What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Colorado Insurance License
To reinstate a Colorado insurance license, you must contact the Colorado Division of Insurance, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that came due while your license was inactive. The process differs depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended for cause.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, reinstatement is straightforward: submit a reinstatement request, pay the fee, and provide proof of any required continuing education hours. If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you may need to retake the licensing exam or complete additional education, depending on the line of insurance you hold.
The Colorado Division of Insurance does not process reinstatement requests online. You must submit your request by mail or in person at their Denver office, or contact them by phone to confirm current requirements before you send anything.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Colorado Division of Insurance directly by phone at 303-894-7855 to confirm your specific reinstatement requirements before submitting any documents.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by license type and how long the license has been inactive) and provide proof of any continuing education hours that came due during the lapse.
- If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you typically only need to pay the fee and submit proof of education; if it has been inactive longer, exam retake or additional coursework may be required.
- Submit your reinstatement request by mail to the Division of Insurance office in Denver or deliver it in person; processing takes two to four weeks after the Division receives your complete request.
Timeline for License Expiration and Reinstatement may be able to access
Colorado insurance licenses expire on a schedule based on your license type. Property and casualty licenses, life and health licenses, and limited lines licenses each have their own renewal dates. Once your license expires, you have a window to reinstate it without retaking the exam.
If you reinstate within two years of expiration, you avoid the exam requirement. You will still owe the reinstatement fee and must show proof that you completed any continuing education hours that were due during the period your license was inactive. The Division of Insurance will tell you the exact number of hours required when you call.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will likely need to retake the licensing exam for your line of insurance, even if you were previously licensed. Some lines of insurance have different rules, so confirm this with the Division before you pay any fees.
Documents and Fees Required for Reinstatement
You will need to provide proof of continuing education completion. This means a certificate or letter from the course provider showing the course name, number of hours, and the date you completed it. The Division will not accept a course completion email or informal documentation.
The reinstatement fee depends on your license type. Property and casualty licenses, life and health licenses, and limited lines licenses have different fee amounts. Call the Division at 303-894-7855 to confirm the exact fee for your license type before you submit your request. Fees do not change often, but confirming prevents delays if your information is outdated.
If you are reinstating a license that has been inactive for more than two years, you may also need to pay an exam fee if retesting is required. The Division will tell you whether an exam is necessary when you contact them about reinstatement.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
Call the Colorado Division of Insurance at 303-894-7855 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time) to confirm your reinstatement requirements and get the mailing address or in-person office location. Have your license number and line of insurance ready when you call.
Prepare a letter requesting reinstatement that includes your full name, license number, line of insurance, and the date your license expired. Attach copies of your continuing education certificates and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made payable to the State of Colorado.
Mail your request to the address the Division provides, or deliver it in person at their Denver office. Keep a copy of everything you send. The Division will send you a confirmation letter when your reinstatement is approved, usually within two to four weeks of receiving your complete request.
Continuing Education Requirements During License Lapse
Colorado requires insurance agents to complete continuing education hours every two years to keep their license active. If your license expired, you still owe the education hours that came due during the period your license was inactive.
For example, if your license expired in 2022 and you are reinstating in 2024, you must show proof of the continuing education hours that were due in 2022 and 2023. The number of hours depends on your license type: property and casualty agents typically need 24 hours per two-year period, while life and health agents need 30 hours per two-year period. Limited lines licenses have different requirements.
You can take these courses from any Colorado-approved provider. The Division maintains a list of approved providers on its website. Courses must be completed before you submit your reinstatement request, and you must have a certificate showing completion.
What Happens If Your License Was Suspended for Cause
If your license was suspended or revoked by the Division of Insurance for a violation or complaint, reinstatement is more complex. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and reapply. You must first resolve the underlying issue that led to the suspension or revocation.
Contact the Division's enforcement section at 303-894-7855 to understand what caused the suspension and what steps you must take to become may be able to access for reinstatement. This may include completing additional training, paying a fine, or waiting a specified period before you can reapply. The Division will provide written guidance on the reinstatement path for your specific situation.
If you are unsure whether your license was suspended for cause or straightforward expired due to non-renewal, the Division can tell you when you call. This is important to know before you submit any reinstatement request, because the process is different.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Reinstatement
Do not assume your continuing education hours from before your license expired count toward reinstatement. The Division only accepts education completed during the period your license was active. If you took a course in 2021 but your license expired in 2022, that course does not satisfy the 2022–2023 requirement.
Do not submit your reinstatement request without calling the Division first. Requirements change, and the Division may have updated the fee amount or continuing education rules since your license expired. A phone call takes five minutes and prevents your request from being rejected or delayed.
Do not send original certificates or documents. Make copies and keep the originals. The Division will not return documents you mail, and you may need them for your records or for another purpose later.
Do not assume you can reinstate online or through a third-party website. The Division does not offer online reinstatement, and any website claiming to process reinstatement for you is not affiliated with the state. Submit your request directly to the Division by mail or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license if it has been expired for five years?
You may be able to reinstate, but you will likely need to retake the licensing exam for your line of insurance. The Division considers licenses inactive for more than two years to require exam retesting. Call 303-894-7855 to confirm whether your specific situation requires an exam or whether other options are available.
Do I need to take a new background check to reinstate my license?
The Division does not typically require a new background check for reinstatement if your license expired due to non-renewal and you have no disciplinary history. If your license was suspended for cause, a background check may be required as part of the reinstatement process. Ask the Division when you call.
What if I cannot find my continuing education certificates?
Contact the course provider directly and request a copy of your completion certificate or a letter confirming the course name, hours, and completion date. If the provider is no longer in business, contact the Division to ask what documentation they will accept as proof of completion.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Division receives your complete request. If your request is missing documents or has errors, processing will take longer. The Division will contact you if additional information is needed.
Can I work as an insurance agent while my reinstatement request is pending?
No. You cannot legally sell insurance or represent yourself as a licensed agent while your license is inactive or your reinstatement is pending. You must wait for written approval from the Division before you resume work.