To become an insurance agent in West Virginia, you will need to get your license. 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 in insurance. Keep reading to learn details on the following steps.
- Take a state-approved West Virginia pre-licensing course
- Register for and pass the state exam
- Submit application and background check
- Stay compliant and renew your license
Let’s get started!
#1: Meet the Basic Requirements for the West Virginia Insurance License
You must meet the following requirements to get your insurance license in West Virginia:
- A natural person at least 18 years of age
- A resident of the state
#2: Take an Approved West Virginia Insurance Pre-Licensing Course
The state requires you to complete an approved pre-licensing course before you can register and take the state insurance exam. Our West Virginia Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses satisfy the mandatory pre-licensing requirement and will effectively prepare you to pass the state exam. Make sure you take the pre-licensing course for your preferred license type/lines of authority.
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!
#3: Register for and Pass the West Virginia Insurance State Exam
When you’re ready to take the exam, register through PearsonVue. Make sure you register for the exam that matches your license course and preferred line of authority.
- Detailed information on the exam and testing procedures is available in the Candidate Handbook.
- Make sure to bring your pre-licensing Certificate of Completion.
#4: Complete a Fingerprint Background Check
Insurance license candidates must complete a fingerprint background check through IdentoGO. Use code 228NS5.
You must apply for fingerprinting AFTER you pass your exam. Fingerprints are only good for 60 days.
#5: Submit an Application for Your West Virginia Insurance License
Once you’ve passed your exam, you can apply for your license online through NIPR.
#5: Complete West Virginia’s Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
Resident insurance producers are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. You cannot repeat the same course within a compliance cycle and receive continuing education credit. Up to six excess credits will be applied to your next compliance cycle as general credits.
- Three hours must be an Ethics course
Producer licenses are renewed on the last day of your birth month. You can renew your license through NIPR.
Additional Information for West Virginia Insurance Agents
West Virginia insurance licensing fees
- All-Lines West Virginia Pre-Licensing Course: $199
- Application Fee: $50
- Exam Fee: $86
- Fingerprinting: $44.50
- Renewal Fee: $50
West Virginia Insurance 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. However, holding multiple licenses will allow you to sell insurance policies across state lines, increasing your customer base and your income.
West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Contact Information
Website: https://www.wvinsurance.gov/Divisions_Licensing
Mailing Address:
WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner
PO Box 50541
Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0541
Phone: 888-879-9842
Email: OICAgentLicensing@wv.gov
