How to Get an Insurance License in Idaho

Written by: Ethan Peyton

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How to Get an Insurance License in Idaho

Getting your Idaho insurance license is the first step to becoming an insurance agent in the state. Whether you’re interested in selling property and casualty insurance, life insurance, health insurance, or any combination of those lines of authority, this article has the information you need to get started.

The Idaho Department of Insurance has a 6-step process on how to become an insurance agent in Idaho. We’ll walk you through step-by-step; from the license application to insurance test prep, to the Idaho insurance exam, and beyond.

This guide has everything you need to know to get your ID insurance license quickly and easily.

Idaho Insurance License

Getting your insurance license in Idaho is easy! Just follow our step-by-step guide. Be sure to bookmark this page so that you can visit it again throughout this process.

Step 1. Which Insurance Licenses Do You Need?

The first step to getting your insurance license is choosing which licenses you need. The most common licenses new insurance agents get are the property & casualty license (P&C)life and health insurance license (L&H).

The types of insurance products and policies you’ll be selling will determine which licenses you need. Here are some examples of the types of policies you can market with each license:

Most insurance agents and producers choose to get both P&C and L&H licenses, but if you plan on specializing in only one category then you don’t need every license.

Insurance adjusters require a separate license. You can find more information on becoming an insurance adjuster here: Idaho Insurance Adjuster License.

Recommended Course

Over 81% of our readers use Kaplan’s online courses — which come with a 93% pass rate — when preparing for their insurance license exam(s). For comprehensive study packages, StateRequirement recommends:

4.7 out of 5 starsKaplan Education Company

Note: If you plan on specializing as a life insurance agent, then you may also need to hold a certain FINRA securities license.

Step 2. Idaho Insurance License Application

The first step to get your insurance license in Idaho is to apply for your license. Apply for all of the lines of authority that you want to attain (e.g., the health or life line).

The fee for an online application is $80. If you want to add a line of authority to your license later, there is no fee for amendment.

Fill out and submit the application for your license online via the NIPR Idaho page or the Sircon Idaho page.

Step 3. Idaho Insurance Pre-Exam Education

After you’ve determined which insurance agent or producer licenses you need, it’s time to begin studying for the Idaho insurance exams.

Idaho does not require you to take a certain amount of pre-license credits before testing. This means that studying for your exam is 100% up to you.

Most folks choose to take an insurance pre-license course online. These courses are created specifically to give you the skills you need to pass the test. Others purchase books or other self-study tools to prepare themselves.

It’s wise to take a week or so to dedicate to your study of this exam. If you don’t feel as though you’re a strong test taker, take a little longer, but don’t let it drag out for long. We want you to pass your test the first time you take it, and we know that you can do it.

Recommended: Interested in getting started? We recommend using Kaplan’s online study packages, which come with a 93% pass rate.

4.7 out of 5 starsKaplan Education Company

Step 4. Idaho Insurance License Exam

The next step after completing all of your pre-license coursework or self-study is to take the insurance exam. You will take one exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry.

This is a proctored test, which means that you will be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you. For people who haven’t tested in a situation like this should be aware of this fact, and work on taming their nerves prior to sitting for the exam.

The fee for each attempt of the exams is $60. When you show up you must have a photo ID any other documents that the testing facility has asked you to bring.

The Idaho Life Insurance exam consists of eighty-five (85) questions. You have two hours and ten minutes (2:10) to complete the exam. PSI Exams offers this Idaho Life Insurance Examination Content Outline.

The Idaho Disability and Health Insurance exam consists of eighty-five (85) questions. You have two hours and ten minutes (2:10) to complete the exam. PSI Exams offers this Idaho Disability and Health Insurance Examination Content Outline.

The Idaho Property Insurance exam consists of seventy-eight (78) questions. You have two hours (2:00) to complete the exam. PSI Exams offers this Idaho Property Insurance Examination Content Outline.

The Idaho Casualty Insurance exam consists of eighty (80) questions. You have two hours (2:00) to complete the exam. PSI Exams offers this Idaho Casualty Insurance Examination Content Outline.

Check out our Insurance Exam Guide. It’s extremely in-depth, and will hopefully help you pass the first time.

Looking for a guide to passing the insurance exam in Idaho? Check out our Idaho Insurance License Exam article.

Insurance license tests are intentionally difficult, but not impossible by any means. You should study to the point of comfortability with the information before you attempt the test. Failing the exam isn’t the end of the world, but keep in mind that you will need to pay the fee each time you attempt the test.

Tip

StateRequirement recommends that you study for one exam at a time, then after passing, starting on your next line. The exams are difficult enough on their own without confusing information from one line to another. Check out our review of the Kaplan Insurance Course.

You may register to take your exams on the PSI Exams Idaho Insurance page. For more information on the exams use the PSI Exams Insurance License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin.

Note

While scheduling your exams with PSI, ask them to also schedule you a time to have your fingerprints taken.

Step 5. Fingerprinting and Background Check

The State of Idaho requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. For more information on this topic, call the Idaho Department of Insurance at (208) 334-4339 or email the Insurance Department.

You must schedule your fingerprinting appointment with PSI Exams. The easiest way to complete this requirement is to have your fingerprints taken on the same day as your exam.

The fee for fingerprinting is $70. When completed, they will send the results directly to the Insurance Department.

While at your fingerprint appointment, PSI will provide you with an FBI CHRI Request and Release Form. Fill this form out and email it to the Idaho License Department.

Step 6. Application Review

Once you have submitted your application and have filled all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. Your background check will also be reviewed.

If everything is to acceptable standards your license should be issued quickly. If there are any items from your background check that need to be reviewed, it may slow down the process of issuance. If this is the case, the state may contact you to provide context to the issues that they have run into.

The background check normally takes around five to ten (5-10) business days to complete. After the background check has returned, it will take one to two (1-2) more business days for the state to issue your license. Once the license is issued, you will receive an email from the state verifying your license.

Congratulations!

You’ve done the work, put in the time and effort, and now hold the key to your own success!  We’re proud of you. Take five (5) minutes and celebrate.

After Getting Your Idaho Insurance License

Once you’ve passed your exams and completed the licensing application, you are now a licensed insurance producer in Idaho. A common question we hear is, “I have my insurance license, now what?” Here are a few things you can do or need to know:

  • Get a job in the insurance field. Check out StateRequirement’s Insurance Jobs board
  • If you’re going to sell advanced life insurance products, you’ll need to have the proper securities licenses. The Series 6, Series 7, and Series 63 are the most common among insurance agents, but you’ll need to begin with the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) exam. Find out which licenses you need with our Securities Licensing Guide
  • Every two years, you’ll need to renew your insurance license. Check out our guides on Idaho Insurance License Renewal and Idaho Insurance Continuing Education for more details
  • Learn how to market yourself as an insurance agent: Have a look at our Insurance Agent Marketing article
  • Interested in learning how successful life insurance agents operate? Check out our How Do Life Insurance Companies Make Money article

Idaho Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:
700 West State Street, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0043

Phone: (208) 334-4339

Fax: (208) 334-4398

Email: agent@doi.idaho.gov

Website: http://www.doi.idaho.gov

License Search: Idaho Insurance License Search and Lookup

Idaho Insurance License FAQ

How long is the insurance license period in Idaho?

In Idaho, an insurance license typically lasts for two years before it needs to be renewed. After this time, you’ll need to renew it before the resident license expiration date to continue your practice without any interruptions. Learn how to get an insurance license renewal here: Idaho Insurance License Renewal.

How long does it take to get an insurance license in Idaho?

2-8 weeks. The bulk of the time is spent studying for your Idaho insurance exam. Some people study for as little as one week and feel comfortable taking the exam. We recommend you take whatever amount of time you need to feel comfortable with the material. Check out our guide: How to Pass the Insurance Exam.

How much does the Idaho insurance license cost?

The total cost for your insurance course, application, and exam will be about $375. If you don’t pass the licensing exam the first time, add $60 for each subsequent attempt. For more precise costs, it’s best to consult the Idaho Department of Insurance’s website.

How do I get a life insurance license in Idaho?

The insurance licensing process to be able to sell life insurance policies in Idaho is made up of three main steps: completing a state-approved pre-licensing education course, passing the life insurance examination, and then submitting an application with the associated fee.

How do I get a property and casualty license in Idaho?

For a property and casualty license in Idaho, individuals need to finish the required pre-licensing education, clear the property and casualty insurance exam, and submit an application along with any relevant fees. For more information on the licensing process for specific types of licenses (e.g., the public adjuster license) see our Idaho Insurance License article.

Do I need business insurance in Idaho?

If you are operating an insurance company based in Idaho, you probably need Idaho business insurance to protect your assets and operate safely. Some business entities are even mandated to obtain certain policies, such as those with employees who are required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.

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