What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Georgia Insurance License
To reinstate a Georgia insurance license, you must contact the Georgia Department of Insurance, file a reinstatement request, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that have accumulated during the lapsed period. The process differs slightly depending on whether your license lapsed voluntarily or was suspended or revoked, and how long it has been inactive.
Georgia does not have an automatic reinstatement process. You must take action yourself, and the timeline varies based on how long your license has been inactive and whether you owe any outstanding fees or penalties to the department.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance directly to confirm your license status and learn what specific documents and fees you will need.
- You must complete all continuing education hours that accumulated while your license was inactive before reinstatement is approved.
- Reinstatement fees and continuing education requirements depend on your license type (life, health, property and casualty, etc.) and how long the license has been lapsed.
- If your license was suspended or revoked for cause, you may face additional requirements or a hearing before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks once the Georgia Department of Insurance receives a complete request.
Confirm Your License Status and Lapse Reason
Before you begin the reinstatement process, you need to know exactly why your license is inactive. Log into the Georgia Department of Insurance license lookup tool on their website, or call the department directly at the number listed on their website. Provide your name, license number, and date of birth.
The department will tell you whether your license lapsed due to non-renewal, was suspended for a specific violation, or was revoked. This distinction matters because suspended or revoked licenses require additional steps. If your license straightforward lapsed because you did not renew it on time, the reinstatement path is more straightforward than if the department took action against you.
Calculate Your Continuing Education Debt
Georgia requires all active insurance agents to complete a set number of continuing education hours every two years, depending on license type. When your license lapses, those requirements do not stop accumulating. You must complete all hours owed before the department will reinstate you.
The Georgia Department of Insurance website lists the continuing education requirements by license type. For example, a property and casualty agent typically owes 24 hours per two-year period. If your license has been inactive for four years, you would owe 48 hours. You must take these courses through a Georgia-approved provider and submit proof of completion to the department.
Some approved providers allow you to take courses online, and many offer accelerated schedules. The cost of courses varies by provider, typically ranging from $50 to $200 per course, depending on length and format.
Gather Required Documents and Pay Fees
Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance and request a reinstatement packet or checklist specific to your license type. The packet will list exactly what you need to submit. Standard requirements usually include:
- A completed reinstatement process form (provided by the department)
- Proof of continuing education completion (course certificates from approved providers)
- The reinstatement fee (amount varies by license type; contact the department for the current fee)
- Any outstanding penalties or late fees owed to the department
- A background check or fingerprint card if the department requests one
If your license was suspended or revoked for cause, you may also need to provide documentation showing that the underlying issue has been resolved. For example, if your license was suspended for failure to pay a fine, you must show proof of payment. If it was suspended for a complaint, you may need to provide evidence that the complaint was addressed.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request
Mail your completed reinstatement process, proof of continuing education, and payment to the Georgia Department of Insurance at the address listed on their website. Include a cover letter that states your name, license number, and the date your license lapsed. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Some applicants choose to hand-deliver documents to the department's office in Atlanta to avoid mail delays, though this is not required. The department will send you a confirmation letter once they receive your request and begin processing it.
Do not assume your request was received if you do not hear back within one week. Call the department to confirm they have your file and ask for an estimated approval date.
What Happens If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
If the Georgia Department of Insurance suspended or revoked your license for a violation—such as a complaint, fraud allegation, or regulatory violation—reinstatement is not automatic and may require additional steps. The department may require you to attend a hearing before an administrative law judge, or they may ask you to provide documentation proving the violation has been corrected.
In some cases, the department will not reinstate a revoked license at all, depending on the severity of the violation. If your license was revoked, contact the department before investing time and money in continuing education to learn whether reinstatement is possible in your situation.
If a hearing is required, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. The hearing gives you the opportunity to present evidence that you meet the standards for reinstatement and that the public will not be harmed by restoring your license.
Timeline and What to Expect After Submission
Once the Georgia Department of Insurance receives your complete reinstatement request, processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, the department verifies your continuing education completion, confirms all fees have been paid, and reviews your background for any new violations or complaints.
You will receive a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license certificate. If denied, the notice will explain the reason and may outline steps you can take to reapply or appeal.
If the department requests additional information or documentation, they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond promptly to any requests, as delays on your part will extend the processing timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate a Georgia insurance license?
Reinstatement fees vary by license type and are set by the Georgia Department of Insurance. Contact the department directly for the current fee for your specific license type. You will also owe any continuing education course fees and any outstanding penalties or late fees from the period when your license was inactive.
Can I work as an insurance agent while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally sell insurance or represent yourself as an agent while your license is inactive, even if your reinstatement request is pending. You must wait for written approval from the Georgia Department of Insurance before you resume work.
What if I cannot complete all my continuing education hours before I submit my reinstatement request?
You must complete all required hours before the department will approve your reinstatement. However, you can take courses while your reinstatement request is being processed. Submit your request with the hours you have completed so far, and send proof of the remaining hours as soon as you finish them.
Do I need to pass the Georgia insurance licensing exam again to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the licensing exam. You only need to complete the continuing education hours that accumulated during the lapsed period and pay the reinstatement fee.
What if my license has been inactive for more than five years?
The Georgia Department of Insurance may treat very old lapses differently. Contact the department to ask whether your license can still be reinstated or whether you would need to explore for a new license and retake the exam. Some states have rules about how long a license can remain inactive before reinstatement is no longer an option.