Licensed Insurance Agents: How to Transfer Your License When Moving to Another State
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Moving to a new residence always brings up challenges, especially when you’re changing states. There’s plenty of documents to transfer over and paperwork to fill out, in addition to moving all your stuff. If you’re a licensed insurance agent, you also need to get your insurance license transferred over to your new state of residence.
Reciprocity Programs
Most states will recognize your current license and the hard work you’ve put into obtaining and maintaining it. Each state has their own reciprocity system that you’ll need to work through when transferring insurance licenses. These processes are very similar from state to state, but there are some differences in protocol. Contact the state’s insurance department for specific details on this process.
You need to send an application to your new state’s insurance department for a transfer. Most of the time it’s not necessary to re-take all the coursework and exams for a new license. Many states want to see that you’ve had your license for some predetermined amount of time before you send this application.
Ensure you work through the reciprocity process in a timely fashion. Most states give you 90 days to cancel your previous license and get it transferred over. If you wait too long to complete the process, or the state you’re moving to doesn’t have a reciprocity system, then you’re out of luck; you’ll need to retake the exam and any other required coursework.
Certificate of Good Standing
Your next step to take in transferring your license is to obtain a certificate of good standing from your current state’s insurance department. Send the certificate with any other documents and materials needed for a license in your new state. Most states only require an application and a fee, but providing a certificate of good standing will make the process smoother.
Your New State May Require a Clearance Letter
Some states will also want to see a letter of clearance and certification. Sending in the request for a clearance letter to your previous state will cancel your license there. So, make sure you have all your documents in order and meet all other requirements before getting a clearance letter.
You can contact the state’s insurance department to find out exactly which form to fill out and send in for clearance. There is a fee included with this request for most states—usually around $30. Most clearance letter requests take around two weeks to process.
States will often give you the option to simultaneously transfer your resident license to the new state as well. You’ll have around 30 days to contact the insurance department with your new address. If you wait too long, you may have to submit a new application and pay licensing fees for your new resident license.
Keeping your insurance license is straightforward once you obtain it and stay active with it. Most states will let you transfer it over hassle-free as long as you fill out any paperwork they request. Get in touch with your new state’s department of insurance as soon as possible for the details of this process.
I have a non-resident life license in AL and just moved there from Ga where I had my resident Life & Health license . How do I switch my resident state from GA to AL and my non-resident from Al to GA?
Hi Beth, I think you need to call the licensing department in Georgia and start the process that way. I don’t believe you can do it via NIPR but your DOI should give you their specific procedure. Good luck!
Hi, My question is – what happens to your current clients while you are in the process? Do you lose them or will they stay with you once all the transfer paperwork is done? I would hate to make the move with the DOI and then find out I can’t service my clients or need to AOR them. Thanks.
Hi Jamie, I think you want to contact the Department of Insurance and ask about the specifics. We know you’re not the first person to complete this transition so there should be a process they can provide for you. The particulars are a bit out of the “Test World” realm we live in so I’d prefer you touch bases with the DOI. Good luck!
did you loose your clients ?? I’m in the process of moving as well and I’m just curious about that …..
HiJamie, what state where you moving to and from?
Did you do the process? How did it go with your clients? Did you keep them?
HELLO, THIS IS A LITTLE OVERWHELMING LOL. I HAVE EMAILED AND TRIED CALLING FOR INFORMATION HOW TO TRANSFER MY NY AUTO/HOME INSURANCE LICENSE OVER TO PA. I AM MOVING THERE IN 34 DAYS. PLEASE HELP ME .
Hi Tiffany, Who have you tried calling and emailing? I’d recommend that you contact the licensing division at the PA Insurance Department and ask them about transferring your license. As mentioned above in this article, usually you can get a clearance letter from your old state (NY) and then transfer to your new state within a certain time frame. These processes are sometimes completed via Sircon.com or NIPR.com (more info.) but we always recommend you try and talk to someone at each department of insurance just to make sure everything goes smoothly. Good luck!
I’m currently living in Kansas but will be moving to Colorado soon, I’ve only had my p&c and life license for 3 months. When I move to Colorado do I have to retake test or can it transfer over?
Hello Patricia, You will want to call the Department of Insurance in Colorado (1-800-930-3745). Often you can get a clearance letter from the state you are moving from (Kansas) and be given an amount of days to apply for your license in the new state (Colorado) without having to retest. Good luck!
So I have an NY Health, Accident and Life license.
I would like to travel back and forth been Massachusetts and New York and stay with my company, but be able to sell in both states. what are the steps in accomplishing this? Thanks so much-Adam
Hi Adam, It sounds like you want to pick up your non-resident license. Jump over to NIPR.com and see the requirements. Good luck!
I would like to apply for my non resident tx license in order to obtain reciprocity to several states including ga where i live. i have a question. do i have to be in texas for the state exam?
Hi Wanda, First you need to get your resident license in Georgia then you can just go to NIPR.com and look at getting your non-resident licenses (usually no exam required). Good luck!
Thank you
I have an Accident & Health insurance license in Pennsylvania. I know I would need to keep a non-resident producer license in PA. I’m thinking of moving to New Jersey. What’s the first step I should take?
Hi Rashad, We always recommend calling the Department of Insurance of the state you are moving to first (NJ). They generally require a cancellation letter from the state’s Department of Insurance you are moving out of (PA). They (NJ) will usually give you “x” amount of days to transfer your license over without having to take the insurance license exam. You would then apply for a non-resident in PA. It’s always good to speak with both state’s Department of Insurance to make sure there aren’t any special exceptions. Good luck!
So if I’m moving to another state. Can I take the exam in my current state for the state I’m moving to?
Hi John, Often you can if the testing company is the same in both states (Pearson VUE, PSI Exams, etc.). Each testing facility has different capabilities so first make sure your new state’s exam provider has a location in your current state and second, call the local testing company and make sure they can load the new state’s exam. Good luck!
Hi my name is Krista and I am moving from Las Vegas Nevada to Colorado Springs Colorado. I am a licensed producer in Las Vegas and would like to keep my license as well as get licensed in Colorado. My question for you is how do I do both as easily as possible. I’ve got a lot going on with the move and would like to be prepared if with all my paperwork ahead of time. Please let me know your thoughts on the subject. Thank you
Hello Krista, You will want to make sure with the Colorado Insurance Department that they will accept license (which they usually will) but they will request that you get a clearance letter from Nevada’s Insurance Department and then apply for your license in Colorado within a certain time frame. After you move, you then apply for a non-resident license in Nevada (check NIPR for information on that). I’m sure once you speak to the Colorado Insurance Department they will get you squared away. Good luck to you!
Hi I’m planning on moving to either Texas or Florida from NYS, where I currently reside and work as licensed insurance broker. What do I do after I settle down in FL or Texas to get licensed in the new state where I will be residing? I keep applying for jobs as a broker in FL and TX and traveling for interviews, so I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row by the time I get the offer and move to either state, and join a new brokerage. I appreciate your taking the time to… Read more »
Hello MH, You will want to look at the National Insurance Producer Registry website to see the requirements of each state you plan to work in. Good luck!
Thank you
Held my Georgia license, and recently moved to New Mexico. What are the requirements if I move back to Georgia? Can my license in New Mexico now be transferred back to Georgia?
Hello Nancy, More than likely you would request a clearance letter from New Mexico and then have so many days to apply for your Georgia license. As previously mentioned, it’s always best to contact the Department of Insurance in the state you are moving to (Georgia DOI: 800-656-2298). Good luck!
Hi, just moved from Indiana to Colorado. I’ve filled out the service request form to cancel my IN license.
1 – where do I mail/email/fax it to? – site was unclear
2 – how much is the transfer fee? If I remember from licensing, it was $30 and How can I pay it?
3 – What else do I need to do?
Hi Joe, These are all questions best answered by your Departments of Insurance. Usually your old state (Colorado) would be able to provide a Letter of Clearance (“LOC” – info) for you to be able reapply for your license in your new state. It’s always best to call the licensing divisions (CO: 1-800-930-3745, IN: 1-317-232-2389) just to make sure you are covering your bases. Good luck!
Hello,
I’ve just gotten my P and C license and will be testing for L and H next week in Colorado. I’m moving to Washington in 4 weeks and am concerned by how long it might take to get my reciprocal license as I do have a position when I get there. Any idea how much of the application I can get done before I move out?
Hi Anja, That is a great question. You would definitely want to call the licensing department for both Washington (360-725-7144) and Colorado (303-894-7499) to see if there are any time-saving options. Hopefully that won’t be busy and can expedite your request! Good luck!
IS Arizona Property and Casualty reciprocal to FLorida? Meaning can I just apply for FLorida non-resident property and casualty without taking the exam? I can only find info on life but nothing specifically on P&C.
Hi Karla, There shouldn’t be any issue with you applying for a non-resident FL license. You can always call the Florida Department of Insurance at (850) 413-3137 to verify though (not a bad idea). Good luck!
Hello, I moved from IL to MD. I has P&C license in IL and it expired last year. Can I renew that license and get MD license based on that so I don’t have to take license exam again.
Hello Sabe, I don’t think they are going to allow you to do that since you let the license go and you no longer are a resident of IL. You can always call the licensing department to see if they will work with you but I’m guessing that they will make you take the license exam again in MD. Good luck!
Hi, I recently relocated to MN and have active licenses in TX both P&C & LAH. I have been given different information on going about to transfer my licenses and a bit confused. I would like to keep my licenses in TX if possible. Would you be able to guide me in the right direction?
Hello Julio, You will need to transfer your resident license to MN first. This process usually needs to be done within a couple of months. Once you have transferred your licenses you then would apply for non-resident licenses in Texas. You can’t technically keep your resident licenses in Texas as you no longer live there. You are ALWAYS best off to call the licensing department in both states and tell them what you are doing to verify the process. Usually your new state (MN) will allow you to apply for a license and bypass the testing process as long as… Read more »
I currently have my Accident and Health Insurance Resident license with the state of Pennsylvania. I have non resident licenses in South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland. Can my Pennsylvania Resident license be transferred to the state of Florida? Or, will I have to take the exam again to become licensed in the state of Florida?
Hi Jennifer, You are best off to call the Department of Insurance in Florida (850-413-3140) and ask for the Licensing Department. I believe if you’ve had your license in Pennsylvania for over a year you can transfer it. Good luck!
Can I transfer a 440 license from Florida to PA as a P & C license?
Thanks!
Hi Chris, I’m not 100% sure on that one but I don’t think they would convert your Customer Representative license to a Producer license. You should contact the Licensing Department in PA and ask them if they have any special paths for you to follow. Good luck!
I moved to AZ from CA with the CA P&C License. What should I do to use my license here in AZ?
Hi Anne, I would recommend calling the Department of Insurance (DOI) in Arizona (Licensing: 602-364-4457) and inquire about transferring your resident license to your new home state of Arizona. There are sometimes non-standard procedures you may have to deal with when either coming or going from California so it’s best to talk to the AZ DOI. Good luck!
I am in the process of moving from Mississippi to Texas. Currently we are between locations and are still official residents of Mississippi. I need to transfer my license to Texas but the problem is that it is due for renewal the end of this month which is only a few days away. Should I pay the renewal in Mississippi and then work on transferring it to Texas? Or will that complicate matters?
Hi Linda, I think you are going to want to work on the renewal so that your license is in good standings, then work on the transfer. Good luck!
i am currently studying california property and casualty exam but i am moving to texas in April. Should i continue with my current course or wait until i am in texas??
Hi there! You should call the DOI in Texas and ask them about the transfer process but off hand I think it would be better for you to wait until you move. But if you need to be licensed now, then you should obviously get your license and see if they are going to have you re-test in Texas. Good luck!
Can I transfer a FL non resident license to a residence license if I move there?
Hi Kari, I believe you can if you have had your existing resident license for longer than a year. You are really transferring your resident license there, non resident licenses are just extensions of your resident license that you pick up in states you aren’t a primary resident of. It usually requires that you get a letter of clearance from your existing state and apply for your new resident license within a certain period. You’re best off to call the Florida Department of Insurance (850-413-3137) and ask the Bureau of Licensing your question. Good luck!
Hi, my question is: What do I have to do to transfer my Georgia P&C agent license to Florida?
Hi Amnerys, You will want to check with the Department of Insurance in Florida as mentioned above, you may need a clearance letter. Usually Florida requires that you have your Georgia resident license for at least a year before you can transfer it. If not, you will have to take another pre-licensing course in Florida. Good luck!
We moved from MN to AZ and both my husband and I had MN life lice. and my hubby had non-resident AZ and trying to change both of us to AZ resident lice- any help and is AZ and MN reciprocity states
Hi Bridget, When it comes to compliance related questions we always recommend that you reach out to your local department of insurance – licensing division. Everyone’s situation is a little different so it’s best to get the information straight from them (licensing@azinsurance.gov or 602-364-4457). Good luck!
I am licensed in casualty, property and life in illinois, but plan on moving to Florida next year. Any idea if i will have to retake test(s) or will my license transfer some how?
Hi Joshua, If you have had your license for over a year, Florida will more than likely allow you to transfer it with a clearance letter. To be safe, you are best off to give their DOI a call and inquire. Good luck!
What if you want to keep your current license (32 yrs) and get a license in the new state moving to?
Hi Toni, As mentioned above, check with the state’s department of insurance you are moving to. Usually they will allow you to get a clearance letter from your current state and move your license to the new state within a certain time frame. Good luck!
I currently have a P&C license in California, and my wife, daughter and I are moving to Florida. Therefore can I transfer my current license; which I need to renew by the end of the month, or should I wait until I get to Florida, and get a new license there? Any advice would be helpful. Thank you!!
Hi Shawn, You are talking about two of the most difficult states to meet requirements for. I would call the Department of Insurance in Florida to verify but I believe since you have had your CA license for over a year, you should be able to get a clearance letter from CA and then apply in FL without having to meet their 200 hour PC pre-licensing requirement. Good luck!
Thank you, much appreciated!!
If I’m already licensed as a non-resident to the state I’m moving to is the process different?
Hi James, Call that states DOI and chat with them. Usually you can get a clearance letter from your existing state and apply for your resident license in the new state within a certain time frame. Good luck!
I’m moving from Texas to New Jersey in December. Can I transfer my Texas Life insurance license to New Jersey? Or should I just apply for a non-resident license
Hi Christian, You should be able to transfer your license. First step would be to contact the Department of Insurance in New Jersey to verify the steps. You should not just get a non-resident, you need a resident license in New Jersey if you are moving there. Good luck!
Due to the pandemic and working from home, if I continue to work for the same agency in X state but move to Y, do I lose my license in X? Do I have to obtain a new resident license in Y and my X license would be nonresident? How would it work?
Hi Erin, It’s usually a smooth process but you need to maintain a resident license in whatever state you live in and then switch to non-resident in the other states. Give your state DOI a call or check with NIPR and they should be able to give you the specific steps for each. Good luck!
I currently live in Florida and hold my P&C in florida. I also hold a non resident license in Georgia and am moving there in a couple weeks. How do I switch my non resident license in Georgia to a resident license?
Thanks!
Hi Kaiya, I’d contact the Department of Insurance in Georgia. They will most likely have you get a clearance letter from Florida and reapply in Georgia within a certain time frame. There may be more information on NIPR.com. Good luck!
I am moving from Florida to NY. What is the process to change my residency to NY? I want to also keep my license in Florida.
Hi Heather, Those are two challenging states when it comes to reciprocity. I’d start by calling the department of insurance in New York to find out their current rules during these strange COVID times. Good luck!
Does Louisiana property and causality license transfer to Texas
Hi Tammy, I would call the Department of Insurance in Texas to verify the process but I would guess they would allow you to transfer your license to Texas. Good luck!
I moved from CA to FL. I have a resident life and health license in CA and a non resident license in FL. The state says that in order to transfer my resident status to FL, I have to cancel my CA license and then request a non resident license after the FL resident license is activated. The problem is that this means there will be like 20 to 30 days in the middle when I will not be licensed in CA. I have a lot of business on the books in CA and I am wondering if I will… Read more »
Hi Craig, You are talking about two of the most “out of the ordinary” states but it’s something done everyday without problems. I’m pretty sure if you get your clearance letter from CA there is period of time they will give you to get your licenses straight. Unfortunately, that’s a call that needs to be made to each DOI as they are the ones who hold the power. Good luck to you!
How can I get my former employer to release my life license so I can transfer to my new employer
Hi David, Your license is yours. You just need to get appointed by your new employer… unless you have a sub-agent license and your previous employer set that up. Then I think you would have to start over. You’re best off calling your state’s department of insurance to verify. Good luck!
All this process is a pain. Putting my income on hold/risk to switch residency and to cancel and get reappointed with so many companies (in my case). Has somebody gone through this already? Did you get reappointed easily without losing your clients? how long did it take? This process is scary. I would like to hear from any of you please.
Thanks
I have my 2-20 Property/Casualty license in Florida. I am moving to Texas in the fall. I plan on continuing to work with the Florida Agency that I work for now while living in Texas. Do I need to get a Texas License along with my Florida License? Do I need to change my Florida License to a non-resident license, since I will be living in Texas.
Hi Suzanne, Yes you will need to transfer your resident license to Texas and get a non-resident in Florida. Call the TX Department of Insurance for the specifics. Good luck!
Hi. I recently moved to Tennessee from Florida . This move may be temporary and I may be moving back to Florida . I am in the process of obtaining my Florida license thru adjuster pro online classes . Once I take the test should I take the non resident test or the Florida resident test since Tennessee does not require a license
Hi Colleen, For compliance issues I would call and talk to the DOI in Florida and Tennessee. I’d also try to know whether it is a temporary move or not. You will have to keep your resident adjuster licenses somewhere and I know Texas allows you to do that (if your home state doesn’t have an Adjuster license). Florida may allow you to keep your resident license with them. Good luck!
Where can I find of list of states with reciprocity with Ohio for property and casualty licensing? Thank you
Hi Susan, We don’t really have a list for reciprocal states as most of the time it is recommended that you call each state’s insurance licensing department you are interested in getting a non-resident license for. You could call the Ohio licensing division (614-644-2665) and see if they have an up-to-date list. Good luck! 🙂
Ohio is a pain – they require you to call them to switch from resident to non resident and then they don’t answer the phone and don’t call back. You don’t have to cancel your Ohio license. I am keeping mine because I have Ohio clients.
Hi I have an active California P&C license and we moved last year from California to Ohio. I took a break from work, now I am looking for a job. Can I transfer my active CA P&C license to Ohio?
Hi Joy, Usually if your license is in good standing you can transfer it. You are always best off to contact the Department on Insurance (Licensing Division) in your new state to find out their specific steps as they are going to be responsible for issuing that new license. Good luck!