- Your resident state issues your first license and sets the course, exam, and fee requirements.
- A life license and a health license are separate lines in many states, and some states combine them.
- Continuing education keeps the license active, and the hours are set by each state.
- Look up any license yourself through your state department or the NIPR.
On this page
What is a life insurance license?
A life insurance license is a state-issued credential that lets you sell life insurance in that state. It attaches to you as an individual, and every state keeps its own record of who holds one. Selling without it is not allowed, even if a carrier is willing to contract with you.
How do you get one, step by step?
- Find your state's license types. Many states issue life and health as separate lines, and some issue a combined license. Florida, for example, issues a combined life and health license that includes annuities.
- Take the pre-licensing course from a provider your state approves. Courses cover insurance basics, policy types, and state law.
- Schedule and pass the state exam. Pass marks and exam formats are set by the state and its testing vendor. Our exam guide shows real examples from three states.
- Complete the fingerprint background check and submit the application and fee. Many states process applications online through the NIPR or their own portal.
- Receive your license and National Producer Number. Your NPN is how carriers and states identify you.
Which license line should you choose?
If you plan to sell life insurance and annuities, you need the life line. Health insurance is a separate product line with its own rules. If you want to sell variable products that are securities, you also need a securities license, which is a separate credential from the state insurance license. Start with the line that matches what you want to sell first, and add others later.
How does a second state work?
Once you hold a resident license, you can apply for a nonresident license in another state. Under the NAIC's producer licensing model, states generally grant nonresident licenses to producers in good standing in their home state, when the home state does the same for them. You apply through the NIPR and pay each state's fee. You need a license in every state where you sell.
What does it take to keep the license?
Licenses renew on a cycle, and most states require continuing education hours to renew. Topics usually include insurance law and ethics. Hours and cycle length vary by state. Keep your renewal date on a calendar. A lapsed license can stop commissions and delay new carrier appointments.
How can you check that someone is licensed?
Anyone can verify an agent through their state insurance department or the NIPR producer lookup. That is true for clients checking us, and for you checking any agency you consider. Our licensing page explains how to verify Checkmate Financial Group.
When getting a license now is not the right move
A license costs money and study time. These cases are better handled first.
- You have not chosen an agency or a way to find buyers. A license alone does not produce income.
- You are not sure you want a commission-based career. Read our guides on commission and whether this is a good career before you pay for a course.
- A felony or a regulatory action could affect your background check. Your state department can tell you how it reviews that. Do not guess.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a life insurance license?
Complete your state's requirements: usually a pre-licensing course, a state exam, a fingerprint background check, and an application with a fee. Your state insurance department lists the exact steps for your state.
Is a life insurance license hard to get?
The exam is a real test, so plan to study for it. Pass marks, pass rates, and retake rules are set by your state and its testing vendor, and your state department publishes them.
Can a company pay for my license?
Some agencies cover or reimburse part of the licensing cost, and others do not. Ask before you sign anything, and get the arrangement in writing.
What is an NPN?
An NPN is a National Producer Number. It is a unique number that identifies an insurance producer across states and carriers, and you receive one when you are licensed.
Do I need a different license to sell annuities?
Fixed annuities are usually covered by the life line in the state license. Variable annuities are securities and also require a securities license. Confirm with your state department before you sell either.
Sources
Source links last checked November 13, 2026.
This page is general education about the insurance profession. It is not legal, tax, or career advice, and it does not promise income, appointment, or approval of any application. Licensing rules are set by each state and change, so confirm the current requirements with your state insurance department. Checkmate does not guarantee earnings. Coverage sold by Checkmate agents is subject to underwriting approval, and product and carrier availability varies by state.
Talk to the Checkmate team.
Licensed or not yet, tell us where you are. A team member contacts you within one business day. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm ET.
