How do I Become an Insurance Agent in New York?

Starting a career as an insurance agent in New York can be a rewarding path, offering flexibility, earning potential, and the opportunity to help individuals and families protect what matters most. But before you can sell a single policy, the state requires you to meet specific education, examination, and licensing requirements overseen by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).

This guide walks you through each step of the process.

Table of Contents

1. Pre-Licensing Education
2. State Licensing Exam
3. License Application
4. Other Requirements
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Licensing Insurance Education Course for New York

Before sitting for the state licensing exam, candidates are required to complete a pre-licensing education course approved by the New York DFS. These courses are designed to build foundational knowledge of insurance products, state regulations, and ethical practices.

For those pursuing a Life, Accident and Health license, candidates can generally expect to complete at least 40 hours of instruction. Courses may be completed in a classroom setting, via live webinar, or through an approved online self-study program.¹

"For those pursuing a Life, Accident and Health license, candidates can generally expect to complete at least 40 hours of instruction. Courses may be completed in a classroom setting, via live webinar, or through an approved online self-study program.1"

A few things to keep in mind about pre-licensing education:

• The course completion certificate does not expire and can be used when submitting a license application at any time in the future.
• The certificate may need to be presented to the exam administrator and filed with the license application.
• Certain professional designations, such as the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), may qualify a candidate for an exemption from the pre-licensing education requirement.²

State Licensing Exam for Insurance Sales

After completing the pre-licensing course, candidates can schedule their New York state licensing exam through PSI Services LLC, the official testing provider for the DFS. Exams are available at physical PSI testing centers across the state, as well as through a remote online proctored format.¹

Key details about the state licensing exam include:

1. All exams are multiple-choice and computer based.
2. Candidates are required to score at least 70% to pass.
3. Two valid forms of government-issued identification are required on exam day, at least one of which must include a photograph.
4. A printed score report is provided at the end of the exam.
5. Candidates who do not pass may retake the exam after the mandatory waiting period has passed.
6. Exam results are generally valid for two years, during which time the license application may be submitted.¹ 

New York State Insurance License Application

Once the state licensing exam is passed, candidates can apply for their license through the New York DFS online portal, NY LINX. Applications are submitted electronically and require DFS ID credentials with multi-factor authentication.³

When submitting the application, candidates can expect to:

• Submit a completed application to the Department through NY LINX.
• Include the pre-licensing course completion certificate with the application.
• Pay the applicable licensing fee. For most resident Life, Accident and Health and Property and Casualty agents, the initial license fee is generally $40 for licenses issued for less than one year and $80 for licenses issued for more than one year.²

It is important to use the same name on the application as it appears on the government-issued ID presented at the exam, as discrepancies can delay the licensing process.

Other Requirements to Sell Insurance in New York

In addition to education, examination, and application requirements, candidates are generally expected to meet a few other eligibility criteria before a license can be issued.

• Age: Applicants are expected to be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Fingerprint and background check: Applicants may be required to complete a fingerprint-based background check as part of the licensing process. This is used to verify the applicant's character and fitness to act as an insurance producer.

Candidates are encouraged to review the DFS website directly for the most current requirements, as specific details may change over time.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What is the first step to becoming an insurance agent in New York?

A: The first step is generally completing a pre-licensing education course approved by the New York DFS. For a Life, Accident and Health license, this typically involves at least 40 hours of instruction. After completing the course, candidates can schedule and sit for the state licensing exam. 

Q: How many hours of pre-licensing education are required in New York?

A: The required hours vary by license type. For a Life, Accident and Health license, candidates can generally expect to complete at least 40 hours of approved instruction. Property and casualty candidates may be required to complete up to 90 hours.¹ 

Q: What score do I need to pass the New York insurance licensing exam?

A: Candidates are required to score at least 70% to pass the New York state licensing exam. The exam is multiple-choice and administered by PSI Services LLC at testing centers across the state or via remote online proctoring.¹ 

Q: How much does it cost to apply for an insurance license in New York?

A: For most resident Life, Accident and Health and Property and Casualty agents, the initial license fee is generally $40 for a license issued for less than one year and $80 for a license issued for more than one year. Fee amounts can vary by license type and duration, so candidates should confirm current fees directly with the DFS.² 

Q: Is a background check required to become an insurance agent in New York?

A: Applicants may be required to complete a fingerprint-based background check as part of the licensing process. The DFS uses this to assess an applicant's character and fitness to act as an insurance producer.²
 

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