50-State Insurance Licensing Compliance Guide
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California Insurance License

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Licensing requirements for California insurance professionals and companies.

This page provides an overview of insurance licensing in California for individuals and companies. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Companies that provide insurance producer services in California must apply for a license prior to doing business. Depending on the lines of authority offered by the entity and the types of services offered, multiple firm licenses may be required.

Before applying, firms should ensure that the licensed individual to be appointed agent in charge has the necessary licenses. Firms should also gather proof of incorporation, or foreign qualification for out-of-state firms, in anticipation of application requirements.

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Company Licenses

California Insurance Company Licenses

California Business Entity Administrator’s Certificate of Registration

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Law:

CA INS Code § 1759

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Form LIC 441-12: Business Entity Application for Administrator's Certificate

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$188

Required Attachments:
  • A statement as to whether your organization is a California corporation, please include a photocopy of your Articles of Incorporation
  • A list of all current corporate officers, including their complete home address. Please include a statement as to the percentage of stock ownership in the organization, if any.
  • A list of all current directors of the organization, including their complete home address. Please include a statement as to the percentage of stock ownership in the organization, if any.
  • A list of all current stockholders in the organization with complete home address, along with the percentage of stock ownership of 10% or more.
  • A statement as to the number of employees employed by you or your organization. Please include the names of key employees who will assist in performing the tasks of an administrator with a brief statement as to their job assignments. Include an organization chart if it will assist in clarifying the organization structure.
  • A copy of the formal written agreement, required by California Insurance Code Section 1759.1, between you or your organization and the insurers with whom you plan to do business. If your organization will not do business with insurers, explain who will indemnify the insured.
  • A statement as to any bank facility, including complete address and account number, that has been selected in which you or your organization will maintain any fiduciary bank account required under Section 1759.6 of the Code.
  • A statement as to any bank facility, including complete address and account number that has been selected in which you or your organization will maintain any claims payment bank account required under Section 1759.6 of the Code.
  • A statement as to how you plan to conduct your business. Include the types of clients you anticipate will use your services as an administrator and the total number of insureds that you anticipate will be handled by your organization.
  •  Corporations:  if already incorporated, attach a copy of your Certificate of Good Standing. If corporation
    has been formed as a result of a merger, submit a copy of your approved merger papers. 
  • Limited Liability Company: attach a copy of your approved articles of organization. This documentation must be submitted with your application. 
  • Background Information: If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, you must submit the required documentation.
  • Fingerprint Impressions: Fingerprint impressions are required for unlicensed applicants.
    •  Fingerprint impressions are required for all unlicensed applicants who have not held a license issued by this Department within the last 12 months. All business entities are required to submit fingerprint impressions of one officer, partner, manager, or member of the business entity.
  • The Insurance Commissioner may require such other documents as will aid in determining whether the applicant meets the qualifications for a license.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Independent Adjuster License - Non-Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Independent Adjuster License - Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Insurance Adjuster License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Bond Requirements:

$2000

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Adjuster Business Entity License

Agency Fee:

$311 per qualified manager plus $52 for each branch office registration.

Bond Amount:

$2000-$5000

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

File online through Sircon.

Agency Fee:

$97

Due:

Biennially

California Insurance Producer License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

This section applies to insurance firms that are applying for a license in California for the first time.

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Form:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0020-apply-license/0300-business-license/index.cfm

Agency Fee:

Varies by insurance type. Baseline of $85

Registration Renewal

This section applies to insurance firms that are already licensed in California and need to renew their license.

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Form:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0020-apply-license/0300-business-license/index.cfm

Agency Fee:

Varies by insurance type. Baseline of $85

Notes:

A license is eligible for renewal for up to one year after the expiration date of the license. After one year, a new application will have to be filed.

California Non-Resident Credit Ins Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$449

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$410 renewal fee + $8 for each endorsee that is listed on the application.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Non-Resident Insurance Producer License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Varies by line of authority. See this page for details.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Non-Resident Personal Lines Broker Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Public Adjuster License - Non-Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Public Adjuster License - Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Resident Credit Insurance Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$449

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$410

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Resident Insurance Producer License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Varies by line of authority. See this page for details.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Resident Personal Lines Broker Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Utilization Review License

Not required



Utilization Review licensure is not required on the State level in California.

There is no license for utilization review in California, however, employers are generally required to submit a utilization review program to the Division of Workers' Compensation.

More information: California Department of Industrial Relations - Division of Workers' Compensation

Individual Licenses

California Individual Insurance Licenses

California Apprentice Public Adjuster License - Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Apprentice licenses expire one year after the date of issuance and cannot be renewed.

California Crop Adjuster License - Non-Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Crop Adjuster License - Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Independent Adjuster License - Non-Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311 for each qualified manager.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Independent Adjuster License - Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Individual Administrator’s Certificate of Registration

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Insurance Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

This section applies to insurance agents that are applying for a license in California for the first time.

Agency Fee:

From $85 to $1,178 depending on license type.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Renew online via Sircon.

Agency Fee:

$188 for Property & Casualty

Fees vary based on lines of authority.

Due:

Biennially

California Non Resident Credit Ins Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$449

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$410

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Non Resident Insurance Producer License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Varies by line of authority. See this page for details.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Non Resident Personal Lines Broker Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Public Adjuster License - Non-Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$311

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Public Adjuster License - Resident

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$264

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Resident Credit Insurance Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$449

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$410

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Resident Insurance Producer License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Varies by line of authority. See this page for details.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

California Resident Personal Lines Broker Agent License

Agency:California Department of Insurance
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Yes
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$188

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

Learn about insurance licensing in other states: