What you need to do to get your Georgia insurance license back
If your Georgia insurance license has been suspended or revoked, you can request reinstatement through the Georgia Department of Insurance. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it lapsed because you didn't renew it, or whether the state suspended it for a specific reason like unpaid fines, failure to complete continuing education, or a compliance violation.
The Georgia Department of Insurance handles all reinstatement requests. You'll need to contact them directly, provide documentation of what caused the suspension, and in most cases pay any outstanding fees or fines before your license can be restored. The timeline varies, but you should expect the process to take several weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance to find out the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked.
- You will need to pay any outstanding renewal fees, fines, or penalties before reinstatement can be processed.
- If your license lapsed due to non-renewal, you may be able to renew it directly without a formal reinstatement request.
- Some suspensions require you to complete continuing education hours or pass a new exam before the state will restore your license.
- The Georgia Department of Insurance can tell you in one call what documents and fees you need to submit.
Suspension versus lapsed license — which one you have matters
A lapsed license means your license expired because you didn't renew it before the important date. You straightforward let it sit inactive. A suspended license means the Georgia Department of Insurance took action to shut it down — usually because you violated a rule, didn't pay a fee, or failed to meet a requirement like continuing education.
If your license lapsed, you may be able to renew it directly through the Georgia Department of Insurance website or by mail, just as you would for a regular renewal. You'll pay the renewal fee and provide proof of current continuing education hours. If your license was suspended, you'll need to request reinstatement instead, which involves explaining what caused the suspension and often paying additional penalties or fines on top of the renewal fee.
Call the Georgia Department of Insurance at the number on their website to confirm which situation applies to you. They can tell you when ready whether you need to renew or request reinstatement, and what documents to send.
Steps to request reinstatement after a suspension
First, contact the Georgia Department of Insurance and ask for the specific reason your license was suspended. Write down the date of suspension, the violation or reason cited, and any fines or penalties that were assessed. Ask whether there are additional requirements — such as completing continuing education hours, passing an exam, or attending a hearing — before reinstatement is possible.
Next, gather the documents the department tells you to submit. These typically include a written request for reinstatement, proof that you've paid any outstanding fines or fees, proof of current continuing education (if that was the reason for suspension), and sometimes a letter explaining the circumstances. Some suspensions require you to show that you've corrected the underlying problem — for example, if you were suspended for not maintaining errors and omissions insurance, you'll need to provide proof that you now have it.
Submit your reinstatement request and documents by mail or through the method the Georgia Department of Insurance specifies. Keep copies of everything you send. The department will review your request and either approve reinstatement, request additional information, or deny the request if the violation was serious or unresolved.
Fees and penalties you'll likely owe
You will need to pay the standard license renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type (property and casualty, life and health, etc.). On top of that, you may owe a reinstatement fee, which the Georgia Department of Insurance charges to process your request. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or penalties, you must pay those in full before reinstatement will be granted.
Some suspensions also carry late fees if your license renewal was overdue. Ask the Georgia Department of Insurance for an itemized list of all amounts owed before you submit your reinstatement request. Paying in full upfront speeds up the process and shows the department you're serious about compliance.
The exact amounts depend on your license type and the reason for suspension. The department can provide a quote when you call or visit their website.
Continuing education requirements during suspension
If your license was suspended because you failed to complete continuing education hours, you'll need to finish those hours before reinstatement. Georgia requires insurance agents to complete a set number of hours every two years, depending on their license type. The hours must be completed through approved providers and documented before you submit your reinstatement request.
You can take continuing education courses online or in person. The Georgia Department of Insurance maintains a list of approved providers on their website. Once you complete the required hours, the provider will send proof directly to the department, or you can request a certificate and include it with your reinstatement request.
If you're unsure how many hours you still need, the Georgia Department of Insurance can tell you. Some agents find it faster to complete the hours first, then submit reinstatement once they have proof in hand.
Timeline for reinstatement approval
After you submit a complete reinstatement request with all required documents and fees, the Georgia Department of Insurance typically takes two to four weeks to review and respond. If your request is missing information or if the department needs to investigate further, the timeline can extend to six weeks or longer.
You can call the department to check on the status of your request after two weeks. Have your license number and the date you submitted your request ready. Some requests are approved quickly if the violation was minor and you've corrected it; others take longer if the department needs to verify that you've met all conditions.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Georgia Department of Insurance will send you written confirmation and a new license or license renewal document. You should not conduct insurance business until you receive this confirmation.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
If the Georgia Department of Insurance denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons for denial include failure to pay all outstanding fines, incomplete continuing education, or a violation serious enough that the department believes you should not be licensed.
You have the right to request a hearing before the Georgia Department of Insurance to contest the denial. The department will explain this right in their denial letter and provide instructions for requesting a hearing. At a hearing, you can present evidence and argue why you should be reinstated. Many agents hire an attorney to represent them at reinstatement hearings, especially if the violation was serious.
If you believe the denial was made in error, or if you've since corrected the underlying problem, you can also submit a new reinstatement request after a waiting period. Ask the department how long you must wait before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an insurance agent while my reinstatement request is pending?
No. You cannot conduct any insurance business while your license is suspended or while your reinstatement request is being reviewed. Doing so is illegal and can result in additional penalties or criminal charges. Wait for written approval from the Georgia Department of Insurance before you resume work.
Do I need to retake the insurance licensing exam to get reinstated?
Not always. Most reinstatements do not require you to retake the exam. However, if your suspension was due to fraud, dishonesty, or a serious violation, the Georgia Department of Insurance may require you to pass the exam again as a condition of reinstatement. Ask when you contact the department.
What if I can't pay all the fines and fees right away?
Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance and ask whether they offer a payment plan. Some departments allow agents to pay fines in installments, though you may not receive your license until the full amount is paid. It's worth asking before you assume you cannot afford reinstatement.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains part of your licensing history. Future employers or the Georgia Department of Insurance can see it. However, reinstatement shows that you corrected the problem, which is viewed more favorably than an ongoing suspension.
Can I reinstate a license that was revoked instead of suspended?
Revocation is permanent and more serious than suspension. You cannot reinstate a revoked license. However, you may be able to explore for a new license after a waiting period, which varies depending on the reason for revocation. The Georgia Department of Insurance can tell you whether this is an option in your case.