How to become an insurance agent in Ohio
Ohio insurance agents are licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in Ohio, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an insurance agent in Ohio?
- Complete Ohio-approved pre-licensing education for each line
- Pass the PSI exam
- BCI and FBI criminal records check through National WebCheck
Ohio insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. The state insurance regulator issues resident insurance producer licenses. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Ohio Department of Insurance |
| License name | Resident Insurance Agent - Major Lines (Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, Variable) |
| Education or training | Required: 20 hours each for Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty and Personal Lines (none for Variable). Certificates are valid for 180 days and must be presented at the exam. |
| Exam | PSI administers the exams; the handbook lists a $49 exam fee. Remote proctored exams ended March 13, 2026. |
| License term | Biennial, based on birth month and year of licensure. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours each renewal period, including 3 hours of ethics. Some product lines need extra training (LTC, flood, annuity) that counts toward the 24. |
How much does it cost?
| License application fee per major line | $10 |
|---|---|
| Exam fee (PSI) | $49 |
| Background check (BCI + FBI + WebCheck vendor fee, maximum) | $72.25 |
| Late renewal fee (first month after expiration) | $50 |
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 Ohio
- Complete a 20-hour pre-licensing course for each line and print the certificates
- Schedule and pass the PSI exam, bringing your certificates and two IDs
- Complete a BCI and FBI background check through National WebCheck
- Apply online through NIPR
- Print your license after the Department emails confirmation
Apply on the official Ohio site
How do you check an insurance agent's license in Ohio?
- Search the name or license number on the official Ohio 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.