How to get a Texas all-lines adjuster license

The steps

1. Take the exam. TDI sends you to Pearson VUE for how and where. [TDI] Walk-in exams are not available, and the handbook asks you to reserve at least 24 hours before the date you want. [Texas handbook p.11] You pay when you reserve, by card or voucher, not at the test center. [Texas handbook p.12] What’s on the exam has the format and the outline.
2. Get fingerprinted. Start the application on TDI’s online fingerprint portal to get your fingerprint service code. Most applicants get a background check from IdentoGO and send TDI the receipt. [TDI]
3. Apply for the license. Apply online through Sircon within one year of passing the exam, or you retake the exam. The application fee is $50. [TDI]

Pass the exam before you apply. If you apply first, TDI says you will have to send a new application after you pass and pay the application fee again. [TDI]

Who can sit for it

You must be at least 18 and have a valid Social Security number to take the exam. [Texas handbook p.11] The Insurance Code sets 18 as the minimum age for the license too, along with residence in Texas or a state that lets Texans act as adjusters there, being trustworthy, and having enough experience, education or training in handling loss claims. [Tex. Ins. Code §4101.053]

When you don’t have to take the exam

TDI lists four cases:

• You finished a TDI-approved course or training program in adjusting losses within the last 12 months.
• Your license expired more than 90 days ago but less than one year ago.
• You don’t live in Texas but hold a license in good standing in a reciprocal state.
• You hold the chartered property and casualty underwriter or associate in claims designation.

[TDI] The statute lets the department waive license requirements for an out-of-state licensee whose state has substantially equivalent requirements. [Tex. Ins. Code §4101.004]

What it costs

• Exam: $49 for the All Lines adjuster exam, in either English or Spanish, in the October 2024 candidate handbook. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable except under the change and cancel policy. [Texas handbook p.19] [Texas handbook p.12]
• Application: $50, non-refundable and non-transferable. [TDI] [Texas handbook p.6]

Veterans who passed a Texas insurance exam on or after February 1, 2019 can apply to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be reimbursed the exam fee. [TDI]

On exam day

Bring two forms of current identification that carry your signature. The first must be government-issued with your photo, and the name on the ID must exactly match your registration. [Texas handbook p.14] Report 30 minutes before the exam to check in. [Texas handbook p.14] Spanish versions are available, and you can switch between Spanish and English during the exam. [Texas handbook p.13]

If you fail

You can schedule a new exam within one day, and there is no limit to the number of attempts on the same exam. [Texas handbook p.15]

Licensed in another state

An active all lines adjuster license in good standing in your home state is required to apply for a Texas non-resident license. [TDI] TDI offers no temporary license for the all lines adjuster license, but it does offer a 90-day emergency license. [TDI]

Practice

The 30-question Texas practice test is free, and the Texas FAQ answers the rest.