How to Get Your Life Insurance License in California
Last reviewed 2026-08-02 · Verify details with the California Department of Insurance
Life insurance agents in California are licensed by the California Department of Insurance under the Life-Only Agent (LO) License. Here's the whole process — education, exam, and application — in plain English.
California life license at a glance
The process, step by step
- 1Complete the 12 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education for the life line. Online self-paced courses count in California.
- 2Schedule and pass the California life insurance exam with PSI. Budget 1–2 weeks of study; the exam covers policy types, riders, underwriting basics, and California insurance law.
- 3Complete fingerprinting and the background check — schedule this early, since processing can add days to your timeline.
- 4Submit your license application (Complete 12-hour ethics/CA Insurance Code course, pass the PSI exam, submit Live Scan fingerprints, then apply to CDI (online via Sircon/NIPR)) and pay the fee. Most approvals come through within days.
- 5Get appointed with carriers through your upline or IMO, and set up your sales stack — leads, dialer, and CRM — so you can start writing business immediately.
Good to know: AB 943 repealed California's 20-hour line-specific pre-licensing requirement effective January 1, 2026, but the 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code course remains mandatory.
Step 6: set yourself up to actually sell
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Start 14-Day Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Does California require pre-licensing education for a life insurance license?
Yes. California requires 12 hours of approved pre-licensing education for the life line before you can sit the exam.
Who administers the California life insurance exam?
The California licensing exam is administered by PSI. You schedule directly with them after meeting any education requirements, and testing is available at physical centers and often via online proctoring.
How often do I renew a California insurance license?
California licenses renew every 2 years. You'll need 24 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
Can I sell insurance in other states with a California license?
Your California license covers California residents. To sell in other states you apply for non-resident licenses — usually a fast, exam-free application through NIPR once you hold a resident license in good standing. Many telesales agents license in 10+ states this way.
Other states
Sources: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · www.insurance.ca.gov
Licensing requirements, fees, and providers change. This guide is informational only and was last reviewed on the date shown above — always confirm current requirements with the state insurance regulator before enrolling in courses or scheduling an exam.