Virginia Insurance License: Everything You Need to Know

Obtaining an insurance license in Virginia can be a daunting process, especially for those who are new to the industry. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the Virginia insurance license process, from the application requirements to the types of licenses available.

Application Requirements

The first step in obtaining your Virginia insurance license is to ensure that you meet the application requirements. Here are the basic requirements:

Requirement
Description
Age
You must be at least 18 years old.
Residency
You must be a resident of Virginia or a state that has a reciprocal agreement with Virginia.
Education
You must complete pre-license education courses for the specific type of license you are applying for.
Background Check
You must undergo a criminal background check.

Once you have met these requirements, you can move on to the next step in the process.

Types of Licenses

Virginia offers several types of insurance licenses based on the specific type of insurance you wish to sell. Here are the different types of licenses available:

Life and Annuities License

This license allows you to sell life insurance policies and annuities.

You will need to complete a pre-license education course that covers topics such as life insurance policies, annuities, and life insurance concepts and principles.

Health License

This license allows you to sell health insurance policies.

You will need to complete a pre-license education course that covers topics such as health insurance policies, health insurance concepts and principles, and the Affordable Care Act.

Property and Casualty License

This license allows you to sell property and casualty insurance policies, such as homeowners insurance and auto insurance.

You will need to complete a pre-license education course that covers topics such as property insurance policies, casualty insurance policies, and property and casualty insurance concepts and principles.

Personal Lines License

This license allows you to sell insurance policies that are designed for individuals or families, such as auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and personal liability insurance.

You will need to complete a pre-license education course that covers topics such as personal lines insurance policies, personal lines concepts and principles, and personal lines insurance marketing practices.

Surplus Lines License

This license allows you to sell insurance policies that are not available from licensed insurers in Virginia.

You will need to complete a pre-license education course that covers topics such as surplus lines insurance policies, surplus lines concepts and principles, and surplus lines insurance marketing practices.

The License Application Process

Once you have completed the pre-license education course for your chosen license type, you can begin the license application process. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Submit Your Application

You can submit your application online via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or by mail using the Virginia Resident Licensing Application.

Make sure to include all necessary documentation, such as your pre-license education certificate and background check results.

Step 2: Schedule Your Exam

Once your application has been processed, you will receive an approval email from the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. You can then schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, the exam provider.

Step 3: Pass Your Exam

The Virginia insurance license exam consists of two parts: a state-specific section and a national section. You must pass both sections with a score of at least 70%.

Step 4: Get Your License

Once you have passed your exam, you will receive a license application in the mail. Fill out the application and submit it along with the appropriate fee.

Once your license is issued, you will need to renew it every two years and complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with industry changes.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a Virginia insurance license?

The time it takes to get your Virginia insurance license depends on how quickly you can complete the pre-license education course and pass the licensing exam. Once you submit your application, it can take up to two weeks for it to be processed.

Do I need to complete continuing education courses?

Yes, you will need to complete continuing education courses every two years to renew your license. The specific requirements vary based on the type of license you hold.

Can I sell insurance in other states with a Virginia insurance license?

If the other state has a reciprocal agreement with Virginia, you may be able to sell insurance there. However, you will need to obtain a non-resident license for that state.

What happens if I fail the insurance licensing exam?

If you fail the exam, you can retake it after a certain waiting period (usually 24-48 hours). You will need to pay an additional exam fee.

Do I need to have a sponsoring insurance company to obtain a Virginia insurance license?

No, you do not need to have a sponsoring insurance company to obtain a Virginia insurance license. However, you will need to have one before you can begin selling insurance policies.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Virginia insurance license may seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation and education, it can be a smooth process. Make sure to meet the application requirements, choose the appropriate license type, and study diligently for the licensing exam. With a little bit of hard work, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in the insurance industry.