How to become an insurance agent in Rhode Island
Rhode Island insurance agents are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in Rhode Island, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Rhode Island law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become an insurance agent in Rhode Island?
- At least 18 years old
- Pass the state exam for each line of authority
- No grounds for denial under R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2.4-14
- Carry errors and omissions insurance (unless employed directly by an insurer)
Rhode Island insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. Rhode Island licenses resident insurance producers by line of authority through the Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division |
| License name | Resident Insurance Producer (lines: Life; Accident & Health or Sickness; Property; Casualty; Personal Lines) |
| Education or training | No pre-licensing course is listed in the state producer licensing law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2.4-8); the exam is required. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE gives the Rhode Island producer exams; each major line exam has a general and a state part and costs $80 (candidate handbook, February 2026). |
| Insurance or bond | Resident producers must carry errors and omissions insurance of at least $250,000 per claim and $500,000 annual aggregate (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2.4-23), unless employed directly by an insurer. |
| License term | Biennial license period (230-RICR-20-50-2); the fee statute labels the $55 renewal as annual. |
| Continuing education | 24 credit hours each biennial license period, including 3 hours of ethics (230-RICR-20-50-2). |
How much does it cost?
| Initial insurance producer license (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2.4-4) | $55.00 |
|---|---|
| Insurance producer renewal (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2.4-4) | $55.00 |
| Pearson VUE exam, per major line (Life, A&H, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines) | $80 |
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 Rhode Island
- Choose your lines of authority
- Book and pay for the exam with Pearson VUE
- Pass the general and state parts of each line exam
- Get errors and omissions coverage that meets the state minimum
- Apply to the Department of Business Regulation and pay the $55 license fee
- Finish 24 CE hours, including 3 in ethics, each biennial period
How do you check an insurance agent's license in Rhode Island?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division.
- 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.