To become an insurance agent and sell insurance in California, 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.
- Complete a 12-Hr Ethics & Insurance Code Pre-Licensing Course
- Prepare for the California 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: Complete 12-Hr Ethics & Insurance Code Pre-Licensing Course
While the state no longer requires pre-licensing hours by line of authority, it does require every candidate to complete an approved California 12-Hr Ethics & Insurance Code course prior to taking the exam. All-Lines Training’s course is state-approved and satisfies this requirement.
#2: Prepare for the California Insurance Exam
*NEW* Effective January 2026, California insurance candidates will no longer have to complete pre-licensing hours for their specific line of authority before taking the state exam. However, we highly recommend you take an All-Lines Training California Insurance Exam Prep Course, so you’ll be fully prepared to ace the state exam.
Discounted packages that include your required hours plus the exam prep course you need are available on the California Insurance License page.
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 California 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 pre-licensing education. Applicants may take one examination and apply for a Property and Casualty Broker-Agent license by selecting both the ‘Property Broker-Agent’ and the ‘Casualty Broker-Agent’ license types
Detailed information on PSI’s testing policies, procedures, and scoring methods is available on their website. After you pass your exam, you can apply for your California Insurance License.
#4 Apply for your California Insurance License
Apply for your California license online through Sircon or through the National Insurance Producer Registry.
#5: Get a Fingerprint Background Check
All unlicensed applicants are required to submit fingerprint impressions. If you’re a new license applicant, you must submit your fingerprints after filing your insurance license application with the California Department of Insurance, or soon after, to ensure the Department receives your fingerprint results promptly from the California DOJ and the FBI.
Detailed instructions on how to obtain and submit your fingerprints are available on CDI’s website.
#6: Complete California’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 two-year period and receive continuing education credit.
- Three hours must be an Ethics course
You can renew your license through Sircon.
Additional Information for California Insurance Professionals
- All-Lines Training Course(s):
- P&C + 12-Hour Ethics Bundle : $219
- Personal Lines + Ethics Bundle: $219
- Standalone Exam Prep: $179
- 12-Hour Ethics & Code: $99
- Application Fee: $188
- Exam Fee: $58
- Fingerprinting Fee: $59 with Accurate Biometrics or $68.95 with PSI
- Renewal Fee: $188
California Insurance 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.
California Department of Insurance Contact Information
Website: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/
Mailing Address:
California Department of Insurance
Producer Licensing Bureau
320 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (800) 967-9331
Email: https://interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov/pli/servlet/InformationRequest
