Licensing requirements
California
Everything you need to get your insurance producer license in California — exams are run by PSI.
Exam fee
$98
Application fee
$188.00
Fingerprints
$74
CE per renewal
24 hrs
Heads up
the source table says minimum correct 60; body says 60 percent. Treat this as a passing threshold requiring vendor confirmation, not 60 correct answers.
California requires a state-approved prelicensing course (12 hours (Code & Ethics)).
Agent Cloud is not a state-approved prelicensing course, so it won't meet that requirement. To meet it, we recommend XCEL Solutions. Use partner code Life2025 to get it for $50. You don't have to buy Agent Cloud. Many students add it for extra practice, plain-English lessons and the simulated exam.
Step by step
Your path to a license
- 1
Choose Your Line of Authority and Complete Ethics Education
- 2
Schedule the California State Examination
- 3
Pass the State Exam
- 4
Apply for License
- 5
Submit your Fingerprints
Submit your license application first, then register, pay ($74) and book through the Department's Capital Live Scan portal. Bring your 7-character Payment ID.
Pre-licensing education
12 hours Code and Ethics including 1 hour fraud; general line specific course requirement removed January 1, 2026.
Product training
LTC initial 8 hours; LTC refresher 8 hours; Annuity initial 8 hours; Flood initial 3 hours.
Only needed if you sell those products.
Heads up
Things people miss in California
#1 Prelicensing Reform
As of January 1, 2026, line-specific prelicensing education is no longer required, replaced by a mandatory 12-hour Ethics and Insurance Code course.
#2 Identity Verification
Names used during exam registration and license application must match government-issued identification exactly.
#3 Covered California
Selling through the state's ACA marketplace requires separate certification in addition to standard licensure.
Official sites
Direct links
Requirements change, and portal sites may add their own transaction fees. Always confirm with the California Department of Insurance before you apply.