California insurance producers are licensed by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) through its Producer Licensing Bureau. The path changed on January 1, 2026: AB 943 repealed the 20-hour prelicensing education requirement for major lines, leaving the 12-hour ethics and California Insurance Code course as the education prerequisite. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Ethics Course12 Hours
- Exam Fee$55
- Renewal2 Years
- CE Needed24 Hours
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for a California producer license typically include:
- Completion of the 12-hour ethics and California Insurance Code course before the license can be issued.
- A completed application with the filing fee submitted to the CDI.
- A passing score on the PSI-administered exam for your license type.
- Fingerprinting, with the fee paid separately.
Under AB 943 (Chapter 566, Statutes of 2025), effective January 1, 2026, the 20-hour prelicensing requirement was repealed for property, casualty, personal lines, commercial lines, limited lines automobile, life, and accident and health applicants. Bail agents and public insurance adjusters still require 20-hour prelicensing. Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a California insurance license generally involves these steps:
- Complete the 12-hour ethics and California Insurance Code course.
- Submit your application and the filing fee to the CDI.
- Complete fingerprinting (fee paid separately).
- Schedule and pass the exam for your license type through PSI.
- Complete any remaining issuance steps with the CDI.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the CDI.
- 3
Pass the insurance agent exam
California insurance exams are administered by PSI Services LLC at approximately 20 PSI test centers in California, plus the CDI exam site in Los Angeles. Exams are specific to the license type (LO, AH, PR/CA, PL), and passing standards are set by the CDI for each line. Always confirm exam requirements with the CDI or PSI, because formats and procedures can change.
License Types
Property & Casualty Broker-Agent
Sell property and casualty lines under the PR/CA license.
- Full P&C product line
- Independent practice
Life-Only or A&H Agent
Sell life insurance (LO) or health and disability products (AH).
- Line-specific scope
- Common entry point
Details
Experience
California does not base producer licensing on work experience. The education prerequisite for major lines is the 12-hour ethics and California Insurance Code course, which must be completed before a license can be issued. Many older prep resources still cite a 20-hour-per-line prelicensing rule; that requirement was repealed by AB 943 effective January 1, 2026. Check the CDI prelicensing pages for the current standard before enrolling in any course.
Details
Fees
The filing fee is $188 for most producer types (LO, AH, PR/CA, PL) and the examination fee is $55. Renewal costs $188, and late renewal costs $282. The fingerprinting fee is separate. Always confirm current fee amounts with the CDI before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
California producer licenses run on a 2-year term. Each term requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics counted as part of, not in addition to, the 24 hours. Renewal costs $188 on time or $282 late. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the CDI before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 20-hour prelicensing course for a California insurance license?
Not for major lines anymore. AB 943, effective January 1, 2026, repealed the 20-hour prelicensing requirement for property, casualty, personal lines, commercial lines, limited lines automobile, life, and accident and health applicants. The 12-hour ethics and California Insurance Code course is still required, and bail agents and public insurance adjusters still need 20-hour prelicensing.
Where do I take the California insurance exam?
Exams are administered by PSI Services LLC at about 20 PSI test centers across California, plus the CDI exam site in Los Angeles. Scheduling and current procedures are described on the CDI exam information pages.
How much does a California insurance license cost?
The filing fee is $188 for most producer types and the exam fee is $55, with fingerprinting billed separately. Renewal is $188 on time or $282 late. Confirm current amounts on the CDI licensing fees page before paying.
What continuing education does a California insurance agent need?
24 hours of continuing education per 2-year term, including 3 hours of ethics as part of the 24 rather than on top of it. Confirm the CE rules for your specific license type with the CDI.
Can I get a California insurance license as a nonresident?
Yes. Nonresident applicants pay the same fees as residents, and nonresident licensing generally relies on an equivalent home-state license. Exam waiver details vary, so confirm them with the CDI before applying.
