California
California Department of Insurance
Website:
Email:
Phone:
800-967-9331
Mailing Address:
California Department of Insurance
Sacramento Office
300 Capitol Mall, 17th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Insurance Producer Licensing
Insurance Adjuster Licensing
How to Get an Insurance Producer License in California
Where do I apply for my California Insurance Producer License?
NIPR
Is an agency license required to write business in California?
Yes
California New Insurance Producer License Fees:
Resident
All Lines of Authority (LOAs) unless otherwise specified below: $188
Surplus Line Broker and/or Special Lines' Surplus Line Broker (SP) licensee with Agency: $646
Surplus Line Broker (SL) and/or Special Lines' Surplus Line Broker (SP) licensee NOT associated transact with a business entity: $1,296
Bail Agent: $622
Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent: $622
Bail Permittee: $1,248
Bail Solicitor: $622
Cargo Shipper's Agent: $64
Credit Insurance Agent: $449
Life & Disability Insurance Analyst: $622
Portable Electronics Ins Agent: $321
Reinsurance Inter Broker / Manager: $411
Rental Car Agent: $509
Self-Service Storage Agent: $323
Stock Agent: $150
Title Marketing Representative: $261
Travel: $4,540
Vehicle Service Contract Provider: $5,433
Non Resident
Same as resident
Not all license types are issued to non-residents.
Steps to Get a Producer Insurance License in California
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements to Get your California License
Before you can apply for an insurance license in California, you must meet the following basic requirements:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have a high school diploma or equivalent
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Be a resident of California or have a designated home state
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Have a valid Social Security number
Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
To obtain an insurance license in California, you must complete a pre-licensing education course. The number of hours required varies depending on the type of license you are seeking.
These courses can be completed online or in a classroom setting. They cover topics such as insurance laws and regulations, ethics, and insurance products and services. Kaplan offers several great options, which you can find here.
Pre-licensing certificates expire after three years from course completion, regardless of license issuance.
Step 3: Pass the State Insurance Exams
After completing the pre-licensing education course, you must pass a state exam to obtain your insurance license. The exam is administered by PSI Services LLC and can be scheduled online or by phone.
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 70% to pass. You will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you have passed the state exam, you can submit your application for an insurance license. You can do this online through the California Department of Insurance (CDI) website or by mail.
You will need to provide proof of completing the pre-licensing education course and passing the state exam, as well as pay the required fees.
Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a fingerprinting and background check. The fingerprinting and background checks are standard procedures to ensure that applicants meet the necessary ethical and legal standards for insurance licensure.
You can schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through the PSI website or by calling them directly.
California law allows individuals with felony convictions to obtain an insurance producer license under certain conditions. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis
Step 6: Receive Your License
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your insurance license in the mail.
Step 7: Maintain your License
This license is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires.
For a full list of insurance producer renewal requirements, visit
How to Renew a California Insurance Producer License
How often do I have to renew my California Insurance Producer Licenses?
2 years
How soon can I renew my California Insurance Producer License?
90 days before license expiration
California Insurance Producer License Renewal Fees:
Resident
All Lines of Authority (LOAs) unless otherwise specified below: $188
Surplus Line Broker and/or Special Lines' Surplus Line Broker (SP) licensee with Agency: $646
Surplus Line Broker (SL) and/or Special Lines' Surplus Line Broker (SP) licensee NOT associated transact with a business entity: $1,296
Bail Permittee: $788
Cargo Shipper's Agent: $64
Credit Insurance Agent: $410
Life & Disability Insurance Analyst: $622
Portable Electronics Ins Agent: $321
Reinsurance Inter Broker / Manager: NA
Rental Car Agent: $509
Self-Service Storage Agent: $323
Stock Agent: $NA
Title Marketing Representative: $276
Travel: $4,540
Vehicle Service Contract Provider: $932
Non Resident
Same as resident
The California Insurance Producer License Renewal Process
Why Is It Important to Renew Your California Producer Insurance License?
As an insurance producer, it is essential to maintain an active license to continue practicing in the state of California. Failure to renew your license can result in penalties, fines, and even suspension of your license. LicenseView by IDP allows you to easily track and monitor your licenses in real time with our fully integrated NIPR license lookup feature. Additionally, having an active license shows your clients and potential employers that you are committed to your profession and staying up-to-date with industry regulations and standards.
Understanding the Renewal Process
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) requires all insurance producers to renew their licenses every two years. The renewal period begins 90 days before the expiration date of your current license and ends final day of the month when the license anniversary occurs.
Step 1: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Before you can renew your license, you must complete the required continuing education (CE) courses. The CDI requires producers to complete CE, every two years. These courses must be completed through a CDI-approved provider and can be completed online or in a classroom setting.
Step 2: Submit Your Renewal Application
Once you have completed your CE requirements, you can submit your renewal application. The CDI allows producers to renew their licenses online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or by mail. The online renewal process is faster and more convenient, but if you prefer to renew by mail, you can download the application from the CDI website.
Late license renewals are allowed up to one year after license expiration.
Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee
This fee can be paid online or by mail with a check or money order made payable to the CDI. If you are renewing by mail, be sure to include your payment with your application.
Step 4: Wait for Your Renewal to Be Processed
Once you have submitted your renewal application and paid the fee, you must wait for the CDI to process your renewal. This process can take up to 15 business days, so it is essential to submit your renewal application early to avoid any delays.
Step 5: Print Your Renewed License
Once your renewal has been processed, you can log into the NIPR website to print your renewed license. If you renew by mail, your new license will be mailed to you.
Common Questions About Renewing a California Producer Insurance License
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, you can renew your license after the expiration date. However, you will be required to pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
What happens if I do not renew my license?
If you do not renew your license, it will expire, and you will no longer be able to practice as an insurance producer in California. You will also be required to complete the initial licensing process again, which includes passing the state exam.
How can I do an Insurance License Lookup?
Using an insurance license tracking tool, like LicenseView by IDP, will allow you to easily track and monitor your insurance producer licenses in real time. Get instant alerts when something changes with your licenses with LicenseView's NIPR PDB Integration.
For a full list of insurance producer renewal requirements, visit
How to Get an Insurance Adjuster License in California
Where do I apply for my California Adjuster Adjuster License?
NIPR
California New Insurance Adjuster License Fees:
Resident
Crop Insurance Adjuster: $311
Insurance Adjuster: $311 (per qualified manager)
Apprentice Public Insurance Adjuster: $311
Public Insurance Adjuster: $311
Non Resident
Same as resident
Not all license types are issued to non-residents.
Steps to Get a Adjuster Insurance License in California
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you can apply for an insurance adjuster license in California, you must meet the following basic requirements:
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Minimum Age: 18 years.
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Residency: Each licensee's business must have an active qualified manager, who can be the licensee or someone who has passed the California Insurance Adjuster license exam. The manager need not be a California resident but must meet Section 14029(a) oversight requirements.
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Prelicensing Requirement: Individuals need 2 years of certified insurance adjusting experience, equivalent to 4,000 compensated hours. Individuals who finish a 12-month licensed apprenticeship will fulfill the 2-year experience prerequisite for the California Adjuster license.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
The CDI requires all insurance adjuster applicants to complete pre-licensing education. This education must be completed through a CDI-approved provider and cover topics such as insurance principles, ethics, and California laws and regulations.
You can complete this education online or in a classroom setting. Online courses offer more flexibility, but classroom courses may provide more hands-on learning opportunities.
Step 3: Pass the California Insurance Adjuster Exam
After completing your pre-licensing education, you must pass the California Insurance Adjuster Exam. This exam is administered by PSI Services LLC and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
You must score at least 70% to pass the exam. If you fail, you can retake the exam after a waiting period of 24 hours.
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Fees
Once you have passed the exam, you can submit your application for an insurance adjuster license to the CDI. You will need to provide proof of your pre-licensing education and exam results, along with an application fee.
Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a fingerprinting and background check. This is to ensure that you have not been convicted of any crimes that would disqualify you from obtaining an insurance adjuster license.
You can schedule your fingerprinting appointment through the CDI’s approved vendor.
Step 6: Receive Your License
If your application is approved and your background check comes back clear, you will receive your insurance adjuster license from the CDI.
Step 7: Maintain your license
This license is valid for two years and must be renewed before the expiration date.
For a full list of insurance producer renewal requirements, visit
How to Renew a California Insurance Adjuster License
How soon can I renew my California Insurance Adjuster License?
90 days before license expiration
California Insurance Adjuster License Renewal Fees:
Resident
Crop Insurance Adjuster: $311
Insurance Adjuster: $311 (per qualified manager)
Apprentice Public Insurance Adjuster: NA
Public Insurance Adjuster: $264
Non Resident
Same as resident
The California Insurance Adjuster License Renewal Process
When Should You Renew Your Adjuster License?
In California, insurance adjuster licenses expire every two years on the last day of the month in which it was issued. For example, if your license was issued on February 4, 2021, it will expire on February 28th, 2023.
How to Renew Your Adjuster License in California?
Now that you understand the importance of renewing your adjuster license and when to do it let's discuss the renewal process.
Step 1: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Before you can renew your adjuster license, you must complete the required continuing education (CE) hours. In California, you are required to complete CE every two years. You can complete these hours through approved courses offered by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) or other approved providers. Make sure to keep track of your CE completion certificates as you will need to submit them during the renewal process.
Step 2: Submit Your Renewal Application
Once you have completed your CE requirements, you can submit your renewal application. You can do this online through the CDI's website or by mail. The online process is faster and more convenient, but if you prefer to submit a paper application, you can download it from the CDI's website.
When filling out your application, make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Any discrepancies or incorrect information may delay the renewal process.
Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee
Along with your application, you will need to pay a renewal fee . You can pay this fee online using a credit or debit card, or by mail with a check or money order. If you are submitting a paper application, make sure to include your payment with the application.
Step 4: Wait for Your License to Be Renewed
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, all you have to do is wait for your license to be renewed. If you submitted your application online, you can check the status of your renewal through the CDI's website. Or, if you are subscribed to IDP's LicenseView Service, your license information will be automatically updated in your portal. If you submit a paper application, you will receive a notification in the mail once your license has been renewed.
What If You Missed the Renewal Deadline?
If you missed the renewal deadline, don't panic. You can still renew your license within 90 days after its expiration date by following the same steps outlined above. However, you will be required to pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
If you fail to renew your license within 90 days of its expiration date, your license will be canceled, and you will have to apply for a new license. This process can be more time-consuming and costly, so it is essential to renew your license on time.
For a full list of insurance adjuster renewal requirements, visit
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The information provided on this webpage is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While Insurance Data Partners LLC strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Insurance Data Partners LLC makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained herein. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date state insurance licensing requirements, see the respective state's department of Insurance website.
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