To become an insurance agent and sell insurance in Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington Insurance Agent License State Exam
While the state doesn’t require a pre-licensing course, we highly recommend you take an All-Lines Training Washington Insurance Exam Prep Course so you’ll be fully prepared to ace the state exam. You have multiple options when it comes to insurance licenses in Washington: Property & Casualty, Property only, Casualty only, or Personal Lines. We always recommend getting a Property & Casualty 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 Washington Insurance State Exam
When you’re ready to take the exam, register through PSI. Make sure you register for the exam that corresponds to your exam prep course.
- Detailed information on PSI’s testing policies, procedures, and scoring methods are available in the Candidate Handbook.
#3: Submit Application and Fingerprints for Your Washington Agent License
Prior to submitting your fingerprints, Washington requires all insurance candidates to submit their application. You can apply for your license online through NIPR or The Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Make sure you are applying for the insurance license you tested for, and be ready to electronically attach your exam score at the end of your application.
Once your application is complete, get a fingerprint background check through Identogo.
More details can be found on the Washington website.
#4: Complete Washington’s Insurance Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
Washington 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. Excess credits will not be applied to your next compliance cycle.
- Three hours must be in ethics.
Washington agent licenses renew on the last day of the birth month.
You can renew your license through NIPR.
Additional Information for Washington Insurance Agents
Insurance License Lookup: https://fortress.wa.gov/oic/consumertoolkit/search.aspx?searchtype=aac
Washington Insurance Agent Licensing Fees
- All-Lines Training Exam Prep Course: $179
- Application Fee: $55
- Exam Fee: $52
- Fingerprinting Fee: $49
- Renewal Fee: $55
Washington 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.
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Website: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/individual-resident
Mailing Address:
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
PO Box 40255
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 360-725-7144
Email: Email Form
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
