State Requirements

Business Rules

• Applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years old or older as determined from the applicant's date of birth.

• If applicant responds "yes" to one of the background questions please submit supporting documents electronically via NIPR's Attachments Warehouse. The documents may also be submitted to the state via mail, email, or fax.

• Applicant must not have any serious RIRS or 1033 actions. Please contact the state if applicable.

• Applicant must not hold an active resident license in Ohio.

• Major Line agent applicants:
  • Must have active license in resident state for the same line(s) of authority (LOA).
  • Applicants for the variable line of authority (LOA) must supply FINRA CRD number on application.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Limited Line agent applicants:
  • Must have active license in resident state for the same line(s) of authority (LOA).
  • Applicants for Funeral Expense line of authority (LOA) must provide proof of Active Ohio Funeral Director's license.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Managing General Agent applicants are required to provide:
  • Must have active managing general agent license or equivalent in resident state.
  • Copy of the signed contract between the MGA and the insurance company;
  • Copy of the Certified Resolution of the Board appointment describing duties to be performed.
  • Copy of bond in the amount of at least $50,000.
  • Proof of Errors and Omissions Policy.
  • Completion of the "Electronic MGA supplemental form" (INS3295) (Notarized) found on Department state website.
  • Required supporting details or documents, if necessary.

• Public Insurance Adjuster (PIA) applicants are required to:
  • Must have active public insurance adjuster license in resident state.
  • Provide proof of bond in the amount of at least $1,000, payable to the State of Ohio.
  • Completion of the Electronic Individual PIA Supplemental form (INS3216) found on the Department's website containing a notary section and the Ohio Specific Bond form.
  • Provide a copy of the form that will be used as the contract in Ohio.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Reinsurance Intermediary Broker and Manager applicants:
  • Must have active reinsurance intermediary license or equivalent in resident state.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Surety Bail Bond applicants:
  • Must have active surety bail bond license or equivalent in resident state.
  • Required supporting details or documents, if necessary.

• Surplus Lines applicants:
  • Must have active surplus lines license in resident state.
  • Required to hold an active Ohio major lines license for property and casualty LOAs is agent is, or will be, personally performing the due diligence requirements.
  • If resident state does not issue Surplus Lines license applicant must provide proof of $25,000 bond payable to State of Ohio. The bond shall be issued by an insurance company authorized to transact surety business in Ohio.  Must also complete the Ohio specific bond form (INS3222).
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Third Party Administrator applicants must provide:
  • Must have active Third Party Administrator (TPA) license or equivalent in resident state OR provide proof from resident state that applicant does not require a TPA license in that state.
  • Proof of fidelity bond or other comparable insurance policy coverage for all employees as required by R.C. 3959.11 and OAC 3901-8-05 (D)(5). (Documentation must include the name of the carrier, policy number and effective dates.)
  • Proof of professional liability insurance coverage and/or E&O insurance as required by ERISA. Documentation must include the name of the carrier, policy number and effective dates.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Title applicants:
  • Must have active Title license or equivalent in resident state.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Title Insurance Marketing Representative applicants:
  • Must have active Title license or equivalent in resident state.
  • Complete the TIMR Sponsorship form (INS3296). The TIMR Sponsorship form can be found on the Department's website. (Title insurance marketing representatives must be sponsored by a licensed Title individual or business entity. The representative may only be sponsored with one Title agent at a time.
  • Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.

• Viatical Settlements Broker Applicants are required to:
  • Must have active viatical settlement broker license or equivalent in resident state.
  • Complete a Federal criminal background check (FBI) and have results sent directly to the Ohio Department of Insurance.
  • Complete a State of Ohio criminal background check (BCI).  Contact BCI for instructions at 1-877-224-0043 and request fingerprint packet.
  • Provide a resume. Resume must include work & education history, including degrees earned and professional designations held.
  • Provide a description of procedures that are in place to safeguard the confidentiality of viators' and insureds' personal and medical information that complies with division (G) of ORC section 3916.07 and 3916.13.
  • Provide a comprehensive anti-fraud plan that complies with requirements of division (G) of ORC section 3916.18.
  • Provide proof of registration with the Ohio secretary of state if applicant is conducting business using any name other than the applicant's personal legal name. Provide required supporting documents, if necessary.
  • Please note that viatical settlement broker agent must complete fifteen (15) CE credits specifically approved as VSE credits by the Ohio Department of Insurance biennially by December 31st.