What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Texas P&C License
To reinstate a Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance license in Texas, you must contact the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that accumulated while your license was inactive. The exact steps depend on how long your license has been expired and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended for a compliance issue.
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, reinstatement is straightforward: you pay the fee and submit a reinstatement request. If it has been expired longer than 12 months, you may need to retake the licensing exam or complete additional education hours, depending on TDI rules at the time of reinstatement. Texas does not automatically restore a license—you must initiate the reinstatement process yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Contact TDI directly to confirm your license status and the specific reinstatement requirements for your situation, since rules vary based on how long the license has been expired.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee to TDI; the amount depends on your license type and whether you are reinstating within or after 12 months of expiration.
- Continuing education hours that were due while your license was inactive must be completed before or during the reinstatement process.
- If your license was suspended for a violation or compliance failure, you may face additional requirements beyond the standard reinstatement procedure.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after TDI receives your complete request and fee payment.
Reinstatement Timeline and Fee Structure
Texas distinguishes between licenses expired fewer than 12 months and those expired longer. For licenses expired fewer than 12 months, you pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by license type and year) and submit your request to TDI. For licenses expired 12 months or longer, TDI may require you to retake the P&C licensing exam or complete a specified number of continuing education hours before reinstatement is granted.
The reinstatement fee is not the same as the renewal fee. You will pay the reinstatement fee once, and then your license will be active again. After reinstatement, your license will be on a standard renewal cycle, and you will pay regular renewal fees on the anniversary date TDI assigns. Contact TDI's licensing department directly for the current reinstatement fee amount, as it changes periodically and may differ based on your specific license classification.
Continuing Education Requirements During Reinstatement
Texas requires P&C agents to complete continuing education hours each license period. If your license was inactive, you still owe the education hours that were due during that inactive period. Before TDI will reinstate your license, you must show proof that you have completed all outstanding continuing education hours.
The number of hours required depends on your license type and how long you were inactive. For example, if you were inactive for two license periods, you may owe education hours for both periods. You can complete these hours through approved providers before you submit your reinstatement request, or you can complete them after reinstatement as part of your next renewal cycle—but TDI will specify which approach applies to your case. Ask TDI which hours are mandatory before reinstatement and which can be deferred.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request to TDI
Contact the Texas Department of Insurance Licensing Division by phone at 1-877-839-2378 or visit their website to locate the current reinstatement form or online portal. TDI has moved many licensing transactions to an online system, so check whether you can submit your reinstatement request electronically or whether you must mail a paper form.
When you contact TDI, have your license number ready and be prepared to provide your current mailing address and contact information. TDI will tell you the exact documents or proof you need to include—typically your reinstatement fee payment, proof of continuing education completion, and a completed reinstatement process. If your license was suspended for a violation, TDI will inform you of any additional requirements, such as proof that you have resolved the underlying compliance issue.
Reinstatement After License Suspension or Disciplinary Action
If your P&C license was suspended by TDI (rather than straightforward allowed to expire), reinstatement is more complex. A suspension usually results from a violation of insurance laws or TDI rules—for example, failure to maintain errors and omissions insurance, failure to pay required fees, or misconduct in handling client funds. You cannot reinstate a suspended license until the reason for suspension has been resolved.
Before you contact TDI about reinstatement, determine why your license was suspended. TDI will have sent you a notice explaining the suspension and what you must do to resolve it. Common requirements include paying outstanding fees, completing a compliance course, or providing documentation that you have corrected the violation. Once you have completed whatever TDI required, you can then submit your reinstatement request along with proof that the suspension cause has been addressed.
What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request
After TDI receives your complete reinstatement request—including the fee, proof of education, and any other required documents—the department will review your file. This review typically takes one to two weeks. TDI will contact you by phone or email if they need additional information or clarification.
Once TDI approves your reinstatement, your license will be restored to active status. You will receive written confirmation from TDI, and your license will appear as active in the TDI license lookup system. You can then resume selling P&C insurance. If you are working for an agency, notify your agency manager that your license has been reinstated so they can update their records and may support you are listed as an active agent on their appointments with insurance carriers.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common error is not completing continuing education hours before submitting your reinstatement request. Many agents assume they can complete education after reinstatement, but TDI often requires proof of completion beforehand. Check with TDI about the timing before you pay your reinstatement fee.
Another frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete process. Make sure you include all documents TDI requested, pay the correct fee amount, and provide current contact information. If TDI has to contact you for missing information, the process will take longer. Finally, do not assume your old license number and status are still valid—always confirm your current license status with TDI before you begin the reinstatement process, because the rules or requirements may have changed since your license expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell insurance while my reinstatement request is pending?
No. Your license must be active in TDI's system before you can legally sell P&C insurance in Texas. If you sell insurance while your license is inactive or suspended, you are breaking state law and face fines and potential criminal charges. Wait for TDI to confirm your reinstatement before you resume sales activities.
How much does it cost to reinstate a P&C license in Texas?
The reinstatement fee varies by license type and changes periodically. Contact TDI directly at 1-877-839-2378 to learn the current fee for your specific license classification. The fee is typically lower than a full renewal fee but higher than a standard renewal.
Do I have to retake the licensing exam to reinstate my P&C license?
Only if your license has been expired for 12 months or longer. For licenses expired fewer than 12 months, you usually pay the reinstatement fee and complete any outstanding continuing education. TDI will tell you whether an exam is required when you contact them about your reinstatement.
What if I cannot find my license number?
You can search for your license number on the TDI website using the license lookup tool, which requires your name and date of birth. Alternatively, call TDI at 1-877-839-2378 and provide your name and Social Security number, and they will give you your license number and current status.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Once TDI receives your complete reinstatement request with all required documents and fees, approval typically takes one to two weeks. If TDI needs additional information from you, the timeline will be longer. Submit your request as soon as you have gathered all required documents to avoid unnecessary delays.