A Texas Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance license allows you to sell many of the insurance products consumers and businesses purchase every day, including homeowners, auto, renters, commercial property, and business liability insurance.
If you’re planning to become an insurance agent in Texas, a General Lines Property & Casualty license is often the best place to start because it provides broader authority than a Personal Lines license and opens the door to more career opportunities.
This guide walks through every step of the licensing process, including:
- Choosing the right Property & Casualty license
- Preparing for the Texas licensing exam
- Registering for and passing the state exam
- Completing fingerprinting and your license application
- Meeting Texas continuing education requirements
- Renewing your license
Step 1: Choose the Right Texas Property & Casualty License
Texas offers two primary Property & Casualty license options, so it’s important to understand the difference and approach your education and licensing accordingly.
General Lines Property & Casualty License
This license allows you to sell both personal and commercial Property & Casualty insurance products, including:
- Homeowners insurance
- Auto insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- General liability
- Business owner’s policies (BOP)
- Inland marine
- Umbrella coverage
- Workers’ compensation (when applicable)
Most agencies prefer candidates with a General Lines license because it provides greater flexibility and allows agents to serve a wider range of customers.
Personal Lines Property & Casualty License
A Personal Lines license is limited to personal insurance products such as:
- Personal auto insurance
- Homeowners insurance
- Renters insurance
- Motorcycle insurance
- Recreational vehicle insurance
While this license is appropriate for many personal insurance agencies, it does not authorize the sale of commercial Property & Casualty products.
For most new insurance professionals, the General Lines Property & Casualty license offers the greatest long-term career opportunities.
Step 2: Prepare for the Texas Property & Casualty Exam
Texas does not require a pre-licensing course before taking the state exam. However, most successful candidates use an exam prep course to improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.
State insurance exams can be challenging, especially for those who are unfamiliar with insurance terms and concepts. Not only is there a lot to learn, but the exam questions test understanding and application, not just definitions. Good exam prep courses will be structured to test what you know, whether you understand a concept, and how to apply it day-to-day, so you’ll be ready when the state exam does the same.
Our Texas Property & Casualty Exam Prep Course was designed according to the published exam content outlines and includes:
- Comprehensive online lessons
- Unlimited practice exams
- Custom quizzes
- Printable study materials
- Progress tracking
- Regular content updates based on Texas regulations
A good benchmark is consistently scoring at least 90% on practice exams before scheduling your licensing exam.
Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Texas State Exam
Texas administers insurance licensing exams through Pearson VUE. Make sure to register for the exam you prepared for, and that matches the license you plan to obtain.
General Lines Property & Casualty Exam
- 150-minute testing time
- Administered at Pearson VUE testing centers
Personal Lines Property & Casualty Exam
- 120-minute testing time
- Administered at Pearson VUE testing centers
Pearson VUE’s Candidate Handbook provides current testing procedures, identification requirements, scoring information, and rescheduling policies.
Want to learn more about the insurance exam? Check out our blog article: Is the Insurance Exam Hard?
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting and Apply for Your License
All Texas insurance producer applicants must complete fingerprinting for a criminal background check.
Fingerprint appointments are completed through IdentoGO by IDEMIA.
When scheduling your appointment, use Texas service code: 11G6QF
After fingerprinting:
- Save your receipt.
- Complete your license application.
- Apply through either:
Select the same license type you passed during your examination.
Step 5: Maintain Your Texas Property & Casualty License
Texas producer licenses renew every two years during your birth month.
To remain licensed, you’ll complete:
- 24 hours of continuing education every renewal period
- 2 hours of Ethics and Consumer Protection
- At least 12 hours in classroom or classroom-equivalent courses
All-Lines Training continuing education courses satisfy Texas classroom-equivalent requirements.
You may 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.
How Much Does a Texas Property & Casualty License Cost?
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Texas Property & Casualty Exam Prep | $179 (through All-Lines Training) |
| General Lines Exam Fee | $43 |
| Personal Lines Exam Fee | $33 |
| License Application | $50 |
| Fingerprinting | Approximately $45 |
| License Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Late Renewal Fee | $25 |
Texas Property & Casualty License Reciprocity
If you’re already licensed in another state, you may qualify for a reciprocal Texas license.
Reciprocity generally allows licensed insurance producers to obtain a non-resident license without retaking the licensing exam, provided:
- Your resident license is active and in good standing.
- You apply for the same line of authority.
- You complete the required application and pay applicable fees.
For example, a Personal Lines license typically cannot be exchanged for a General Lines Property & Casualty license because they authorize different lines of authority.
Once you hold your Texas Property & Casualty license, you will be able to apply for licenses in many other states without having to take their specific exam, provided your license is in good standing and you pay the licensing fees.
Career Opportunities with a Texas Property & Casualty License
A Texas Property & Casualty license can qualify you for positions such as:
- Insurance sales agent
- Independent insurance agent
- Captive insurance agent
- Commercial insurance producer
- Personal Lines account manager
- Commercial Lines account manager
- Customer service representative
- Agency owner
Many professionals begin with a Property & Casualty license before adding a Life & Health license later in their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Property & Casualty license the same as a Texas insurance license?
A Property & Casualty license is one type of Texas insurance producer license. Texas also offers licenses for Life & Health insurance and several specialty lines.
Should I choose General Lines or Personal Lines?
Most new agents benefit from earning the General Lines Property & Casualty license because it allows them to sell both personal and commercial insurance products. Unless recommended specifically by your employer, we always recommend a P&C license as covers more lines of authority, giving you the opportunity to sell more products and earn more money.
Does Texas require pre-licensing education?
No. Texas does not currently require pre-licensing education before taking the Property & Casualty licensing exam. However, most candidates use an exam prep course to improve their chances of passing. If you’re considering a difference license than P&C, make sure to check the requirements as some, like a claims adjuster license, do require pre-licensing education before taking the exam.
How long does it take to get a Texas Property & Casualty license?
The timeline depends on how quickly you prepare for the exam, schedule testing, complete fingerprinting, and submit your application. Many candidates complete the process within several weeks but we recommending spending as much time as you need so you’re prepared to ace the exam on the first try.
Texas Department of Insurance Contact Information
Texas Department of Insurance
Agent & Adjuster Licensing
PO Box 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
Phone: 512-676-6500
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/personal-property-casualty-apply.html
