Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Agents and Brokers Index | Licensing Information | Industry FAQs

Note: Each question is followed by an answer bullet.

How do I renew a license?

• A: Licenses are eligible for renewal if it is within 120 days of the expiration date of the licenses.
  
  Most licenses can be renewed on-line at http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/licrenewal.htm.

What is the status of my license application?

• A: You can search for licensing information by name on the Producer Licensee Search on our website at https://myportal.dfs.ny.gov/nylinxext/elsearch.alice?type=fstload.
  
  If you find no licensing information the license has not yet been issued. To inquire please contact us at our email address: Licensing@dfs.ny.gov

How do I obtain a hard copy of my license?

• A: As soon as the license is issued, the applicant will have 20 days to electronically print the license. If the license is not electronically printed within the 20 days, a paper license will automatically be generated and mailed. The $15.00 duplicate license fee will be charged to any future license print requests.
  
  The license number is required to electronically print your license. Use our Producer/Licensee Search application to find your license number which is available on our Agents and Brokers index.
  
  To log in to the Electronic License Request application, please go to http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/elec_license_req.htm.

How do I reinstate my expired license?

• A: If you are a resident and your license has been expired more than two years, you must retake the exam and submit a paper application with the passing score report and fee. If you are a nonresident and your license has been expired more than two years, you must be currently qualified in your home state and submit a paper application with fee.
  
  If your license expired within the last two years, you may relicense on our website at http://www.dfs..ny.gov/relic.htm.

I do not remember the Continuing Education courses I previously took. Can you tell me?

• A: At this time we are unable to provide information on which Continuing Education courses you have already completed. It is the responsibility of the Producer to maintain the course completion documents. For any further information, contact the Continuing Education Provider.

How do I apply for an individual or individual with a trade name license?

• A: Individuals and individuals with trade names applying for a life agent, life broker, property/casualty agent and/or property/casualty broker license can apply online through this Department's website at www.dfs.ny.gov. Residents must be qualified by examination; non-residents may use the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com. For a list of types of licenses and how to apply for them go to: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/faxappi.htm

How do I obtain my license number?

• A: Licensing information is available from our website at https://myportal.dfs.ny.gov/nylinxext/elsearch.alice?type=fstload.
  
  You may search by name or license number; instructions are posted.

What does it mean if my agent license is in inactive status?

• A: If there are no current company appointments on file for an agent, the agent's license is considered to be inactive. An agent is required to have at least one company appointment on file in order to sell insurance. The appointment must be filed within 15 days of either the date an agency contract is executed with the insurance company or the date the first insurance application is submitted.
  
  If the agent's license is in an inactive status at the time of renewal, a renewal application maybe completed. However, if the agent is still in an inactive status at the next renewal, the agent will not be eligible to renew unless an appointment is filed on behalf of the agent.

How do I obtain name approval for my entity?

• A: It is recommended that the applicant obtain name approval for use of the name in the insurance industry from this Department before filing the name with a County Clerk office or the New York State Department of State. You may submit a list of proposed names in the order of preference to New York State Department of Financial Services, Licensing Services Bureau, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12257, or to our e-mail address, licensing@dfs.ny.gov. Once a name is approved, licensing instructions will be provided.

When can I renew my license?

• A: Licenses can be renewed up to 120 days prior to the expiration of the license.

Do I have to take the pre-licensing course? Am I exempt?

• A: Sections 2103, 2104 and 2108 of the NYS Insurance Law require an individual who is seeking an agent, broker or public adjuster license to complete a pre-licensing course approved by the Superintendent of Insurance. Applicants applying for a broker or public adjuster license under Sections 2104 or 2108 of the NYS Insurance Law are exempt from the pre-licensing course if they are able to complete a Statement of Employer form which is based on work experience. An agent or broker applicant is exempt from the pre-licensing course if either of the following designations are held: Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Charter Life Underwriter (CLU) Chartered Life Underwriter Associate (CLUA), Charter Financial Consultant (ChFC), Masters of Science, Financial Services (MSFS).

  Please select the link provided to obtain a Statement of Employer form: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/licensing/waiver_statement_emp/waiver_pb.pdf

Do I need to obtain a license?

• A: If you accept any commission, service fee or other valuable consideration for selling, soliciting or negotiating insurance, you must be licensed to do so.

How many hours do I need for pre-licensing?

• A: Pre-licensing minimum hour requirements are as follow:
  • Life, Accident and Health Agent - 40 hours
  • Life Agent - only 20 hours
  • Accident and Health Agent - only 20 hours
  • Personal Lines Agent - 40 hours
  • Property/Casualty Agent - 90 hours
  • Property/Casualty Broker - 90 hours
  • Personal Lines Broker - 40 hours
  • Life, Accident and Health Broker - 40 hours
  • Life Broker - only 20 hours
  • Life Settlement Broker - 20 hours
  • Accident and Health Broker - only 20 hours
  • Public Adjusters - 40 hours

Where do I go for pre-licensing courses?

• A: You will find information regarding the list of pre-licensing providers/course on our website at:
  
  https://myportal.ins.state.ny.us/web/guest-applications/prelicensing-providers

How do I register & take the license examination?

• A: Contact the exam vendor PSI at 1-800-733-9267 or by visiting www.psiexams.com for further information.

When is Continuing Education (CE) Required?

• A: After your license has been renewed the first time, continuing education (CE) will always be required upon subsequent renewal or relicensing applications. Credits must be accumulated during the renewal period, which begins with the effective date of the license. CE must be completed before processing the renewal or relicensing application.
  
  In the case of relicensing, you may use credits accumulated in the previous renewal period, plus any completed up to the date that the relicensing application is completed.

How many Continuing Education credits are required?

• A: As a licensee you must complete 15 credits of Continuing Education (CE) during each two year licensing period. All courses must be completed through a Provider Organization approved by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Courses are offered in either the classroom/speech/seminar method of instruction (indicated by and NYCR approval number) or the self-study (textbook or internet) method of instruction (indicated by an NYCS approval number). You are allowed to take any course that is approved for your specific class of license.

Can an individual renew their license after the renewal date?

• A: No. An expired license can not be renewed. Once a license is expired, one will need to submit a relicensing application. If the license has expired for less than two years, one may submit an on-line relicensing application. If the license has expired for more than two years a paper application is required.

Can I renew multiple licenses online at once?

• A: At this time, a separate renewal application must be completed for each license held.

Do I have to be fingerprinted to obtain a resident license?

• A: Fingerprinting is required for the following licenses: Adjusters, Bail Bond Agents, Life Settlement Brokers, Life Settlement Providers and Life Settlement Intermediaries.

Who is a producer?

• A: A producer is defined as any person required to be licensed to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance. A producer can be an Agent, Broker, Consultant, Reinsurance Intermediary or Excess Lines Broker. The License will indicate if you are a Producer licensed as an Agent, Broker, Consultant, Reinsurance Intermediary or Excess Lines Broker.

What is the difference between an agent and a broker?

• A: An insurance agent represents an insurance company(ies) and sells insurance for which ever company(ies) have appointed that agent. An insurance broker represents the public and can sell insurance for any insurance company licensed in New York State which deals with brokers.

What exam do I need to take if I hold a CPCU Designation?

• A: With a CPCU or CLU Designation one will only take the Laws & Regulations portion of the appropriate exam.

Other states have gone to a single Producer license, allowing the licensee to operate as either an Agent or Broker. Is this the same for New York?

• A: New York has maintained the distinction between an Agent and Broker. The term "Producer" is an all-inclusive term, covering Agents, Brokers, Excess Line Brokers, Consultants and Reinsurance Intermediaries.

What does "home state" mean?

• A: Home state means the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States in which an insurance producer maintains his, her or its principal place of residence or principal place of business and is licensed to act as an insurance producer.

What is the difference between a resident versus a non-resident?

• A: Resident means - one who has declared New York as their home state. Non-resident means one who has declared a state OTHER than New York as their home state; home state is where a principal place of residence or business is maintained AND where the applicant/licensee is licensed in good standing for the lines of authority for which you are applying.

Do I need an appointment to get an original agent's license?

• A: You do not need an appointment to become licensed as an agent. However, you must have an appointment within 15 days of either the date an agency contract is executed with the insurance company or the date the first insurance application is submitted.

What are the reporting requirements and what will happen if a Producer fails to comply?

• A: Producers must report a change of address, change of home state, any administrative action taken against them, as well as criminal prosecution within 30 days. Failure to report any of the above, the matter will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action.

What is the late fee?

• A: Pursuant to Sections 2103 and 2104 of the Insurance Law, an application for the renewal of a license shall be filed with the superintendent not less than sixty days prior to the date the license expires or the applicant shall be subject to a further fee for late filing of ten dollars.

How do I switch my license from an agent license to a broker license or vice versa?

• A: You cannot switch an agent license to a broker license. If you are qualified for an agent or broker license, you must apply for the other by submitting an application and fee.

Can I have both an agent and broker license?

• A: Yes. New York State allows producers to have both agent and a broker licenses.

When is a letter of clearance required and how do I obtain one?

• A: The New York Department of Financial Services does not require a Letter of Clearance. However, we will issue a Letter of Clearance for states that require a Letter of Clearance when the licensee changes their declared home state.
  
  Please select the link provided to obtain a letter of clearance form: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/licensing/services/clearltr.pdf.

Can I renew or reinstate my license without completing all of my CE credits?

• A: If CE credits are required, all the CE credits must be completed before the license can be renewed or reinstated.

Can I renew my Broker and my Excess Lines at the same time?

• A: Yes. However the Excess Line Broker license will not be issued until the Broker license is issued.

I have a Surplus Lines license in my Resident state, but I'm only able to apply for Excess Lines in New York. What's the difference between Surplus Lines and Excess Lines?

• A: There is no difference between Surplus Lines and Excess Lines.

What are the prerequisites needed to obtain an Excess Lines License?

• A: You must be licensed as a Property/Casualty Broker.

I have a non-resident Excess Line Broker license in New York. Can I renew this license on NIPR?

• A: At this time, Excess Lines Brokers can only renew their New York license using the Department's online renewal application.

When is a bond required for an Excess Lines Broker license?

• A: If Home State is California, a $50,000 bond is required.

How does an entity qualify for an Excess Line Broker license in New York?

• A: In order for a business entity to obtain an Excess Line Broker license in New York, the business entity must hold a New York broker license. The sublicensee listed on the Excess Line Broker license must be a sublicensee on the Broker license.

If I am applying for Life & Health license can I also get Variable?

• A: Yes. If you are registered with FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, you are qualified to hold a Variable line of authority.

When does my individual license expire?

• A: If you were born in an even numbered year, your license will expire on your birthday in an even numbered year. If you were born in an odd numbered year, your license will expire on your birthday in an odd numbered year. The effective and expiration dates appear on all licenses.
  
  Licensing information is available from our website at https://myportal.dfs.ny.gov/nylinxext/elsearch.alice?type=fstload. You may search by name or license number; instructions are posted.

How do I switch my nonresident license to a New York resident license?

• A: If you are currently licensed in both states, you can change your address on our website and select New York as your home state.

  To access the Online Producer Services applications, please select this link, OR

  submit an address change form along with a written statement to switch the home state to New York.

How do I add a line of authority to my license?

• A: A resident must submit a paper application and a passing score report for the line of authority that you are adding to the license. A non-resident must submit a paper application and the license information MUST be included in the National Producer Database; if not, you must submit a currently dated Certification from the state you have declared as your home state and in which your principle place of business or residence is located.

How do I change the name on my license?

• A: You must submit documentation to our Department to verify the name change, along with your original license.

What are the Long Term Care requirements for residents and non-residents?

• A: You must hold the Life/Accident and Health lines of authority. To sell partnership, please contact the Department of Health at http://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/long_term_care/.

In what name can I solicit, sell, consult or negotiate business?

• A: You can only do business in the name in which you are licensed.

What does sublicensee mean?

• A: A sublicensee means a qualified individual who is an officer or director of an entity; this gives the person the authority to act in the name of the licensed entity.

Do sublicensees need to hold an individual license?

• A: Sublicensees may hold other licenses but they are not required to hold an individual license. A person may be a sublicensee of multiple entities.

We are an entity and our license expired. Can we reinstate the license online?

• A: Not at this time. Entities must submit paper applications to become relicensed.
  
  To download the applications, please select the link provided: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/faxappi.htm.

Is there any situation in which an unlicensed entity or individual may handle premiums or receive commissions?

• A: Any entity or individual receiving premiums and/or commissions must be appropriately licensed. In the situation where a licensed individual is employed by an unlicensed entity, that entity is not entitled to any commissions and may not handle the premiums inasmuch as the unlicensed entity would not be handling the premiums in a fiduciary capacity. In addition if the insurer is paying commissions to an unlicensed entity (individual) they would be in violation of the insurance law. The solution of this situation is for the employer to obtain a license appropriate to the type of insurance being sold.

What is a temporary Producer license?

• A: When a licensee dies, a temporary license can be issued to a spouse, next of kin or executor of estate.
  
  An application for a temporary license is required along with a copy of the death certificate. If applicant is NOT the spouse, we will need letters of testamentary included with proof of executor of estate.
  
  Entities can add a new sublicensee rather than apply for a temporary license if they have a qualified individual to be named as a sublicensee. If NOT a temporary license for an entity can be issued in the entity name.
  
  Temporary licenses are issued in intervals of 90 days and can be issued for a period NO GREATER than 15 months from the date of death.
  
  No LIFE business can be done with a temporary license.

How does a business entity become licensed to sell insurance in New York?

• A: The names of all corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and trade names must receive prior approval from the Department of Financial Services for use in New York. Name changes for entities must also receive prior approval. The name must first be submitted to the Department for consideration, and either approval or disapproval will be forwarded in writing, along with the appropriate licensing application and/or instructions. After receiving Department approval, follow the instructions below and on the application.
  
  RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENTS - must file with the New York State Department of State. After filing, we need a copy of the New York State Department of State filing receipt or proof of filing the assumed name with the New York State Department of State. You may contact that Department by calling (518)473-2492 or by writing them at New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12231-0001
  
  CORPORATIONS
  
  RESIDENTS and NON-RESIDENTS - must file with the New York State Department of State. After filing, we need a copy of the New York State Department of State filing receipt or proof of filing with the New York State Department of State. You may contact that Department by calling (518)473-2492 or by writing them at New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12231-0001. We also require a copy of your Articles of Incorporation or Charter attached to your application.
  
  NON-RESIDENTS - must be currently licensed in the corporate name and in compliance in the declared home state. NOTE: The license information for your entity and for each of the individuals named as sub-licensees on the licensing application MUST be included in the National Producer Database; if not, a currently dated Certification must be submitted from the state you have declared as your home state and in which your principle place of business or residence is located.
  
  LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
  
  RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS - must file with the New York State Department of State. After filing, we need a copy of the New York State Department of State filing receipt or proof of filing with the New York State Department of State. You may contact that Department by calling (518)473-2492 or by writing them at New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12231-0001. We also require a copy of your Articles of Organization attached to your application.
  
  NON-RESIDENTS - must be currently licensed in the limited liability name and in compliance in the declared home state. NOTE: The license information for your entity and for each of the individuals named as sub-licensees on the licensing application MUST be included in the National Producer Database; if not, a currently dated Certification must be submitted from the state you have declared as your home state and in which your principle place of business or residence is located.
  
  PARTNERSHIPS
  
  RESIDENTS - You must file with the County Clerk's Office in the county in which your business address is located. After filing, we require a copy of the Business Certificate from the County Clerk's Office.
  
  NON-RESIDENTS - must be currently licensed in the partnership name and in compliance in the declared home state. NOTE: The license information for your entity and for each of the individuals named as sub-licensees on the licensing application MUST be included in the National Producer Database; if not, a currently dated Certification must be submitted from the state you have declared as your home state and in which your principle place of business or residence is located.
  
  LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
  
  RESIDENTS and NON-RESIDENTS - must file with the New York State Department of State. After filing, we need a copy of the New York State Department of State filing receipt or proof of filing with the New York State Department of State. You may contact that Department by calling (518)473-2492 or by writing them at New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12231-0001.
  
  NON-RESIDENTS - must be currently licensed in the limited partnership name and in compliance in the declared home state. NOTE: The license information for your entity and for each of the individuals named as sub-licensees on the licensing application MUST be included in the National Producer Database; if not, a currently dated Certification must be submitted from the state you have declared as your home state and in which your principle place of business or residence is located.
  
  THE LICENSEE CAN ONLY DO BUSINESS IN THE NAME IN WHICH HE/SHE OR IT IS LICENSED.
  
  NAME CHANGES FOR ENTITIES MUST INCLUDE AMENDED FILING RECEIPTS OR BUSINESS CERTIFICATES AND THE RETURN OF ALL LICENSES IN THE PREVIOUS NAME.
  
  Contact us at (518) 474-6630.

Updated 05/07/2012