To become an insurance agent and sell insurance in Texas, 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 producer. Keep reading to learn details on the following steps.
- Prepare for the Texas state insurance exam
- Register for and pass the state exam
- Submit application and background check
- Stay compliant and renew your license
Let’s get started!
#1: Prepare for the Texas Insurance Producer License State Exam
While the state doesn’t require a pre-licensing course, we highly recommend you take an All-Lines Training Texas Insurance Exam Prep Course so you’ll be fully prepared to ace the state exam. You have two options when it comes to insurance licenses in Texas: General Lines or Personal Lines. We always recommend getting a Property & Casualty General Lines license because it covers more lines of authority, 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 Texas Producer State Exam
When you’re ready to take the exam, register through Pearson VUE. Make sure you register for the exam that corresponds to your exam prep course.
- Candidates are given 150 minutes to take the General Lines exam and 120 minutes to take the Personal Lines exam
- Detailed information on Pearson VUE’s testing policies, procedures, and scoring methods are available in the Candidate Handbook
#3: Submit Fingerprints and Application for Your Texas Producer License
Prior to submitting your license application, Texas requires all insurance candidates to submit their fingerprints for a background check.
Candidates may schedule fingerprint appointments at any IdentoGO by IDEMIA locations throughout Texas. Appointments are required and candidates are encouraged to make their reservation at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance.
Get a fingerprint background check from IdentoGO, and send the Texas Department of Insurance a copy of the IdentoGO receipt showing that your fingerprints were sent. Use service code 11G6QF.
Once your background check is complete, apply for your license online through either Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry. Make sure you are applying for the insurance license you tested for.
#4: Complete Texas’ Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
Texas insurance producers 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.
- Two hours must be in ethics/consumer protection.
- At least 12 hours must be “classroom” or “classroom equivalent” courses. All All-Lines Training courses meet the classroom equivalent requirement.
Texas producer licenses are renewed every two years on the last day of your birthday month.
You can renew your license through Sircon if you renew more than 30 days before your deadline ($8.25 fee). You can also renew through National Insurance Producer Registry ($5 fee) or Texas.gov (no charge) at any time.
Additional Information for Texas Insurance Producers
Texas insurance license lookup: https://txapps.texas.gov/NASApp/tdi/TdiARManager
Texas Insurance Agent Licensing Fees
- All-Lines Training Exam Prep Course: $179
- Exam Fee: General Lines $43, Personal Lines $33
- Application fee: $50
- Fingerprinting fee: varies depending on location and time but usually around $45
- Renewal Fee: $50
- Late Fee: $25
- Sircon Processing: $8.25
- NIPR: $5.00
Texas Insurance Agent License Reciprocity
Insurance agent and producer license reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between states that says a producer 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 producer, 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 General 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.
Texas Department of Insurance Contact Information
Website: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/personal-property-casualty-apply.html
Mailing Address:
Texas Department of Insurance
Agent & Adjuster Licensing
PO Box: 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
Phone: 512-676-6500
Email: license@tdi.texas.gov
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
