What You Pay to Reinstate Your Texas Insurance License

Reinstating a suspended or lapsed Texas insurance license involves two separate costs: the reinstatement fee itself, and any fines the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) imposed when your license was suspended or revoked. The reinstatement fee is set by TDI and covers the administrative cost of processing your request. Fines are penalties for the violation that caused the suspension — they are separate from the fee and must be paid in full before TDI will process your reinstatement.

The amount you owe depends on why your license was suspended. If you let your license lapse by not renewing it on time, you pay only the reinstatement fee. If TDI suspended your license for a violation — such as failing to maintain errors and omissions insurance, operating without a valid license, or breaching a trust account rule — you owe both the reinstatement fee and the fine that TDI assessed in the suspension order.

You cannot negotiate, reduce, or waive these amounts. TDI sets the fees by rule, and fines are determined by the violation and the severity. You must pay in full to move forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees are set by TDI and cover the cost of processing your request; fines are separate penalties for the violation that caused your suspension.
  • You must pay all fines in full before TDI will reinstate your license — partial payments or payment plans are not an option.
  • The reinstatement fee amount depends on your license type (agent, broker, adjuster, or other) and is listed in the TDI fee schedule.
  • Fines vary widely based on the violation; common violations include operating without a license, failing to maintain required insurance, and trust account violations.
  • Payment is made directly to TDI, usually by check or money order, and must be submitted with your reinstatement request.

Reinstatement Fees by License Type in Texas

TDI charges different reinstatement fees depending on what type of insurance license you held. An insurance agent's reinstatement fee is lower than a broker's, and an adjuster's fee may differ from both. The exact amounts are published in the TDI Administrative Code, Title 28, Part 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, and are updated periodically.

As of the most recent TDI fee schedule, reinstatement fees typically range from $50 to $300 depending on license type, but you should verify the current amount by contacting TDI directly or checking the fee schedule on the TDI website before submitting your reinstatement request. Including the wrong amount will delay processing.

If you held multiple licenses — for example, as both an agent and a broker — you may owe a separate reinstatement fee for each license. Check your suspension notice to see how many licenses were affected.

Fines Imposed by TDI for License Violations

When TDI suspends a license for a violation, the suspension order includes a fine amount. Common violations that result in fines include operating without a valid license, failing to maintain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, mishandling client trust accounts, failing to disclose conflicts of interest, and breaching continuing education requirements.

Fines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the violation and whether it was a first offense or a pattern of conduct. TDI considers factors such as whether the violation harmed a consumer, whether you acted intentionally or through negligence, and whether you have prior violations on your record.

Your suspension notice will state the exact fine amount. If you no longer have the notice, you can request a copy from TDI's License Holder Services section or search your license record on the TDI website to see the violation and fine details.

How to Find Out What You Owe

The best way to learn your exact reinstatement fee and any fines is to contact TDI directly. You can call the License Holder Services section at (512) 463-6464 or visit the TDI office in person in Austin. Have your license number ready when you call.

You can also look up your license record on the TDI website using the License Lookup tool. Search by your name or license number, and your record will show whether your license is suspended or lapsed, the reason for suspension, and any fines assessed. This record is public and will give you the information you need to calculate your total cost.

If you cannot find the information online or by phone, request a written statement of your account from TDI. This statement will list the reinstatement fee, any fines, and the total amount due. TDI typically provides this within a few business days.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Money

TDI accepts payment by check or money order made payable to the "Texas Department of Insurance." Do not send cash. Include a cover letter with your reinstatement request that states your name, license number, and the amount enclosed.

Mail your payment and reinstatement request to the Texas Department of Insurance, License Holder Services, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78714-9104. Keep a copy of your cover letter and a record of the check or money order number for your records.

Some TDI offices may accept payment in person at their Austin location, but you should call ahead to confirm the current payment process and whether you can pay by credit card or electronic transfer. Payment methods can change, and confirming beforehand prevents delays.

What Happens After You Pay

Once TDI receives your payment and reinstatement request, the department will process your process. Processing typically takes 10 to 15 business days, though it can take longer if your file is incomplete or if TDI needs to verify information.

TDI will send you a written notice confirming that your license has been reinstated. This notice will include your new license number (if applicable) and the effective date of reinstatement. You can also check your license status on the TDI website after processing is complete.

If your reinstatement is denied — for example, because you did not pay the full amount or because TDI discovered additional violations — TDI will send you a written explanation and information about how to appeal the decision.

Common Reasons Reinstatement Payments Are Rejected

Payments are sometimes returned or rejected because the amount is incorrect, the check is made out to the wrong entity, or the reinstatement request is incomplete. If you send $150 but owe $200 in fines plus a $75 reinstatement fee, TDI will not process your request until you submit the full $275.

Another common issue is sending payment to the wrong address or the wrong TDI office. Always mail to the License Holder Services address listed above, not to a regional office or a different TDI department. If you are unsure, call TDI first to confirm the current mailing address.

If your payment is returned, TDI will notify you of the reason. Correct the problem and resubmit. Your reinstatement timeline restarts from the date TDI receives the corrected payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a payment plan for my fines?

No. TDI requires full payment of all fines and fees before processing your reinstatement request. Payment plans are not an option. If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, you will need to save the money and submit your request once you can pay in full.

What if I disagree with the fine amount?

You can request a hearing before TDI to contest the fine. This request must be made within 30 days of the suspension notice. However, you still cannot reinstate your license until the fine is paid, even while a hearing is pending. Consult a lawyer who handles insurance licensing matters if you believe the fine was assessed in error.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if my license was suspended for non-payment of a previous fee?

Yes. You owe both the original unpaid fee and the reinstatement fee. If you owe multiple years of renewal fees, you may also owe those. Contact TDI to get a complete accounting of all amounts due before submitting your reinstatement request.

Can I reinstate my license online?

No. Reinstatement requests must be submitted by mail along with your payment. TDI does not currently offer online reinstatement for suspended or lapsed licenses. Mail your request and payment to the License Holder Services address provided above.

What if I lost my suspension notice and don't know the fine amount?

Contact TDI's License Holder Services at (512) 463-6464 or check your license record on the TDI website using the License Lookup tool. Both will show the violation, the fine amount, and the reinstatement fee. You can also request a written statement of your account from TDI.