How to Get Your Life Insurance License in Virginia
Last reviewed 2026-08-02 · Verify details with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance
Life insurance agents in Virginia are licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance under the Life and Annuities Insurance Agent License. Here's the whole process — education, exam, and application — in plain English.
Virginia life license at a glance
The process, step by step
- 1Study for the exam. Virginia 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 Virginia life insurance exam with Prometric. Budget 1–2 weeks of study; the exam covers policy types, riders, underwriting basics, and Virginia 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 NIPR or Sircon; resident applicants complete live-scan fingerprinting through Fieldprint within 90 days before applying) 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: CE is 16 hours (including 3 ethics) for agents holding one license type, rising to 24 hours if two or more license types are held.
Step 6: set yourself up to actually sell
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Start 14-Day Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require pre-licensing education for a life insurance license?
No — Virginia 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 Virginia life insurance exam?
The Virginia licensing exam is administered by Prometric. You schedule directly with them after meeting any education requirements, and testing is available at physical centers.
How often do I renew a Virginia insurance license?
Virginia licenses renew every 2 years. You'll need 16 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
Can I sell insurance in other states with a Virginia license?
Your Virginia license covers Virginia 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.scc.virginia.gov · www.scc.virginia.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.