California Insurance Agent License

California Insurance Agent License 2026 Guide

California regulates insurance producer licensing through the California Department of Insurance (CDI). There is no federal insurance agent license. Applicants follow the CDI process through Sircon or NIPR for Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and related lines.

2026 Update: Pre-Licensing Hours Reduced

Effective January 1, 2026, California removes the 20-hour line-specific pre-licensing requirement for most Property/Casualty, Life, and Health licenses. Only 12 hours of Ethics and Insurance Code remain required for those lines. Requirements listed for 2025 still apply through December 31, 2025. Variable life training continues to apply for annuity sales under SB 263.

California Insurance License Requirements

Eligibility and Education Rules

Applicants generally need to meet these conditions:

• age 18 or older
• California residency for resident licenses
• clean background review
• high school diploma or GED recommended, but not strictly mandatory

Through December 31, 2025:

• 12 hours Ethics & Insurance Code for all applicants
• 20 hours Property & Casualty, Life, or Health, depending on the line
• courses from CDI-approved providers such as ExamFX and Kaplan

From January 1, 2026:

• 12 hours Ethics & Insurance Code only for most major lines
• no separate 20-hour line pre-licensing for standard P&C, Life, or Health tracks

Exam, Fingerprints, Application, and Renewal

Key process steps:

1. State exam — Prometric/Pearson VUE, 150 questions, 70% passing score, $58 fee; retake available after 10 days
2. Fingerprints — required through Accurate Biometrics ($59) or PSI ($68.95), with DOJ/FBI background check
3. Application — Sircon or NIPR, resident producer fee $188, typical processing 2–6 weeks
4. Renewal — biennial, 24 CE hours including 3 hours of ethics, $188 fee

California License Types and Fee Breakdown

License Types and Required Hours

License type	Hours through 2025	Hours from Jan 1, 2026	Exam fee
Property Broker-Agent	12 Ethics + 20 P&C	12 Ethics	$58
Casualty Broker-Agent	12 Ethics + 20 P&C	12 Ethics	$58
Life Agent	12 Ethics + 20 Life	12 Ethics	$58
Accident & Health	12 Ethics + 20 Health	12 Ethics	$58
Personal Lines Agent	12 Ethics + 20 P&C	12 Ethics	$58

Estimated Costs for a California Producer License

Item	Cost	Provider
Pre-licensing course	$50–$100 for Ethics-only path in 2026	ExamFX, Kaplan, others
Exam	$58	Prometric
Fingerprints	$59–$69	Accurate Biometrics / PSI
Application	$188	CDI / Sircon
Renewal	$188 + 24 CE hours	NIPR
Approximate total initial cost (2025)	about $400	—
Approximate total initial cost (2026)	about $300	—

Reciprocity, Providers, and Official Contacts

Reciprocity and Non-Resident Licensing

California reciprocity is limited. California licenses can transfer outbound to many states through NIPR, but inbound non-resident applicants are treated strictly and generally need:

• the California-specific exam
• fingerprints
• $188 non-resident application fee

Always verify home-state rules in NIPR before applying.

Top California Pre-Licensing Providers

• ExamFX — CA-approved courses, pass-support options | examfx.com | 800-793-7128
• Kaplan — live online options and exam simulators | kaplanfinancial.com | 800-KAPLAN-8
• A.D. Banker — course bundles including ethics | adbanker.com | 800-432-2262

Official CDI Resources

• Website: insurance.ca.gov
• Phone: 800-927-4357
• Applications: Sircon / NIPR

California Insurance License FAQs

How Many Pre-Licensing Hours Are Required for P&C in California?

Through 2025: 12 hours Ethics plus 20 hours P&C. From January 1, 2026: 12 hours Ethics only for most standard lines.

What Is the California Department of Insurance Website and Phone Number?

insurance.ca.gov and 800-927-4357.

Who Administers California Insurance Exams?

Prometric / Pearson VUE.

What Are the Application and Fingerprint Fees?

Application fee is $188. Fingerprints typically cost $59–$69.

Does California Require a High School Diploma?

It is recommended, but not strictly mandatory.

What Is the Exam Format and Passing Score?

150 questions, 70% pass mark, $58 exam fee.

How Does Fingerprinting Work in California?

Live Scan through Accurate Biometrics or PSI, with DOJ and FBI checks.

How Many CE Hours Are Required for Renewal?

24 hours every two years, including 3 hours of ethics.

Does California Offer Easy Reciprocity From Other States?

No. Reciprocity is limited. Non-residents generally need the California exam and fingerprints.

Can a Person With a Felony Get a California Insurance License?

It is reviewed case by case. Serious or violent offenses are often denied.

Where Are California Insurance Exams Offered?

At 50+ Prometric centers, including major metro areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

How Long Does License Approval Take?

Typically 2–6 weeks after exam completion and fingerprint clearance.

What Are California-Specific License Titles?

Common titles include Property Broker-Agent, Casualty Broker-Agent, Life Agent, Accident & Health, and Personal Lines Agent.

What Is Required for Non-Resident Licensing in California?

Usually the $188 fee, California exam, and fingerprints.

Which Pre-Licensing Providers Are Most Used in California?

ExamFX, Kaplan, and A.D. Banker are among the most widely used approved options.

California’s 2026 change lowers the education barrier for many new producers by removing the extra 20-hour line courses, while keeping ethics training, testing, fingerprints, and CDI oversight in place. Applicants should confirm current CDI instructions before enrollment, especially around the January 1, 2026 effective date.

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Read more:

• Florida Insurance Producer License
• Texas Insurance License
• New York Insurance License