How to get a Texas general lines life, accident and health license

Who needs this license

Texas requires a general life, accident, and health license of a person who acts as an agent who writes life, accident, and health insurance for a life insurance company, an agent who writes only accident and health insurance, or an agent who represents a health maintenance organization, among others. [Tex. Ins. Code §4054.051] TDI’s page for it is titled “General lines – life, accident, health and HMO.” [TDI] It is not the same as the life agent license, which has its own exam and its own TDI page. [Handbook p.19] [TDI, life agent]

The steps

1. Pass the exam first. TDI says you must pass the state licensing exam before applying; if you apply first you submit a new application after you pass and pay the application fee again. [TDI] Scheduling and cost has the details.
2. Get fingerprinted. To receive your fingerprint service code and instructions, you begin on TDI’s online initial application and fingerprint portal. Most people who apply must get a fingerprint background check from IdentoGO and send TDI a copy of the receipt. [TDI] The handbook adds that appointments are required and same day service without one is not available. [Handbook p.11]
3. Apply. You apply through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry, within one year of passing the exam or you will need to retake it. The application fee is $50. [TDI] The fee is per license type, and it is non-refundable and non-transferable. [Handbook p.6]

What TDI requires of you

The handbook says TDI will issue an insurance license to individuals who: [Handbook p.6]

• are at least eighteen (18) years old;
• have passed the proper licensing examination (if required) and submit a completed application within twelve (12) months after the exam is passed;
• submit a completed application with fee, and fingerprint receipt;
• have met all applicable license requirements;
• have not committed an act for which a license may be denied, as defined under §4005.101 of the Texas Insurance Code and §1.502 of 28 Texas Administrative Code.

Do you need a course first?

TDI lists the steps for this license as the exam, fingerprints and the application, and the handbook’s list of what TDI requires, above, names no course. [TDI] [Handbook p.6] The only training TDI’s page states is the 40 hours for a temporary license, below, and TDI’s page for registering a pre-licensing course is titled for adjusters: “Register an Adjuster pre-licensing course.” [TDI, pre-licensing courses] Ask TDI before you buy a course.

Who does not have to take the exam

TDI says you do not need to take the exam if: [TDI]

• your license has been expired for more than 90 days, but less than one year;
• you do not live in Texas, but you have a license in good standing in a reciprocal state;
• you have the chartered life underwriter designation.

Veterans can be reimbursed the fees for exams taken on or after February 1, 2019, by applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. [TDI]

A temporary license

TDI offers a one-time, 180-day temporary license for a general lines license. It is issued only once and cannot be renewed. The application fee is $150, which covers both the temporary and a permanent license application. You apply through Sircon with an appointment certification from the agent, insurance company or agency you will work for, and you must take at least 40 hours of training given by the appointing company, no later than the 30th day after the application, fee and certificate reach TDI. To get a permanent license you must pass the state exam within the 180 days. [TDI]

An emergency license and a provisional permit are not available for this license. [TDI]

After you are licensed

Individual licenses are typically valid for two years. [Handbook p.7] A general life, accident, and health license holder must complete 24 hours of continuing education during the license period. [Tex. Ins. Code §4004.053]