fingerprint vendors where individuals must go to have their fingerprints taken on-site. Other states may arrange for fingerprinting to be done on-site at the exam location, but this is only conducted after the exam has been passed. In certain cases, local law enforcement may be authorised to take fingerprints, which are then submitted along with the license application.

It is important to note that some states, like California and Florida, require fingerprint submission even for applicants with reciprocal licenses from other states. These fingerprints are then used to conduct FBI-level background checks.

While fingerprinting is a standard requirement, the timing of when it needs to be done can vary. In California, for instance, examinees are instructed to submit their fingerprints on the same day they submit their insurance license application or soon after to avoid delays in license issuance. Obtaining the fingerprints beforehand is recommended to expedite the process.

To ensure a smooth and timely application process, it is advisable to refer to the specific requirements of your state's insurance licensing board. They can provide guidance on the correct order of steps, including fingerprinting and examination, and any unique procedures or requirements for your state.

States that don't require fingerprinting for insurance license applicants

The requirements for an insurance license vary from state to state. While some states require fingerprinting as part of the background checking process, others do not. Here is a list of states that do not require fingerprinting for insurance license applicants:

• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• Vermont
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Virginia

It is important to note that some of these states, such as Arkansas, Iowa, and Kentucky, still require a general background check as part of the insurance license application process, while others may have specific requirements, such as identification or another form of background check.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that California, Florida, and Washington require fingerprinting for all applicants, even those with reciprocal licenses from other states.

If you are planning to apply for an insurance license, it is always a good idea to check with your state's specific requirements to ensure you have all the necessary information and documentation.

Frequently asked questions