What you need to do to get your Texas resident insurance license back
If your Texas resident insurance license has lapsed or been suspended, you can reinstate it through the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). The path depends on how long it has been inactive and why it was suspended. Most reinstatements require you to pass the licensing exam again, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that came due while your license was not active.
The process is faster if your license lapsed recently and you have no disciplinary history. If your license was suspended for a violation or you have been inactive for several years, you may face additional steps or restrictions. TDI handles all resident insurance licenses in Texas, so they are your only point of contact for reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You must retake and pass the Texas resident insurance licensing exam, regardless of how long you held your previous license.
- Reinstatement fees vary by license type (life, health, property and casualty, or variable annuity) and are separate from exam fees.
- Any continuing education hours that came due during your inactive period must be completed before or during the reinstatement process.
- If your license was suspended for a violation, you must resolve the disciplinary issue with TDI before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your license status and the reason for lapse or suspension through the TDI license lookup tool on their website.
Check your license status and suspension reason with TDI
Before you start the reinstatement process, log into the TDI license lookup system or call TDI directly to confirm your license is actually inactive and to learn why. A license can lapse for nonpayment of renewal fees, failure to complete continuing education, or expiration after you did not renew. A license can also be suspended or revoked by TDI for a violation or complaint.
This distinction matters because a lapsed license and a suspended license follow different reinstatement paths. If your license straightforward expired because you did not renew on time, reinstatement is straightforward. If TDI suspended your license for a violation, you must first address the disciplinary action before you can reinstate. TDI's website has a searchable license database; you can also call their licensing division at 1-877-TDI-HELP (1-877-834-4357) to ask about your specific license.
Pass the resident insurance licensing exam for your license type
You must retake the Texas resident insurance exam even if you held an active license for years. TDI does not waive the exam requirement for reinstatement. The exam you take depends on your license type: life, health, property and casualty, or variable annuity. Each exam covers state law, ethics, and product-specific rules.
You schedule the exam through Pearson VUE, the testing vendor TDI uses. Register on the Pearson VUE website, pay the exam fee (which varies by license type but is typically $100 to $150), and choose a test center and date. You can take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center in Texas or in many other states. Study materials and exam outlines are available on the TDI website. You must pass with a score of at least 70 percent.
Complete any overdue continuing education hours
If your license lapsed or was suspended, any continuing education requirements that came due during the inactive period are still owed. Texas requires resident insurance agents to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 3 hours in ethics. If you were inactive for four years, for example, you owe 60 hours.
You can complete these hours before you submit your reinstatement process or after you pass the exam, depending on TDI's current rules and your timeline. Courses must be taken through TDI-approved providers. Once you finish the hours, the provider reports them to TDI electronically. Keep your course completion certificates in case TDI asks for proof. You cannot reinstate your license until all overdue continuing education is documented in the TDI system.
Pay the reinstatement fee and submit your process
After you pass the exam and complete any overdue continuing education, you submit a reinstatement process to TDI along with the reinstatement fee. The fee depends on your license type and how long your license has been inactive. Fees typically range from $50 to $150. You can submit your process online through the TDI licensing portal, by mail, or in person at a TDI office.
Include proof that you passed the exam (Pearson VUE sends this to TDI automatically, but you can request a copy) and documentation of completed continuing education. If your license was suspended for a violation, include any evidence that you have resolved the disciplinary issue — for example, a letter from TDI stating the matter is closed, or proof that you completed a required remedial course or paid a fine. TDI will review your process and notify you by mail or email within 10 to 15 business days.
Resolve any disciplinary issues if your license was suspended
If TDI suspended your license for a violation — such as a complaint about your conduct, a failure to maintain trust account records, or a lapse in errors and omissions insurance — you cannot reinstate until the disciplinary case is resolved. Contact TDI's enforcement division to find out what action is required. This might mean paying a fine, completing a remedial education course, submitting to a hearing, or meeting other conditions TDI sets.
The time this takes varies widely. Some cases settle in a few weeks; others take several months. Once TDI closes the disciplinary case, you can proceed with the exam, continuing education, and reinstatement process. If you are unsure whether your suspension was disciplinary or administrative, TDI's licensing division can tell you.
Timeline and what to expect after you explore
The full reinstatement process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your process, assuming you have already passed the exam and completed continuing education. The exam itself can be scheduled within a few days to a week. Continuing education can be completed in days or weeks depending on the number of hours owed and your schedule.
After TDI receives your reinstatement process, they verify that you passed the exam, that your continuing education is complete, and that any disciplinary issues are resolved. If everything is in order, TDI issues your new license and sends you a license certificate by mail. Your license number may be the same as your previous license or a new number, depending on TDI's system. Once your license is active, you can write insurance when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the exam if I only let my license lapse for a few months?
Yes. TDI requires all reinstatement applicants to pass the resident insurance exam again, regardless of how recently your license expired or how long you previously held it. There is no waiver or exemption based on prior experience.
What if I don't remember which license type I had?
Check the TDI license lookup tool on their website or call 1-877-TDI-HELP. You can search by your name or license number. The lookup will show your license type, status, and expiration date. If you are still unsure, TDI's licensing division can confirm which exam you need to take.
Can I work as an insurance agent while my reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot legally sell or solicit insurance in Texas without an active resident license. You must wait until TDI issues your new license. Working without a license can result in fines and criminal charges.
What happens if I fail the reinstatement exam?
You can retake the exam. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the exam fee each time. You can schedule your next attempt through Pearson VUE as soon as you are ready. Many people study longer or use a test prep course before their second attempt.
Do I need to work for an insurance agency to reinstate my license?
No. You can reinstate your license independently. However, once your license is active, you must be appointed by at least one insurance company or agency to legally write business. Appointment is a separate process handled between you and the company or agency.