New York License Requirements
New York Insurance License Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know to get and keep your New York insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.
New York Insurance License Requirements at a Glance
Key facts for getting and maintaining your New York insurance license.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of New York |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life) | 20 hours |
| Prelicensing Hours (Health) | 20 hours |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined) | 40 hours |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Exam Fee | $33 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $80 |
| Background Check Cost | $Varies by location |
| Fingerprinting Required | No |
| CE Hours Required | 15 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics CE Hours | 1 hours |
| Renewal Deadline | 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 | 2-4 weeks |
How to Get Your New York Insurance License
Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in New York.
Complete Prelicensing Education
New York requires you to complete 40 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 New York Prelicensing Courses →Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The New York insurance licensing exam is administered by PSI Services LLC. The exam fee is $33, 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
Not required
Apply for Your License
Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $80. Processing typically takes 1-5 business days.
Apply for Your New York License →Get Appointed and Start Selling
Once your New York 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 New York Department of Financial Services. 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.
New York Fingerprinting Requirements
Not required
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 New York
New York requires additional training for agents selling certain specialty products. These are separate from standard prelicensing hours.
Additional Training Requirements
Separate exam required for each line of authority (Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty). New York requires individual line-by-line licensing rather than combined designations.
New York CE Renewal Requirements
To keep your New York insurance license active, you must complete continuing education every 2 years. Here are the details:
15 hours
Total CE Hours
1 hours
Ethics Hours Required
2 years
Renewal Period
Licensee's birthday (every 2 years)
Renewal Deadline
$39
CE Package Price
DFS
Regulatory Body
New York Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations
Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in New York.
Insurance Code
New York Insurance LawView Statute
Prelicensing Education
N.Y. Ins. Law § 2103(f)(2)(A) (Life/A&H); § 2103(f)(2)(B) (P&C)
Examination Requirements
N.Y. Ins. Law 2103(f)(1)
Age Requirements
NY Ins. Law § 2103(d)
Background Check
N.Y. Ins. Law Sec. 2103-2104; Sec. 2110(a)(3)
Fingerprinting
N/A — not required for producers
License Application
N.Y. Ins. Law §§ 2103 and 2104
CE Requirements
N.Y. Ins. Law 2132
CE Ethics
N.Y. Ins. Law §2132
Administrative Code
Title 11 - InsuranceView Statute
Provider Regulation
11 NYCRR Part 20
New York Insurance License Requirements — FAQs
How long does it take to get a New York insurance license?
Most candidates complete the New York insurance licensing process in 2-4 weeks. 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 New York?
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 New York?
Not required
Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to New York?
Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. The exam requirement is waived.
How much does a New York insurance license cost?
The total cost to get your New York insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($33), the state application fee ($80), and the background check cost ($Varies by location). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.
What are the New York CE requirements?
New York requires licensed insurance agents to complete 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 1 hours of ethics training. Renewal deadline: Licensee's birthday (every 2 years). JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.
Why does New York require separate exams for each insurance line of authority?
New York's insurance licensing structure requires candidates to pass individual exams for each line of authority — Life, Accident & Health, Property, and Casualty are all separate licenses. Unlike most states that offer a combined Life & Health designation, New York treats each line independently. This means more exams but also more flexibility in specializing. New York prelicensing certificates do not expire, and the state does not require fingerprinting, which simplifies the process somewhat.
What are the prelicensing hour requirements in New York?
New York requires 20 hours for Life, 20 hours for Health, and 40 hours for a combined Life & Health license. Courses are available fully online through JustInsurance.
Ready to Get Your New York Insurance License?
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