What you need to do to get your license back

To reinstate a Louisiana insurance license, you must contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any requirements that caused your license to lapse in the first place. The process depends on why your license was suspended or expired — whether you missed a renewal important date, failed to complete continuing education, or had compliance issues.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate online; you must work directly with the department by phone, mail, or in person. The timeline varies from a few days to several weeks depending on what needs to be resolved before the department will restore your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance directly to find out why your license lapsed and what specific steps you must take to reinstate it.
  • You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long it has been inactive.
  • If your license lapsed because you missed continuing education, you must complete those hours before reinstatement is possible.
  • The department can tell you in one call whether you can reinstate when ready or whether you have additional requirements to meet first.

Contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance

Start by calling the Louisiana Department of Insurance at 1-800-259-5300 or visiting their office in Baton Rouge. Have your license number ready when you call. The department will pull your file and tell you exactly why your license is inactive and what you need to do to restore it.

If you prefer to handle this in writing, you can mail a reinstatement request to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, 1702 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Include your full name, license number, and a brief explanation of why you are seeking reinstatement. Mail takes longer than a phone call, so calling is usually faster.

Pay the reinstatement fee

The Louisiana Department of Insurance charges a reinstatement fee that depends on your license type — whether you hold a property and casualty license, life and health license, or another specialty. The fee also varies based on how long your license has been inactive. Fees typically range from $50 to $200, but you should confirm the exact amount when you contact the department.

You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your reinstatement request. If you are paying by mail, include a check or money order with your written request. If you call the department, ask whether they accept payment over the phone or whether you need to mail it separately.

Complete any missing continuing education hours

If your license lapsed because you did not complete your continuing education requirement, you must finish those hours before the department will reinstate your license. Louisiana requires insurance agents to complete a set number of hours every two years, and the requirement varies by license type.

You can take continuing education courses through approved providers. The Louisiana Department of Insurance maintains a list of approved course providers on their website. Once you complete the required hours, the provider will report your completion to the department. You may need to provide proof of completion when you submit your reinstatement request.

Resolve any compliance or disciplinary issues

If your license was suspended or revoked due to a compliance violation, disciplinary action, or failure to meet other department requirements, reinstatement is more complex. The department will explain what you must do to resolve the issue — this might include paying a fine, completing additional training, or waiting out a suspension period.

Ask the department for a written explanation of what caused the suspension and what steps you must take to become may be able to access for reinstatement. Some violations require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can reapply. Others require you to demonstrate that you have corrected the underlying problem.

Submit your reinstatement request

Once you have gathered all required documents and paid any fees, submit your formal reinstatement request to the Louisiana Department of Insurance. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person at their Baton Rouge office. Include your license number, the reason for reinstatement, proof of any continuing education you completed, and payment for the reinstatement fee.

The department will review your request and notify you of their decision. If everything is in order, your license can be reinstated within a few business days. If the department needs more information, they will contact you and explain what else is required.

What happens after reinstatement

Once your license is reinstated, you can resume selling insurance in Louisiana. Your license will be active when ready, though you should verify this by checking your status on the Louisiana Department of Insurance website or by calling to confirm.

Keep track of your renewal important date going forward. Louisiana licenses must be renewed every two years, and you must complete your continuing education hours before the renewal date. Missing the important date again will result in another lapse, so mark your calendar and plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take?

If you have paid the fee and met all requirements, reinstatement can happen within a few business days. If the department needs additional information or if you have unresolved compliance issues, the process can take several weeks. Call the department to get a realistic timeline for your specific situation.

Can I sell insurance while my reinstatement is pending?

No. You cannot legally sell insurance in Louisiana with an inactive license. You must wait until the department officially reinstates your license before you resume work. Selling without an active license can result in fines and further disciplinary action.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

Contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance and explain your situation. The department does not waive fees, but they may be able to discuss payment options or direct you to resources. Some situations may may have access to for a reduced fee, so it is worth asking.

Do I need to retake the insurance licensing exam to reinstate?

Not usually. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the exam. However, if your license was revoked (rather than suspended or expired), you may need to retake the exam and reapply for a new license instead of straightforward reinstating the old one. The department will tell you which process applies to you.

What if my license has been inactive for more than a year?

The reinstatement process is the same regardless of how long your license has been inactive. You still pay the reinstatement fee and meet any outstanding requirements. However, if your license has been inactive for an extended period, the department may require additional documentation or verification before reinstating it.