How to become an insurance agent in California
California insurance agents are licensed by the California Department of Insurance, Producer Licensing Bureau. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in California, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an insurance agent in California?
- California resident
- Complete required pre-licensing education before applying
- Pass the state license exam
- Submit fingerprints (Live Scan) for a DOJ and FBI background check
California insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. California licenses insurance agents and brokers through the Department of Insurance; property & casualty and life & health are separate license types. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | California Department of Insurance, Producer Licensing Bureau |
| License name | Property Broker-Agent and Casualty Broker-Agent; Life-Only Agent; Accident and Health Agent (resident) |
| Education or training | Before applying: 20 hours per line of general insurance pre-licensing (40 hours for Property and Casualty together, 40 for Life plus Accident and Health), plus a one-time 12 hours of Ethics and the California Insurance Code. |
| Exam | State license exam scheduled through PSI, at the Department's Los Angeles site, about 20 PSI sites statewide, or by remote online proctoring. |
| License term | Two years. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours each two-year license term, including 3 hours of ethics (1 hour on insurance fraud); annuity sellers need an initial 8-hour annuity course and 4 hours each renewal. |
How much does it cost?
| Filing fee, Property and Casualty Broker-Agent | $188 |
|---|---|
| Filing fee, Life-Only Agent | $188 |
| Filing fee, Accident and Health Agent | $188 |
| Examination fee (per license type) | $55 |
| Renewal fee | $188 |
| PSI location convenience fee | $43 |
| Live Scan fingerprints (Department vendor) | $74 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become an insurance agent in California
- Choose license types (P&C, Life-Only, Accident and Health)
- Complete pre-licensing hours plus the 12-hour ethics/Insurance Code course
- Schedule and pass the exam through PSI
- Apply online through Sircon for California and pay the filing fee
- Submit Live Scan fingerprints
- Get appointed by an insurer before transacting
Apply on the official California site
How do you check an insurance agent's license in California?
- Search the name or license number on the official California insurance agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.