Washington License Requirements
Washington Insurance License Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know to get and keep your Washington insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.
Washington Insurance License Requirements at a Glance
Key facts for getting and maintaining your Washington insurance license.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of Washington |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life) | None required (optional) |
| Prelicensing Hours (Health) | None required (optional) |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined) | None required (optional) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Exam Fee | $35 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $55 |
| Background Check Cost | $49 |
| Fingerprinting Required | Yes |
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics CE Hours | 3 hours |
| Renewal Deadline | Washington licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years |
| License Duration | 2 years |
| Special Training Required | No |
| Total Cost Estimate | $350-500 estimated total cost |
| Total Licensing Time | 2-4 weeks |
How to Get Your Washington Insurance License
Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in Washington.
Complete Prelicensing Education
Prelicensing education status for Washington: None required (optional). Check with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner for current requirements.
Browse Washington Prelicensing Courses →Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The Washington insurance licensing exam is administered by PSI Services LLC. The exam fee is $35, 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 IdentoGO
Apply for Your License
Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $55. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days.
Apply for Your Washington License →Get Appointed and Start Selling
Once your Washington 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 Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. 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.
Washington Fingerprinting Requirements
Fingerprinting required through IdentoGO
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.
Washington CE Renewal Requirements
To keep your Washington 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
Washington licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years
Renewal Deadline
$39
CE Package Price
OIC
Regulatory Body
Washington Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations
Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in Washington.
Insurance Code
Revised Code of Washington, Title 48 – InsuranceView Statute
Prelicensing Education
Formerly RCW 48.17.090; WAC 284-17-175 — ELIMINATED (HB 1061, eff. 7/23/2023)
Examination Requirements
RCW 48.17.110(1)
Age Requirements
RCW 48.17.090(2)(a)
Background Check
RCW 48.17.090(1)
Fingerprinting
RCW § 48.17.090(1)
License Application
RCW § 48.17.090(1)
CE Requirements
Wash. Rev. Code 48.17.150
CE Ethics
RCW 48.17.150; WAC 284-17
Administrative Code
Title 284 - Insurance Commissioner, Office ofView Statute
Provider Regulation
Revised Code of Washington §48.17.150 and Washington Administrative Code §§284-17-270 through 284-17-310
Washington Insurance License Requirements — FAQs
How long does it take to get a Washington insurance license?
Most candidates complete the Washington 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 Washington?
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 Washington?
Fingerprinting required through IdentoGO
Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to Washington?
Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. No exam or fingerprinting is required.
How much does a Washington insurance license cost?
The total cost to get your Washington insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($35), the state application fee ($55), and the background check cost ($49). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.
What are the Washington CE requirements?
Washington requires licensed insurance agents to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training. Your renewal deadline is Washington licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years. JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.
What makes Washington state a strong market for insurance agents?
Washington state combines several factors that create an excellent insurance market: no prelicensing requirement makes entry accessible; the Seattle metro is one of the highest-income regions in the country; and the state's massive tech industry creates strong demand for sophisticated group benefits and individual life and disability products. Washington also has a state-based health exchange (Washington Healthplanfinder) that creates active demand for health insurance professionals during open enrollment periods.
What are the prelicensing hour requirements in Washington?
Washington requires None required (optional). Courses are available fully online through JustInsurance.
Ready to Get Your Washington Insurance License?
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