How to become an insurance agent in Texas
Texas insurance agents are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in Texas, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an insurance agent in Texas?
- Pass the state exam before applying
- Fingerprint background check through IdentoGO (Texas residents)
- Apply within one year of passing the exam
Texas insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. Texas licenses insurance agents by license type through the Texas Department of Insurance; the main types are General Lines – Property and Casualty and General Lines – Life, Accident and Health. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) |
| License name | General Lines Agent – Property and Casualty; General Lines Agent – Life, Accident, Health and HMO |
| Education or training | No pre-licensing course is listed in TDI's application steps; the exam is required. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE gives the exams; each General Lines exam (P&C or Life, Accident & Health) is $49 (candidate handbook, October 2024). |
| License term | Two years. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every two years: at least 12 classroom or classroom-equivalent hours and 3 hours of ethics. |
How much does it cost?
| License application fee, per license type | $50 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $50 |
| Pearson VUE General Lines exam (P&C or LAH) | $49 |
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 Texas
- Book and pass the General Lines exam with Pearson VUE
- Start the application on TDI's online fingerprint portal to get a service code
- Get fingerprinted at IdentoGO
- Apply through Sircon or NIPR within one year of passing and pay the $50 fee
- Get appointed by an insurer
- Finish 24 CE hours, including 3 in ethics, before each two-year renewal
Apply on the official Texas site
How do you check an insurance agent's license in Texas?
- Search the name or license number on the official Texas 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.