California License Requirements
California Insurance License Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know to get and keep your California insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.
California Insurance License Requirements at a Glance
Key facts for getting and maintaining your California insurance license.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of California |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life) | 12 hours |
| Prelicensing Hours (Health) | 12 hours |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined) | 12 hours |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Exam Fee | $98 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $188 |
| Background Check Cost | $60 |
| Fingerprinting Required | Yes |
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics CE Hours | 3 hours |
| Renewal Deadline | California licenses expire on the licensee's birthday every 2 years |
| License Duration | 2 years |
| Special Training Required | Yes (see below) |
| Total Cost Estimate | $350-500 estimated total cost |
| Total Licensing Time | 3-6 weeks start to finish |
How to Get Your California Insurance License
Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in California.
Complete Prelicensing Education
California requires you to complete 12 hours of state-approved prelicensing education before sitting for the exam. JustInsurance's online courses let you study at your own pace on any device. You'll receive an official certificate of completion once you finish.
Browse California Prelicensing Courses →Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The California insurance licensing exam is administered by PSI Services LLC. The exam fee is $98, and you'll need a passing score of 70%. Schedule your exam online after completing your prelicensing education.
Schedule Your Exam with PSI Services LLC →Complete Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting required through PSI / CDI Live Scan
Apply for Your License
Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $188. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Apply for Your California License →Get Appointed and Start Selling
Once your California insurance license is issued, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier before you can sell their products. Each carrier you work with will submit an appointment request to the California Department of Insurance. Appointments are typically processed within a few business days, and there is no additional exam required. Your sponsoring agency or carrier will guide you through this process.
California Fingerprinting Requirements
Fingerprinting required through PSI / CDI Live Scan
Name Match Requirement
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
Special Training Requirements for California
California requires additional training for agents selling certain specialty products. These are separate from standard prelicensing hours.
Additional Training Requirements
12-hour Code and Ethics prelicensing course required in addition to standard prelicensing hours. This ethics requirement applies to all new licensees and is separate from CE ethics requirements.
California CE Renewal Requirements
To keep your California insurance license active, you must complete continuing education every 2 years. Here are the details:
24 hours
Total CE Hours
3 hours
Ethics Hours Required
2 years
Renewal Period
California licenses expire on the licensee's birthday every 2 years
Renewal Deadline
$39
CE Package Price
CDI
Regulatory Body
California Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations
Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in California.
Insurance Code
California Insurance CodeView Statute
Prelicensing Education
Cal. Ins. Code § 1749(a)(1) (Article 13.5, as amended by AB 943, eff. 1/1/2026)
Examination Requirements
Cal. Ins. Code 1676(a)
Age Requirements
Cal. Ins. Code § 1666 (administrative enforcement)
Background Check
CIC Sec. 1666.5; Penal Code Sec. 11105
Fingerprinting
Cal. Ins. Code § 1666 (general authority)
License Application
Cal. Ins. Code § 1652(b)
CE Requirements
Cal. Ins. Code 1749.3 and 1749.8 and 10234.93
CE Ethics
Cal. Ins. Code §1749.3(a)
Administrative Code
Title 10, Chapter 5 - Department of InsuranceView Statute
Provider Regulation
California Insurance Code §§1749-1749.9 and California Code of Regulations Title 10, §§2186-2188.9
California Insurance License Requirements — FAQs
How long does it take to get a California insurance license?
Most candidates complete the California insurance licensing process in 3-6 weeks start to finish. This includes completing prelicensing education, passing the state exam, fingerprinting (if required), and waiting for license approval after submitting your application.
What happens if my name doesn't match my ID in California?
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
Where do I get fingerprinted in California?
Fingerprinting required through PSI / CDI Live Scan
Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to California?
Reciprocal licensing is available, though fingerprinting and additional fees apply. The exam requirement is waived for active nonresident licensees.
How much does a California insurance license cost?
The total cost to get your California insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($98), the state application fee ($188), and the background check cost ($60). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.
What are the California CE requirements?
California requires licensed insurance agents to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training. Your renewal deadline is California licenses expire on the licensee's birthday every 2 years. JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.
What is California's 12-hour ethics requirement for new insurance agents?
California requires all new insurance license applicants to complete a 12-hour Code and Ethics (C&E) prelicensing course, in addition to any product-specific prelicensing hours. This requirement applies to Life, Accident & Health, and other lines. The C&E course covers the California Insurance Code, ethics standards, and agent responsibilities. JustInsurance's California prelicensing program includes this requirement as part of the curriculum.
What are the prelicensing hour requirements in California?
California requires 12 hours for Life, 12 hours for Health, and 12 hours for a combined Life & Health license. Courses are available fully online through JustInsurance.
Ready to Get Your California Insurance License?
Start your state-approved prelicensing course today. 100% online, self-paced, and backed by our pass guarantee.
Start My Course Today