License Playbook

How to get an insurance license in California

Every California producer and adjuster license in one place: hours, exams, fees and links, sourced from the California Department of Insurance.

California insurance license requirements

Life-Only AgentAccident & Health or Sickness AgentProperty & Casualty Broker-AgentIndependent Insurance Adjuster
Pre-licensing education12 hours12 hours12 hoursNone required
Exam vendorPSIPSIPSIPSI
Exam fee$55$55$55$79 (CDI fee schedule); $122 at PSI site
Questions / time75 · 105 min75 · 105 min150 · 195 min100 · 150 min
License application fee$188$188$376 ($188 Property + $188 Casualty) verify$311 verify
FingerprintsRequired: Live Scan via Capital Live Scan, total $74 ($17 FBI + $32 DOJ + $25 vendor)Required: Live Scan via Capital Live Scan, total $74 ($17 FBI + $32 DOJ + $25 vendor)Required: Live Scan via Capital Live Scan, total $74 ($17 FBI + $32 DOJ + $25 vendor)Required: Live Scan via Capital Live Scan, total $74 ($17 FBI + $32 DOJ + $25 vendor)
Continuing education24 hours · 2 years24 hours · 2 years24 hours · 2 yearsnone hours · 2 years

California Department of Insurance · checked 2026-10

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Questions

How do I get an insurance license in California?

Pick the line (life & health, property & casualty or adjuster), complete any required pre-licensing course, pass the state exam with PSI, get fingerprinted if required and apply through NIPR or the California Department of Insurance.

Does California require a pre-licensing course?

Yes — see the hours for each line in the table.