To become an insurance agent and sell insurance in Alabama, you need to get licensed. Our step-by-step guide offers detailed instructions for obtaining and maintaining your license. We’ve also included information on renewal and reciprocity so you’ll have everything you need to start an exciting new career as an insurance agent. Keep reading to learn details on the following steps.
- Take an Alabama exam prep course
- Register for and pass the state exam
- Submit application
- Submit the Proof of Citizenship Document
- Submit fingerprints
- Stay compliant and renew your license
Let’s get started!
#1: Prepare for the Alabama insurance license state exam
While the state doesn’t require a pre-licensing course (new as of 1/1/2024), we highly recommend you take an Alabama Insurance Exam Prep Course so you’ll be fully prepared to ace the state exam.
Not sure which license you need? Unless otherwise directed by an employer, we always recommend getting a Property & Casualty license because it covers more lines of authority, including Personal Lines, giving you more options to sell.
Every All-Lines course has been rigorously prepared and is regularly updated. Our online classroom allows you to print reference materials, take practice tests, and even create your own quizzes to help with subjects you are struggling with. Once you’re consistently making 90% on your practice tests and passing all the quizzes with flying colors…it’s exam time!
#2: Register for and Pass the Alabama Agent State Exam
When you’re ready to take the exam, register through The University of Alabama. Make sure you register for the exam that corresponds to your pre-licensing course.
#3: Submit Application and Fingerprints for Your Alabama Agent License
Once you’ve passed the state exam, you’re ready to apply for your Alabama agent license. Submit your application through NIPR.
Alabama requires applicants to submit a proof of citizenship document and a fingerprint background check with their license application. You can schedule an appointment to get fingerprinted through Fieldprint.
Applicants must submit an application within 30 days after completing their Fingerprinting check. The fingerprint results will remain in the Alabama system only for 30 days after the applicant has completed their fingerprint check. If the application reaches the DOI after those 30 days, the applicant will have to get fingerprinted again and repay the required fee.
You can check to see if your Alabama Adjuster License has been issued at SBS Alabama.
#4: Complete Alabama’s Insurance Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
Alabama insurance agents are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. You cannot receive credit for any course more than once in a reporting period.
- Three hours must be in ethics/consumer protection.
Alabama agent licenses are renewed every two years on the last day of your birthday month. You can renew your license through SBS Alabama.
Additional Information for Alabama Insurance Agents
Alabama Insurance License Lookup: https://www.aldoi.gov/licensing/checkstatus.aspx
Alabama Insurance Agent Licensing Fees
- All-Lines Training Exam Prep Course
- Combined Property & Casualty: $179
- Personal Lines: $179
- Property: $179
- Casualty: $179
- Exam Fee: $75 for combined line of authority, $50 for single line of authority
- Licensing Fee (per insurer): $80
- Fingerprinting Fee: $48.25
- License Renewal Fee: $80
- Late Fee: $50
- NIPR Transaction Fee (for new licenses and renewals): $5.00
- Notice of Appointment Fee: $40
- Appointment Renewal Fee: $25
Alabama Insurance Agent License Reciprocity
Insurance agent and producer license reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between states that says an agent holding a license in his or her home state can successfully apply for a license in another state without having to take that state’s exam or pre-licensing course.
As an insurance agent, you can apply for a reciprocal license in any other state as long as the license you are applying for covers the same lines of authority. So if you hold a Personal Lines license, for example, you will not qualify for a Property and Casualty Lines reciprocal license.
Your home state license needs to be in good standing, and you will need to apply for the license, pay the fees, and register the licenses with NIPR. But holding multiple licenses will allow you to sell insurance policies across state lines, increasing your customer base and your income.
Alabama Department of Insurance Contact Information
Website: https://www.aldoi.gov/Licensing/ProducerReq.aspx
Mailing Address:
Alabama Department of Insurance
PO Box 303351
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: 334-241-4126
Fax: 334-241-4192
Email: Producerlicensing@insurance.alabama.gov
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
