Navigating the insurance licensing process doesn’t have to be difficult—especially when you understand the key requirements and give yourself enough time to get everything done. Whether you're just starting or need to renew your license, this guide will walk you through the basics of becoming a licensed insurance professional.
NIPR is here to help insurance professionals navigate the licensing process across the country. If you conduct business in multiple states, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements in each state to ensure compliance. Watch this video to learn more about our state-specific resources.
What is insurance producer licensing?
An insurance producer license allows individuals to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance products. To operate legally, insurance producers must hold a valid license from all the states where they do business. This ensures they meet industry standards and follow state regulations, protecting both the producer and the consumer.
The history of insurance producer licensing
The need for insurance regulation grew significantly in the early twentieth century. In 1945, the McCarran-Ferguson Act allowed states to regulate their own insurance. By the 1990s, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners(NAIC) created the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) to help standardize and streamline the licensing process for insurance professionals and regulators alike.
NIPR's role in producer licensing
NIPR is a centralized platform for managing producer licensing data. Through NIPR, insurance producers can apply for, renew and update their licenses, making compliance and record keeping more straightforward for producers as well as the states where they operate. Visit our Licensing center for more information.
Types of insurance licenses
There are several types of insurance licenses, each allowing professionals to sell different lines of insurance. Some of the most common types include:
- Insurance producer: An insurance producer is licensed to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance policies on behalf of an insurer.
- Surplus lines broker: A surplus lines broker is licensed to help customers get insurance from out-of-state or specialized carriers when standard insurers won’t cover the risk.
- Adjuster: An adjuster is responsible for investigating insurance claims to help determine how much the insurer should pay.
- Adviser: An adviser provides professional recommendations about insurance coverage but typically does not sell insurance products directly.
- Third party administrator (TPA): A third-party administrator manages administrative tasks such as claims processing and benefits coordination for insurers or self-funded plans.
States may have different licensing requirements for each of these lines, so it's important to check with your state’s insurance department for the specific rules. To find the producer licensing section of the insurance department in a specific state, visit NIPR’s State information page.
Resident versus non-resident licenses
Insurance producers who are licensed in multiple states need to understand the difference between resident and non-resident licenses.
- Resident license: This license is for those whose primary residence is in the state where they are doing business. To obtain one, you must complete state-specific pre-licensing education and pass the licensing exam.
- Non-resident license: This license allows you to sell insurance in states where you are not a resident. To apply, you need to provide proof of your resident license and submit a non-resident application through NIPR.
For state-specific information including continuing education requirements, applying for, renewing or updating a license, visit NIPR’s State information page.
Staying compliant across states
If you do business in multiple states, it’s important to understand the requirements in each state to remain compliant. Many states have mutual agreements, meaning that if you hold a license in your resident state, you may not need to meet all the requirements in other states. However, it's important to confirm each state's specific rules.
NIPR’s State Requirements pages will help keep you connected, informed, and compliant during your insurance licensing journey. You’ll find state-specific licensing rules, requirements, costs and more.
Obtaining and maintaining an insurance producer license is required if you want to do business in the insurance industry. By understanding the process, including the types of licenses, any costs and fees and the differences between states, you can ensure that you stay compliant. NIPR offers valuable resources to help streamline the process, making it easier for you to focus on your business and your customers.
