West Virginia License Requirements

West Virginia Insurance License Requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know to get and keep your West Virginia insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.

Last Verified: March 2026Provider Approval #231591Approved by WVOIC

West Virginia Insurance License Requirements at a Glance

Key facts for getting and maintaining your West Virginia insurance license.

Minimum Age18 years old
Residency RequirementMust be a resident of West Virginia
Prelicensing Hours (Life)20 hours
Prelicensing Hours (Health)20 hours
Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined)40 hours
Exam ProviderPearson VUE
Exam Fee$84
Passing Score70%
Application Fee$50
Background Check Cost$46
Fingerprinting RequiredYes
CE Hours Required24 hours every 2 years
Ethics CE Hours3 hours
Renewal DeadlineWest Virginia licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years
License Duration2 years
Special Training RequiredNo
Total Cost Estimate$350-500 estimated total cost
Total Licensing Time2-4 weeks

How to Get Your West Virginia Insurance License

Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in West Virginia.

1

Complete Prelicensing Education

West Virginia 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 West Virginia Prelicensing Courses →
2

Schedule and Pass the State Exam

The West Virginia insurance licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $84, and you'll need a passing score of 70%. Schedule your exam online after completing your prelicensing education.

Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE
3

Complete Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting required through IdentoGO (Code: 228NS5)

4

Apply for Your License

Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $50. Processing typically takes 3-10 business days.

Apply for Your West Virginia License →
5

Get Appointed and Start Selling

Once your West Virginia 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 West Virginia Offices 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.

West Virginia Fingerprinting Requirements

Fingerprinting required through IdentoGO (Code: 228NS5)

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.

West Virginia CE Renewal Requirements

To keep your West Virginia 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

West Virginia licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years

Renewal Deadline

$39

CE Package Price

WVOIC

Regulatory Body

West Virginia Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations

Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in West Virginia.

Insurance Code

West Virginia Code, Chapter 33 – InsuranceView Statute

Prelicensing Education

W. Va. Code § 33-12-6(a)(3) and (a)(9); § 33-12-7

Examination Requirements

W. Va. Code 33-12-5(a)

Age Requirements

W. Va. Code § 33-12-6(a)(1)

Background Check

W. Va. Code Sec. 33-12-37(c)-(d)

Fingerprinting

W. Va. Code § 33-12-37(d)

License Application

W. Va. Code § 33-12-6(a)

CE Requirements

W. Va. Code 33-12-8

CE Ethics

W. Va. Code §33-12B-13(e)

Administrative Code

Title 114 - Legislative Rule, Insurance CommissionerView Statute

Provider Regulation

West Virginia Code §33-12-7 and West Virginia Code of State Regulations §114-42

West Virginia Insurance License Requirements — FAQs

How long does it take to get a West Virginia insurance license?

Most candidates complete the West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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 West Virginia?

Fingerprinting required through IdentoGO (Code: 228NS5)

Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to West Virginia?

Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. No exam is required.

How much does a West Virginia insurance license cost?

The total cost to get your West Virginia insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($84), the state application fee ($50), and the background check cost ($46). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.

What are the West Virginia CE requirements?

West Virginia requires licensed insurance agents to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training. Your renewal deadline is West Virginia licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years. JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.

Does West Virginia offer a combined Life and Health insurance exam?

No. West Virginia does not offer a combined Life & Accident/Health exam. You must pass separate exams for each line of authority through Pearson VUE. West Virginia also requires prelicensing education, and the completion certificate is only valid for 6 months — so plan to schedule your exams promptly after finishing the course. Fingerprinting is required through IdentoGO using code 228NS5.

What are the prelicensing hour requirements in West Virginia?

West Virginia 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 West Virginia Insurance License?

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