How to Get Your Life Insurance License in New York
Last reviewed 2026-08-02 · Verify details with the New York State Department of Financial Services
Life insurance agents in New York are licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services under the Insurance Agent License (Life line). Here's the whole process — education, exam, and application — in plain English.
New York life license at a glance
The process, step by step
- 1Complete the 20 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education for the life line. Online self-paced courses count in New York.
- 2Schedule and pass the New York life insurance exam with PSI. Budget 1–2 weeks of study; the exam covers policy types, riders, underwriting basics, and New York insurance law.
- 3Complete fingerprinting and the background check — schedule this early, since processing can add days to your timeline.
- 4Submit your license application (Pass the PSI exam, then apply online through the NY DFS portal (license must be applied for within 2 years of passing the exam)) 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: 20 hours of DFS-approved pre-licensing for life-only (40 hours for combined life, accident and health); CE must include insurance law, ethics, and diversity/inclusion instruction.
Step 6: set yourself up to actually sell
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Start 14-Day Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Does New York require pre-licensing education for a life insurance license?
Yes. New York requires 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education for the life line before you can sit the exam.
Who administers the New York life insurance exam?
The New York 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 New York insurance license?
New York licenses renew every 2 years. You'll need 15 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
Can I sell insurance in other states with a New York license?
Your New York license covers New York 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: www.dfs.ny.gov · www.dfs.ny.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.