Getting your New York property and casualty license is the first step toward becoming a P&C insurance agent in New York.
The New York State Department of Financial Services requires you to complete a four-step process to obtain your property & casualty license – from taking the P&C insurance exam to applying for a P&C license.
These steps will take a few weeks to complete so we recommend you bookmark this page so you can use it as a reference throughout the process.
How to Get Your New York Property and Casualty Insurance License
- Complete a New York Pre-License Education Course (Kaplan – $139)
- Take the New York Licensing Exam (PSI – $33)
- Complete a New York License Application (New York State Department of Financial Services Secure Portal – $80 application fee)
- Watch for Your Application Results
Property and Casualty Insurance License New York
Obtaining your New York P&C license is easy. Just follow these four simple steps to start your journey toward becoming a property and casualty insurance agent. Once you earn this license, check out our guide on how to get your New York life insurance license as well.
Step 1: Complete a New York Pre-License Education Course
Before you take the New York P&C insurance licensing exam, it’s important to make time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need to pass this exam on your first attempt. Completing a pre-license education course will equip you with the necessary information and tools you’ll need to prepare for your exam.
In New York, you must take a 90-hour, pre-license course on property and casualty insurance. After completing the course, you’ll need to present a valid photo ID and an original certificate of completion from the approved pre-licensing education provider when you arrive to take your licensing exam. Your pre-license course certificate will remain valid for 12 months.
A pre-license education course provides very specific industry knowledge that insurance professionals will encounter during the exam. There are very few questions on this test that you can answer with “common sense” information.
You can complete insurance licensing courses on your own schedule and at your own pace when you choose online courses. Taking a pre-license education course will also give you a solid understanding of your duties as a P&C insurance agent.
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:
Step 2: Take the New York Licensing Exam
After you complete a pre-licensing education course and/or your own independent study, it’s time to take the New York P&C license exam.
New York uses PSI as its official testing service for delivering licensure exams.
The New York P&C insurance exam:
- Includes a total of 150 scored questions across 11 sections. Those sections cover insurance regulations, general insurance concepts, property and casualty insurance basics, different types of P&C insurance policies, and other coverages and options.
- Gives you 150 minutes to complete the test. The exam is a proctored test, meaning an official proctor will closely monitor you in a controlled environment.
- Costs $33, a fee you must pay at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher.
Passing the New York P&C license exam can prove challenging, but taking an exam prep course and following a good study program can help prepare you to pass on your first attempt.
If you happen to fail the New York P&C insurance exam, you can schedule a time to retake it as soon as 48 hours after your first attempt.
Tip
Check out our in-depth insurance exam guide for tips to help you pass on the first attempt.
Step 3: Complete a New York License Application
Once you pass the P&C insurance exam, you can apply for your P&C insurance license.
In New York, you must apply online via the New York State Department of Financial Services Secure Portal. The application fee is $80.
The New York DFS will issue a P&C insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam. You should submit your completed license application within 12 months of passing the exam.
To apply for a P&C insurance license in New York, make sure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the New York Insurance Law.
If you have any questions or need to forward supporting documents related to your license application, send them to licensing@dfs.ny.gov.
Step 4: Watch for Your Application Results
After you complete the previous three steps, the New York State DFS will review your application. This process usually takes one to five business days from the date you submit your application.
Once it finishes reviewing your application, the New York State DFS will email you with its decision. If you need to provide more information, a specialist will contact you.
You can print your license from the New York State DFS Secure Portal website. There’s no charge to create an account or print a license. If you don’t remember your license number, you can find it by using the New York State DFS Secure Portal Insurance License Search tool.
Congratulations!
You’re now ready to get started as a P&C insurance agent in New York.
Next Steps After Securing Your New York Property and Casualty Insurance License
Once you complete the above steps and have your New York P&C insurance license, here’s what you should pursue next.
Get a Job in the Insurance Field
Once you hold a P&C license, you can consider several different insurance-related careers. The P&C license gives you authorization within your state to sell P&C insurance policies and related products that’ll provide financial protection to your clients against loss or damage.
You can find P&C insurance job postings on our Insurance Jobs Board.
When applying for an insurance-related job, potential employers will request your license number and National Producer Number (NPN). You can request a letter of certification, which proves you have a P&C insurance license in New York, by logging in to the New York State DFS Secure Portal. You may need to submit this letter along with your job applications.
Complete Continuing Education and Renew Your License
In New York, you must take 15 hours of continuing education (CE) courses every two years to renew your P&C license. To find these courses, visit the New York State DFS Continuing Education Course Offerings website.
If you have a non-resident license with good standing in your home state, you don’t need to take CE courses in New York.
To avoid delays in renewing your license, you must complete the required CE hours at least 120 days before your license expires. The renewal fee is $80.
You can’t renew your license until you complete your CE hours and pay any outstanding fines.
For more detailed information, check out how to renew your license with our New York insurance license renewal guide.
New York State Department of Financial Services Contact Information
Mailing Address (Main Office):
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004-1511
Phone: (800) 342-3736
Email: licensing@dfs.ny.gov
Website: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/
License Search: New York Insurance License Search
New York Property and Casualty License FAQ
How much does it cost to get a property and casualty insurance license in New York?
The total cost of getting a property and casualty (P&C) insurance license in New York is at least $302, but can reach nearly $500 based on the type of pre-license education course you choose. The costs include:
Insurance Pre-license Education Course Fee: $139 via Kaplan
Exam Fee: $33 via PSI
Application Fee: $80 application fee the New York State DFS Secure Portal
How long does it take to process a property and casualty insurance license application in New York?
It will take up to one to five business days for you to become an insurance agent. You’ll receive an email once the New York State DFS reviews your application.
Can I get a temporary property and casualty insurance agent license in New York?
Yes. New York does provide a temporary property and casualty insurance license. When a licensee dies, a temporary license can be issued to a spouse, next of kin, or executor of the estate. Temporary licenses are issued in intervals of 90 days and can be issued for a period NO GREATER than 15 months from the date of death.
Can I get an emergency property and casualty insurance agent license in New York?
No. An emergency license isn’t available for property and casualty insurance agents in New York.
What can I sell with a property and casualty insurance license in New York?
With a New York P&C license, you can sell insurance products like homeowners insurance, renters insurance, auto insurance, general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation policies.
How much can you make with a property and casualty insurance license in New York?
According to ZipRecruiter, P&C insurance agents earn an average salary of between $30,000 and $44,500+ per year. P&C insurance agents who sell homeowners and auto insurance also can earn a 5 percent to 20 percent commission based on policy premiums.
What are the limitations of a New York property and casualty insurance license?
Unless you have multiple licenses to sell various types of insurance products, having a New York P&C license only gives you the authority to negotiate and sell P&C insurance policies. You’ll need additional licenses to sell other types of insurance.
Can I cancel my property and casualty license in New York?
Yes. To cancel your license, mail a written letter that requests the cancellation of your license to the New York State DFS at 1 State Street, New York, NY 10004-1511. You must include your license with the request letter. If you don’t have your license in your possession, you must clearly state this in your letter.
How hard is it to get a property and casualty insurance license in New York?
The process is quite simple! Follow the steps above and get started today!