Life Insurance License Texas: A Complete Guide

Getting a life insurance license in Texas can be a lucrative career move. As a life insurance agent, you can help individuals and families protect their financial future by providing them with life insurance products that meet their specific needs. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about getting a life insurance license in Texas.

What is a Life Insurance License in Texas?

A life insurance license in Texas is a legal certification that allows an individual to sell life insurance policies within the state. It is also the license required to sell annuities, health insurance, and other related insurance products.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) regulates the issuance of life insurance licenses in the state. The TDI sets the requirements and standards that must be met to obtain a life insurance license in Texas.

Why Do You Need a Life Insurance License in Texas?

If you want to sell life insurance policies in Texas, you must obtain a life insurance license. This license ensures that you are properly trained and qualified to represent life insurance companies and sell their products.

Without a life insurance license, you cannot legally sell life insurance policies, which means that you cannot earn commissions from the sale of these products.

What are the Types of Texas Life Insurance Licenses?

There are two types of life insurance licenses in Texas:

  • General Lines Agent Life & Health
  • General Lines Agent Property & Casualty

The General Lines Agent Life & Health license allows an individual to sell life insurance policies, health insurance policies, and annuities within the state of Texas. The General Lines Agent Property & Casualty license allows an individual to sell property and casualty insurance, such as auto and home insurance.

Requirements to Obtain a Life Insurance License in Texas

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To obtain a life insurance license in Texas, you must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a resident of Texas or have a place of business within the state
  • Not have committed any felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude

2. Complete Pre-License Education

The next step is to complete pre-license education. The TDI requires that all individuals seeking a life insurance license in Texas complete pre-license education before taking the licensing exam.

The pre-license education hours required for a life insurance license in Texas are:

  • Life & Health: 40 hours
  • Property & Casualty: 40 hours

You can complete pre-license education online or in-person. Online courses are generally more convenient and flexible, while in-person courses offer more interaction and hands-on learning.

3. Pass the State Licensing Exam

After completing pre-license education, you must pass the state licensing exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you will have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete it.

You can take the exam at any PSI testing center in Texas. The cost of the exam is $55.

4. Apply for the License

Once you pass the state licensing exam, you can apply for your life insurance license in Texas. You can apply online through the TDI’s website or by mail.

The application fee for a life insurance license in Texas is $50. You will also need to provide proof of completion of pre-license education and passing the state licensing exam.

FAQs

What is the Renewal Process for a Life Insurance License in Texas?

A life insurance license in Texas must be renewed every two years. To renew your license, you must complete continuing education hours and pay the renewal fee.

The continuing education hours required for a life insurance license in Texas are:

  • Life & Health: 24 hours
  • Property & Casualty: 24 hours

What is the Cost of a Life Insurance License in Texas?

The cost of a life insurance license in Texas includes the application fee, pre-license education costs, and the state licensing exam fee. The total cost can range from $300 to $500.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Life Insurance License in Texas?

The time it takes to get a life insurance license in Texas depends on how quickly you complete pre-license education and pass the state licensing exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to obtain your license.

Can You Sell Life Insurance Online in Texas?

Yes, you can sell life insurance online in Texas. However, you must have a valid life insurance license and follow all Texas insurance laws and regulations.

What Happens if You Sell Life Insurance Without a License in Texas?

If you sell life insurance without a license in Texas, you can face fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. It is illegal to sell life insurance without a license in Texas, and the penalties for doing so can be severe.

Licensing Requirements
Life & Health
Property & Casualty
Minimum Age
18
18
Residency Requirement
Resident or place of business in Texas
Resident or place of business in Texas
Pre-License Education Hours
40
40
Licensing Exam
150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours and 30 minutes
150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours and 30 minutes
License Renewal
24 continuing education hours every two years
24 continuing education hours every two years
Cost
$300-$500
$300-$500