Start a career in the lucrative insurance industry by earning your insurance license in Texas. Although each state has its own requirements, you plan to study and pass a full exam. Your commitment will be rewarded by finding work as an insurance agent, adjuster, broker, or insurance consultant.
Steps to obtain an insurance license in Texas
Some instructions and suggestions for obtaining the Texas insurance license are as follows:
1. Apply for the test license and / or registration. Many states allow you to apply for an insurance license and / or registration for an exam online. Allow yourself several weeks to prepare for the exam. Another suggestion is to access or buy recommended study guides or books. You should also attend a class if you have trouble understanding the study materials. Plan to pay tuition over $ 100 and spend at least a full day in class.
2. It is important to study carefully for the test. Insurance reviews are detailed and there is a lot of information to understand and remember. If possible, study for the test with a classmate or study group. You should prepare for the test day by getting enough sleep the night before, eating a good breakfast, and arriving early at the test site. Learn some relaxation techniques, such as slowly inhaling through your nose and slowly exhaling through your mouth, or closing your eyes and visualizing something pleasant or inspiring. Follow the instructions carefully. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Take your time and check your answers. Finishing first will not earn you extra points.
3. After receiving the results that you approved, submit the necessary documentation and pay the required fees to obtain your Texas insurance license. See what the estimated time this will take and if you can work in the insurance industry while waiting for your license to arrive after you have applied. Another tip is to check with your employer or prospective employer to see if the company will pay for the costs of obtaining your insurance license.
4. Persevere; many people fail the insurance license exam at first. Pay attention to the deadlines and requirements; Insurance is a detail-oriented business, so compliance is mandatory. Take the test seriously; insurance tests are not easy to pass. Follow the renewal, continuing education, and other requirements so you don’t lose your license.
General requirements for obtaining a license in the State of Texas
Texas residency license requirements: Be 18 years old. Pass the licensing exam (if required) within one year from the date of receipt of the license application fee. Submit the corresponding forms and send the respective fees to the desired insurance license.
Non-Texas Resident Licensing Requirements: Be 18 years old. Submit an original Certificate of Good Standing issued within the last 90 days by your state Insurance Commission stating that you are licensed for the lines of insurance you are applying for in Texas. Please provide this with the TDI application and fees to: Texas Department of Insurance PO Box 12069, MC 1071A Austin, TX 78711 2069. An individual moving to Texas who has had an insurance license in another state in the last five years and wishes to sell insurance within this state must meet the same requirements as any another resident agent. In addition, you must attach to the application a letter of discharge issued by the Insurance Commission of the previous State of origin.
If you want to be licensed to sell insurance in Texas, you are not exempt from the exam requirements and you must do the following:
- Submit an exam registration form by mail, fax, or phone. This must be done before your request is processed.
- Submit a license application by mail, fax, or phone (temporary applications are only received by mail).
- Get a fingerprint card.
- Schedule your exam over the phone by calling 800.697.6838.
The exams are administered in Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland, Richardson, San Antonio, Tyler, Waco, and Wichita Falls, Texas, as well as in Shreveport, La.
For more information on licensing and examination procedures, see the Licensing and Examination Procedures Checklist.
Talk to a qualified insurance law attorney
This article is intended to be helpful and informative. But legal matters can be complicated and stressful. A qualified insurance law attorney can meet your particular legal needs, explain the law, and represent you in court. Take the first step now and contact a qualified insurance attorney near you to discuss your specific legal situation.
How do I schedule my insurance license exam?
The insurance exams are administered by Expert Evaluations. Any questions or requests regarding the exams should be directed to:
- Experior Licenses – Texas
- 1360 Energy Park Drive
- San Pablo, MN 551085252
- Fax: 800-347-9242
- Device for telecommunication of the deaf: 800.790.3926
- Voice phone: 800.697.6838
How do I renew my license?
Most individual Texas insurance licenses are issued for two years, and these licenses will expire on their anniversary date every two years. You will receive a renewal invoice for each license class from the Department of Insurance containing the expiration date and charges. The renewal invoice must be completed and returned to the Department in a timely manner. If your license has expired for more than 90 days, you can renew it by presenting the invoice, plus the renewal fee and an additional fee equal to half the normal fee.
If your license has expired for more than 90 days but less than a year, you cannot renew your license, but you can obtain a new license without having to take the appropriate exam and submit a new license application to the Department of Insurance. License fee and the additional fee equal to half the normal fee. If your license has expired for a year or more, you will not be able to renew the license.
You must obtain a new license by taking a new exam, if the exam was required for the original license, and by following the requirements and procedures for obtaining an original license.