To become an insurance agent or insurance broker in New York, 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.
- Complete the required 90-hours of pre-licensing education
- Register for and pass the state exam
- Submit application
- Stay compliant and renew your license
Let’s get started!
#1: Take an Approved New York Insurance Pre-licensing Course
The state requires you to complete an approved 90-hour pre-licensing course before you can register and take the state adjuster exam. Our New York Property & Casualty Insurance Pre-Licensing Course satisfies the mandatory pre-licensing requirement and will effectively prepare you to pass the state agent exam.
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 New York Insurance Exam
When you’re ready to take the exam, register through PSI. Make sure you register for the exam that corresponds to your pre-licensing course. For the Property and Casualty Insurance Broker/Agent, Series 17-56 examinations, you must present your pre-licensing Course Completion Certificate on the day of testing.
- Candidates are given 2.5 hours to take the Property & Casualty exam, which contains 150 questions.
- Detailed information on PSI’s testing policies, procedures, and scoring methods are available in the Candidate Handbook.
#3: Apply for Your New York Insurance License
Once you’ve passed your exam, you will need to apply for your license and pay your fees. Applicants should apply on the NY Department of Financial Services website.
Use the Producer/Licensee Search application to determine if a license has been issued and to view the license number. NYDFS does not mail licenses. Once a license is issued (in PDF format), you should save and print your license.
#4: Complete New York’s Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
New York insurance producers are required to complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. You cannot repeat the same course within a compliance cycle and receive continuing education credit. Excess credits will not be applied to your next compliance cycle.
- At least one hour of Insurance Law instruction.
- At least one hour of ethics and professionalism instruction.
- At least one hour of diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias instruction.
- At least one hour of flood insurance instruction if the licensee is licensed to sell one or more lines of property/casualty insurance and at least three hours of enhanced flood insurance instruction if the licensee sells flood insurance through the NFIP.
All-Lines Training offers approved CE courses that fulfill the flood and ethics requirements. We do not currently offer courses for DEI or insurance law.
Producer licenses are renewed on the last day of your birth month. You can renew your license through DFS Portal.
Additional Information for New York Insurance Agents & Brokers
New York Insurance Agent/Broker Licensing Fees
- All-Lines Training Pre-Licensing Course: $199
- Exam Fee: $40
- Licensing Fee: $80
- Renewal Fee: $80
New York Department of Financial Services Contact Information
Website: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps_and_licensing/agents_and_brokers/home
Phone: 800-342-3736
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
