How to Get Your Life Insurance License in Texas
Last reviewed 2026-08-02 · Verify details with the Texas Department of Insurance
Life insurance agents in Texas are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance under the Life Agent License (General Lines – Life, Accident, Health and HMO also offered). Here's the whole process — education, exam, and application — in plain English.
Texas life license at a glance
The process, step by step
- 1Study for the exam. Texas doesn't mandate pre-licensing education for the life line, but a structured prep course dramatically improves first-attempt pass rates.
- 2Schedule and pass the Texas life insurance exam with Pearson VUE. Budget 1–2 weeks of study; the exam covers policy types, riders, underwriting basics, and Texas insurance law.
- 3Complete fingerprinting and the background check — schedule this early, since processing can add days to your timeline.
- 4Submit your license application (Online via Sircon or NIPR, with IdentoGO fingerprint background check submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety) 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: No pre-licensing education is required for a permanent license; CE includes 3 hours of ethics.
Step 6: set yourself up to actually sell
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Start 14-Day Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Does Texas require pre-licensing education for a life insurance license?
No — Texas does not mandate pre-licensing education for the life line, though most candidates still take a prep course, since exam pass rates are much higher with structured study.
Who administers the Texas life insurance exam?
The Texas licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE. 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 Texas insurance license?
Texas 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 Texas license?
Your Texas license covers Texas 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: tdi.texas.gov · tdi.texas.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.