How to become an insurance agent in West Virginia
West Virginia insurance agents are licensed by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, Licensing and Education Division. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in West Virginia, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an insurance agent in West Virginia?
- Complete pre-licensing education for each line
- Pass the Pearson exam
- Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO
- Apply through NIPR
West Virginia insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. West Virginia licenses resident insurance producers by line of authority through the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, Licensing and Education Division |
| License name | Resident Producer License (lines: Life; Accident & Sickness; Property; Casualty; Personal Lines) |
| Education or training | 20 hours of pre-licensing education per line of authority (Life, Accident & Sickness, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines); the completion certificate is valid 6 months and must be shown at the exam. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE gives the West Virginia exams; the exam fee is $84 (candidate handbook, September 2026, and OIC fee list). |
| License term | Biennial, by the last day of the birth month. |
| Continuing education | 24 credit hours per biennial period, including 3 in ethics; up to 6 extra hours can carry forward. |
How much does it cost?
| Producer license application | $50.00 |
|---|---|
| Producer license renewal | $50.00 |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | $47.25 |
| Examination (Pearson) | $84.00 |
| Initial company appointment | $25.00 |
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 West Virginia
- Complete 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education per line
- Pass the Pearson exam, bringing your course completion certificate
- Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO using code 228NS5 (valid 60 days)
- Apply through NIPR and pay the $50 fee
- Print your license from SBS once approved
- Renew every two years by the end of your birth month after 24 CE hours
Apply on the official West Virginia site
How do you check an insurance agent's license in West Virginia?
- Search the name or license number on the official West Virginia 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.