What you need to do to sell life insurance in Texas

To sell life insurance in Texas, you must pass the Texas life insurance licensing exam, submit an application to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and work under a licensed insurance agency or brokerage. The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you study and submit your paperwork. You do not need a college degree, but you do need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Texas does not require you to complete pre-licensing coursework before sitting for the exam, though most people study on their own or take a prep course to improve their chances of passing. Once you pass the exam and TDI approves your application, you can begin selling life insurance policies immediately — but only through the agency that sponsored your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the Texas life insurance licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE, then submit your application and fingerprints to the Texas Department of Insurance.
  • Texas does not require pre-licensing education, but most candidates study independently or enroll in a prep course to pass the exam on the first attempt.
  • You must be sponsored by a licensed insurance agency or brokerage before you can apply for your license; you cannot hold a license independently.
  • The exam covers life insurance products, policy provisions, state insurance laws, and ethical practices, and costs between $100 and $150 to take.
  • After TDI approves your application, you must complete continuing education every two years to keep your license active.

Finding a sponsoring agency before you apply

In Texas, you cannot hold a life insurance license on your own. You must work for a licensed insurance agency or brokerage that agrees to sponsor your license application. This means you need to secure a job offer or contract with an agency before you sit for the exam — not after.

Contact insurance agencies in your area, check job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn for "life insurance agent" positions in Texas, or reach out to national carriers like State Farm, Allstate, or New York Life, which hire and train new agents regularly. When you apply for a position, tell the agency you are willing to get licensed. Many agencies will hire you as a trainee and guide you through the licensing process as part of your onboarding.

Once an agency agrees to sponsor you, they will provide you with their agency license number, which you will need to include in your TDI application. The agency does not pay for your exam or licensing fees — that is your responsibility — but they may reimburse you after you pass or offer study materials.

Studying for and passing the Texas life insurance exam

The Texas life insurance licensing exam is a computer-based test administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across the state. The exam has 100 questions, covers life insurance products and policy provisions, state and federal insurance laws, and ethical conduct, and you have two hours to complete it. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

Texas does not mandate pre-licensing coursework, so you can study independently using free or paid resources. Many candidates use study guides from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), purchase prep courses from companies like Kaplan or The Institutes, or watch YouTube videos and read textbooks on life insurance fundamentals. Prep courses typically cost $50 to $200 and include practice exams, video lessons, and study notes.

Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE's website or by calling their customer service line. The exam fee is between $100 and $150, depending on the testing center. You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you fail, you can retake the exam after a waiting period — usually seven to ten days — and pay the fee again.

Submitting your application to the Texas Department of Insurance

After you pass the exam, you have a limited window — typically 12 months — to submit your license application to TDI. You will apply through the TDI's online licensing system, which requires your exam results, your sponsoring agency's license number, proof of identity, and your fingerprints.

TDI requires fingerprinting for a background check. You can be fingerprinted at any authorized location in Texas, including many police departments, sheriff's offices, and private fingerprinting services. The fingerprinting fee is usually $10 to $25. Once you have your fingerprints, upload them to the TDI system along with your other application materials.

TDI typically processes applications within two to four weeks. You will receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted and another when your license is approved. Your license becomes active immediately upon approval, and you can begin selling life insurance for your sponsoring agency right away.

Understanding the costs and timeline

Becoming a life insurance agent in Texas involves several expenses. The exam fee ranges from $100 to $150. Fingerprinting costs $10 to $25. If you enroll in a prep course, expect to pay $50 to $200. Some agencies reimburse exam and licensing fees after you pass or after you have been employed for a certain period, so ask your sponsoring agency about their policy before you pay out of pocket.

The entire process — from finding an agency to receiving your license — typically takes four to eight weeks. The longest delays usually occur during the TDI application review period, which can stretch to four weeks if the agency is processing a high volume of applications. If you fail the exam, add another week or two for retesting and reapplication.

Maintaining your license and meeting continuing education requirements

Once licensed, you must renew your license every two years and complete continuing education (CE) hours to keep it active. Texas requires 24 hours of CE every two-year period: at least 3 hours must cover ethics and professional conduct, and the remaining 21 hours can cover any insurance-related topics.

You can complete CE courses online, in person, or through a combination of both. Many insurance agencies offer CE training to their agents at no cost, and you can also take courses through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, state insurance associations, or private education providers. CE courses typically cost $20 to $100 per course, depending on the provider and format.

You must complete your CE hours before your license renewal date. If you miss the deadline, your license will lapse, and you will need to reapply and retake the exam to restore it. TDI sends renewal notices by email, so keep your contact information current in the licensing system.

Moving to a different agency or becoming independent

If you want to change agencies, you do not need to retake the exam or reapply for a license. Instead, you submit a change-of-agency form to TDI, which typically takes one to two weeks to process. Your new agency must be licensed in Texas and willing to sponsor your license.

You cannot hold a life insurance license without being sponsored by an agency. If you want to operate independently, you must first obtain an agency license from TDI, which requires meeting additional requirements such as maintaining a trust account, carrying errors and omissions insurance, and passing a separate agency exam. This path is more complex and expensive than becoming an agent, and most independent agents start as agents first, gain experience, and then apply for an agency license after several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become a life insurance agent in Texas?

No. Texas does not require a high school diploma or college degree to become a life insurance agent. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and pass the licensing exam. Many agents have high school diplomas only, though some pursue college degrees for career advancement or to move into management roles.

Can I take the exam without being sponsored by an agency first?

Yes, you can take the exam before securing an agency sponsorship. However, you cannot apply for your license or begin selling insurance until an agency agrees to sponsor you. Many people pass the exam first, then use it as a credential when applying for agent positions.

How long does it take to pass the exam on the first try?

Most candidates spend two to four weeks studying before taking the exam. The pass rate on the first attempt varies, but roughly 60 to 70 percent of test-takers pass. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually seven to ten days.

What happens if my sponsoring agency goes out of business?

If your agency closes or loses its license, your license becomes inactive. You must find a new sponsoring agency and submit a change-of-agency form to TDI within a certain timeframe to keep your license active. If you do not transfer to a new agency quickly, your license may lapse and you will need to reapply.

Can I sell other types of insurance with a life insurance license?

No. A life insurance license allows you to sell only life insurance products. To sell health insurance, property and casualty insurance, or other lines, you must obtain separate licenses by passing additional exams. Many agents hold multiple licenses to expand their product offerings and income potential.