New York requires insurance agents and brokers to be licensed before selling insurance. The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) oversees licensing. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the PSI exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Pre-license20-90 Hrs/Line
- Exam VendorPSI
- RenewalBirthdate-Based
- CE Needed15 Credits
- Authoritydfs.ny.gov
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 New York insurance licensure typically include:
- A DFS-approved prelicensing course per line of authority: Life only 20 hours; Accident and Health only 20 hours; Life, Accident and Health combined 40 hours; Personal Lines Agent/Broker 40 hours; Property/Casualty Agent/Broker 90 hours; Public Adjusters 40 hours; Life Settlement Broker 20 hours.
- A passing score on the PSI licensing exam for your line.
Exemptions from prelicensing exist for certain Section 2104/2108 broker/adjuster applicants with a Statement of Employer (a work-experience path) and for holders of CPCU, CLU, CLUA, ChFC, or MSFS designations.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with DFS before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a New York insurance license generally involves these steps:
- Complete the DFS-approved prelicensing course for each line of authority you want.
- Register for your exam through PSI Services (candidate.psiexams.com).
- Pass the exam for your line of authority (70 percent passing score).
- Apply for the license and pay the applicable fees per the DFS Application Fee Schedule.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with DFS.
- 3
Pass the insurance agent exam
PSI Services administers all New York insurance licensing exams at PSI testing centers statewide, with registration through candidate.psiexams.com. The passing score is 70 percent. Always confirm exam requirements with DFS or PSI, because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Major Lines Agent
Sell products in your lines of authority (life/health or property/casualty).
- Full product line
- Independent practice
Personal Lines / Other
Personal Lines Agent/Broker, Public Adjuster, Life Settlement Broker, or Excess Lines Broker authority.
- Limited scope
- Entry level
Details
Experience
New York's agent path is education-based, with prelicensing hours set per line of authority by DFS: Life only and Accident and Health only each require 20 hours, the combined Life, Accident and Health course requires 40 hours, Personal Lines Agent/Broker requires 40 hours, and Property/Casualty Agent/Broker requires 90 hours. Certain Section 2104/2108 broker/adjuster applicants can qualify through a work-experience path using a Statement of Employer, and holders of CPCU, CLU, CLUA, ChFC, or MSFS designations may be exempt from prelicensing. Check current standards with the Department of Financial Services before you apply.
Details
Fees
License application fees vary by license type; see the DFS Application Fee Schedule for current amounts. There are no refunds for licenses applied for in error. Always confirm current fee amounts with DFS before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
New York insurance license terms are birthdate-based: licensees born in even years expire on their birthday in even years, and licensees born in odd years expire on their birthday in odd years. 15 credits of continuing education are required to renew or relicense certain insurance licenses once a license has been in effect for more than 2 years, and for every subsequent renewal. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with DFS before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How many prelicensing hours does New York require for an insurance license?
It depends on the line of authority. Life only and Accident and Health only each require 20 hours, the combined Life, Accident and Health course requires 40 hours, Personal Lines Agent/Broker requires 40 hours, and Property/Casualty Agent/Broker requires 90 hours, per the official DFS prelicensing education page.
Are there exemptions from New York's insurance prelicensing requirement?
Yes, for certain Section 2104/2108 broker/adjuster applicants with a Statement of Employer (a work-experience path) and for holders of CPCU, CLU, CLUA, ChFC, or MSFS designations. Confirm current exemption rules with DFS.
Who administers the New York insurance licensing exam?
PSI Services, at PSI testing centers statewide, with registration through candidate.psiexams.com. The passing score is 70 percent.
How often do New York insurance licenses renew?
The license term is birthdate-based: licensees born in even years expire on their birthday in even years, and licensees born in odd years expire on their birthday in odd years. 15 CE credits are required once a license has been in effect for more than 2 years, and for every subsequent renewal.
Can an out-of-state agent get licensed in New York?
Non-resident licensing is available via NY LINX/NIPR for agents licensed in good standing in their home state. Confirm current requirements with DFS.
