Insurance License Requirements by State

Insurance agents in every state must hold a license for each line of authority they sell, such as life, health, property, or casualty. Licensing combines state-approved prelicensing education, a state exam, and ongoing continuing education. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.

Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.

National exam basics

Each state licenses its own insurance agents; lines include life, health, property, and casualty. Many states administer the exam through PSI or Pearson VUE.

Insurance License requirements by state

AlabamaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…AlaskaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…ArizonaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…ArkansasState-approved prelicensing education, typical…CaliforniaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…ColoradoState-approved prelicensing education, typical…ConnecticutState-approved prelicensing education, typical…DelawareState-approved prelicensing education, typical…District of ColumbiaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…FloridaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…GeorgiaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…HawaiiState-approved prelicensing education, typical…IdahoState-approved prelicensing education, typical…IllinoisState-approved prelicensing education, typical…IndianaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…IowaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…KansasState-approved prelicensing education, typical…KentuckyState-approved prelicensing education, typical…LouisianaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MaineState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MarylandState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MassachusettsState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MichiganState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MinnesotaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MississippiState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MissouriState-approved prelicensing education, typical…MontanaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…NebraskaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…NevadaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…New HampshireState-approved prelicensing education, typical…New JerseyState-approved prelicensing education, typical…New MexicoState-approved prelicensing education, typical…New YorkState-approved prelicensing education, typical…North CarolinaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…North DakotaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…OhioState-approved prelicensing education, typical…OklahomaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…OregonState-approved prelicensing education, typical…PennsylvaniaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…Rhode IslandState-approved prelicensing education, typical…South CarolinaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…South DakotaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…TennesseeState-approved prelicensing education, typical…TexasState-approved prelicensing education, typical…UtahState-approved prelicensing education, typical…VermontState-approved prelicensing education, typical…VirginiaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…WashingtonState-approved prelicensing education, typical…West VirginiaState-approved prelicensing education, typical…WisconsinState-approved prelicensing education, typical…WyomingState-approved prelicensing education, typical…

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FAQ

How many prelicensing hours do I need?

Requirements vary by state and line of authority, typically 20-40 hours of state-approved prelicensing education per line before you may sit for the exam.

Which exam vendors are used?

Most states administer the licensing exam through PSI or Pearson VUE; your state insurance department sets the content for each line of authority.

How much does an insurance license cost?

License fees typically range from about $50 to $200 per line of authority, plus exam and fingerprinting fees in some states.

Can I transfer my license to another state?

Yes, most states grant licenses to agents already licensed in a comparable state, usually through an NIPR application, though education and continuing education rules still apply.