Life Insurance License Requirements
How to Become a Licensed Life Insurance Agent
To sell life insurance in the United States, agents must obtain a Life & Health Insurance License through their state’s Department of Insurance. The process is straightforward and typically takes 2–4 weeks to complete.
Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a license, you must:
✔ Be at least 18 years old
✔ Have a valid Social Security Number or legal work authorization
✔ Be able to pass a background check
✔ Have no major financial or insurance fraud offenses
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Most states require a state-approved pre-licensing course before taking the exam.
Typical requirement:
• 20–40 hours of training
The course covers:
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Life insurance fundamentals
-
Annuities
-
Ethics and regulations
-
Policy types and riders
-
State insurance laws
Courses can usually be completed online at your own pace.
Pass the State Licensing Exam
After completing the course, you will schedule the Life & Health Insurance Exam.
The exam is administered by testing providers such as:
-
Pearson VUE
-
Prometric
Typical exam details:
• 70–150 multiple choice questions
• Passing score usually around 70%
• Exam time: 1–2 hours
Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
Most states require:
• Fingerprint submission
• Background screening
Apply for Your Insurance License
After passing the exam, you will apply for your license through:
-
Your State Department of Insurance
or -
NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
Once approved, you will receive your official insurance license number.
Typical Costs to Get Licensed
Estimated total cost:
• Pre-licensing course: $100–$300
• Exam fee: $50–$100
• Fingerprints/background: $50–$80
• License application: $30–$200 depending on state
Total average investment:
💰 $200 – $500
How Long Does It Take?
Most people complete the entire process in:
⏱ 2–4 weeks
Motivated individuals can finish even faster.
Join Relentless After Getting Licensed
Once licensed, you can begin building your life insurance business with Relentless Life Insurance, where you will receive mentorship, training, and the systems needed to grow.