What Are the Steps to Obtain a Property and Casualty License in Texas?

Obtaining a Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance license in Texas opens the door to a rewarding career in the insurance industry, allowing you to help individuals and businesses protect their assets against unforeseen risks. Whether you’re looking to start fresh in the insurance field or expand your credentials, understanding the pathway to licensure is essential. Navigating the requirements and processes can seem complex at first, but with the right guidance, you can confidently take the necessary steps toward becoming a licensed P&C agent in the Lone Star State.

The journey to securing a Property and Casualty license involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, completing mandated education, and successfully passing the state examination. Each stage is designed to ensure that prospective agents possess the knowledge and skills needed to serve clients effectively and ethically. Texas, like other states, has its own regulations and procedures, making it important to familiarize yourself with the state-specific licensing framework before diving in.

Beyond just obtaining the license, becoming a licensed P&C agent in Texas means committing to ongoing professional development and compliance with regulatory standards. This commitment not only enhances your expertise but also builds trust with clients and employers alike. As you explore the steps involved, you’ll gain clarity on what it takes to launch and sustain a successful career in property and casualty insurance within Texas.

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

Before applying for a Property and Casualty license in Texas, candidates must complete the required pre-licensing education. This education ensures that applicants have a foundational understanding of insurance principles, state laws, and ethical considerations pertinent to property and casualty insurance.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) mandates a minimum of 40 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework. This coursework typically covers the following key topics:

Insurance basics and terminology
Texas insurance laws and regulations
Types of property and casualty insurance policies
Underwriting and claims processes
Ethical practices and consumer protection

Candidates may complete this education through online courses, in-person classes, or a combination of both, as long as the provider is approved by the TDI.

Applying for the License

Once the pre-licensing education requirement is fulfilled, the next step is to submit an application for the Property and Casualty license. This process involves:

Creating an account with the Texas Department of Insurance’s online portal, Sircon or NIPR
Completing the license application form accurately
Paying the non-refundable application fee, which varies depending on the license type
Scheduling and passing the state licensing exam

The application review process typically takes a few weeks, during which the TDI verifies educational completion, background, and other eligibility criteria.

Licensing Exam Details

Passing the Property and Casualty licensing exam is a critical step. The exam tests knowledge of insurance concepts, state laws, and ethical practices relevant to property and casualty insurance.

The exam details include:

Aspect	Description
Format	Multiple-choice questions
Number of Questions	Approximately 150 questions
Time Limit	4 hours
Passing Score	70% or higher
Exam Provider	PSI Exams or Pearson VUE

Candidates are advised to thoroughly prepare using study guides, practice exams, and review courses. Scheduling the exam can be done online through the exam provider’s website.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

The Texas Department of Insurance requires all licensing applicants to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. This process helps ensure the integrity of insurance professionals in the state.

Key points about fingerprinting and background checks include:

Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through an approved vendor
Applicants must pay the associated fingerprinting fees
Background checks screen for criminal history that may affect license eligibility
Any criminal convictions must be disclosed in the application with relevant explanations

Failure to complete fingerprinting or disclosure requirements can delay or prevent license approval.

Maintaining and Renewing the License

After obtaining the Property and Casualty license, licensees must comply with ongoing requirements to maintain their status:

Complete continuing education (CE) courses as mandated by the TDI, typically 24 hours every two years
Renew the license before the expiration date, usually every two years, through the TDI online system
Pay renewal fees as required
Update any personal or business information promptly with the TDI

Failure to meet continuing education or renewal deadlines can result in license suspension or cancellation, affecting the ability to legally sell insurance in Texas.

Requirements for Obtaining a Property and Casualty License in Texas

To qualify for a Property and Casualty insurance license in Texas, applicants must meet specific state-mandated requirements. These prerequisites ensure that candidates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and integrity to operate responsibly within the insurance industry.

Age and Residency: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Texas residency is not mandatory, but a valid legal presence in the United States is required.
Pre-Licensing Education: Completion of required pre-licensing education courses approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is mandatory prior to sitting for the exam.
Examination: Passing the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Exam administered by Pearson VUE is required.
Background Check: Submission of fingerprints and passing a criminal background check conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is necessary.
Application Submission: Completion and submission of the licensing application along with payment of all applicable fees to the TDI.

Pre-Licensing Education and Exam Preparation

Before applying for the license, candidates must complete a state-mandated pre-licensing education program. This education is designed to cover the fundamentals of property and casualty insurance, including legal regulations, policy provisions, and ethical considerations.

Education Component	Details	Duration
Pre-Licensing Course	State-approved provider covering Texas insurance laws, policy types, and claims procedures.	40 hours
Exam Preparation	Practice exams and study guides aligned with the Texas Property and Casualty exam content.	Variable

Candidates should enroll in an approved education provider and complete the course prior to scheduling their exam. Many providers offer both in-person and online options to accommodate different learning preferences.

Scheduling and Passing the Licensing Exam

The licensing exam is a critical step in the licensing process, designed to assess applicants’ understanding of property and casualty insurance concepts and regulations.

Registration: Candidates must register for the exam through the Pearson VUE website, providing necessary identification and payment.
Exam Format: The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions covering Texas insurance laws, policy types, and ethical standards.
Passing Score: A minimum passing score as defined by the Texas Department of Insurance must be achieved to move forward with licensing.
Retake Policy: Candidates who fail the exam may retake it after a mandatory waiting period, subject to additional fees.

It is advisable to thoroughly review all study materials and complete multiple practice exams before attempting the official test.

Submitting the Application and Background Check

Once the exam is successfully completed, candidates must submit their license application and fulfill background check requirements to finalize their licensure.

Step	Action	Details	Fee
Application Submission	Complete online application via the Texas Department of Insurance website.	Provide personal information, exam results, and other required documentation.	$50 (non-refundable)
Fingerprinting	Schedule fingerprinting appointment through authorized vendors.	Required for background check clearance.	$38–$50 (approximate)
Background Check	Processing by Texas DPS and FBI.	Confirms applicant’s criminal history and suitability for licensure.	Included with fingerprinting fee

Applicants are encouraged to track the status of their application and background check through the TDI portal to ensure timely processing.

Maintaining and Renewing the Property and Casualty License

After obtaining the license, Texas insurance professionals must comply with continuing education and renewal requirements to maintain active licensure.

Continuing Education (CE): Licensees must complete 24 hours of approved CE every two years, including at least 2 hours of ethics training.
Renewal Application: Renewal must be submitted through the TDI online system prior to the license expiration date.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement: If the license lapses, there is a grace period for renewal with additional fees; otherwise, reapplication and retesting may be required.
Updating Information: Licensees must promptly update TDI with any changes in contact information or business affiliations.

Adherence to these post-licensing obligations ensures continued compliance with Texas insurance regulations and uninterrupted authorization to transact property and casualty insurance business.

Expert Perspectives on Obtaining a Property and Casualty License in Texas

Maria Sanchez (Insurance Licensing Consultant, Texas Insurance Training Institute). Obtaining a Property and Casualty license in Texas requires a thorough understanding of both state regulations and insurance principles. Prospective licensees must complete the required pre-licensing education hours, which ensures they are well-prepared for the state exam. Additionally, it is crucial to submit fingerprints and pass a background check as part of the Texas Department of Insurance’s licensing process. Staying organized and adhering to deadlines significantly improves the chances of a smooth application experience.

James Lee (Senior Compliance Officer, Lone Star Insurance Group). From a compliance standpoint, the Texas licensing process for Property and Casualty agents emphasizes integrity and knowledge. Candidates should focus on mastering the exam content, which covers Texas-specific laws and ethical considerations. Furthermore, maintaining continuing education credits post-licensing is essential to keep the license active and in good standing. Understanding these ongoing requirements helps new agents avoid common pitfalls that can delay or jeopardize their licensure.

Dr. Evelyn Carter (Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, University of Houston). The pathway to obtaining a Property and Casualty license in Texas is designed to ensure that agents are competent and capable of serving consumers effectively. I advise candidates to leverage both formal coursework and practical study guides tailored to Texas statutes. Engaging with professional networks and mentorship programs can also provide invaluable insights and support throughout the licensing journey, ultimately fostering a successful career in the insurance industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic eligibility requirements to obtain a Property and Casualty license in Texas?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and complete the required pre-licensing education before applying.

How many hours of pre-licensing education are required for the Texas Property and Casualty license?
Texas requires 40 hours of approved pre-licensing education specific to Property and Casualty insurance.

What is the process for scheduling and passing the Texas Property and Casualty licensing exam?
After completing pre-licensing education, applicants must register and schedule their exam through Pearson VUE, the state’s testing provider, and achieve a passing score to qualify for licensure.

Are there any background checks or fingerprinting requirements for obtaining this license in Texas?
Yes, applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check as part of the licensing process to ensure compliance with state regulations.

How do I apply for the Property and Casualty license after passing the exam?
Applicants must submit a license application through the Texas Department of Insurance’s online system, including all required documentation and fees.

Is continuing education required to maintain a Property and Casualty license in Texas?
Yes, licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including ethics and legislative update courses, to renew their license.
Obtaining a Property and Casualty insurance license in Texas involves a structured process designed to ensure that candidates are well-prepared to serve clients effectively. Key steps include completing the required pre-licensing education, passing the state licensing exam, submitting a license application through the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and undergoing a background check. Each of these components plays a critical role in verifying the candidate’s knowledge, professionalism, and suitability for the insurance industry.

It is essential for prospective licensees to invest time in thorough exam preparation, as the licensing exam covers a broad range of topics related to property and casualty insurance laws, policies, and ethical practices. Additionally, staying informed about continuing education requirements and license renewal procedures ensures ongoing compliance and professional growth within the Texas insurance market.

Overall, the process to obtain a Property and Casualty license in Texas is designed to uphold high standards of competency and integrity. By following the established steps diligently and maintaining awareness of regulatory updates, candidates can successfully enter the field and contribute to protecting individuals and businesses through sound insurance solutions.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.