Property and Casualty (P&C) License Cost by State

Written by: Mary Gerardine

Last updated:

Property and Casualty (P&C) License Cost by State

The cost of getting a property and casualty (P&C) license varies from state to state. The total cost typically includes fees for a prelicensing education course, the licensing exam and license application, a background check and fingerprinting service, and any other fees a state may have. The average total cost is around $350.

This state P&C license cost guide breaks down the different costs associated with obtaining a P&C license in each state. Once you know the costs, you’ll be ready to get started with the P&C licensing process.

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P&C License Cost by State

The cost of getting a P&C license varies from state to state. The table below shows how much it costs to get a P&C license in each state.

State

Licensing Exam Fee

Fingerprinting/Background Check Fee

License Application Fee

Alabama

$75

$48.25

$80

Alaska

$89

$63.25

$75

Arizona

$56

$42

$120

Arkansas

$100

$24

$20

California

$55

$59-$68.95

$188

Colorado

$48

Not Required

$89

Connecticut

$105

Not Required

$140

Delaware

$90

$75

$100

Florida

$44

$48.05

$50 + $5 License ID Fee

Georgia

$63

$53

$120

Hawaii

$75

$67

$150-$200

Idaho

$60

$70

$80

Illinois

$103

$0

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.)

$180

Indiana

$69

$7 By Mail or $15 Online; 

(Only a Background Check Required)

$40

Iowa

$69

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.)

$50

Kansas

$64

$60

$30

Kentucky

$50

$25

$40

Louisiana

$65

$58

$75

Maine

$77

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.)

$25

Maryland

$70

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.) 

$54

Massachusetts

$49

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.) 

$300

Michigan

$40

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.) 

$15

Minnesota

$39

$67.25

$50 + $30 Tech Fee

Mississippi

$54

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.) 

$100

Missouri

$49

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.) 

$100

Montana

$68

$54

$0

Nebraska

$49

Not Required

$50

Nevada

$49

$60

$185

New Hampshire

$65

Not Required

$210

New Jersey

$45

$66.05

$170

New Mexico

$75

$44

$30

New York

$33

Not Required

$40

North Carolina

$45

$38

$132

North Dakota

$49

$69.25

$100

Ohio

$42

$72.25

$10

Oklahoma

$41

Not Required

$60

Oregon

$55

$61.25

$75

Pennsylvania

$53

$23.85

$55

Rhode Island

$80

$5

$120

South Carolina

$45

$50.50

$25

South Dakota

$95

$0 

(Only a Background Check Required That’s Included in the Application Fee.) 

$25

Tennessee

$59

$42

$50

Texas

$62

$30.25

$50

Utah

$44

$34.25

$75

Vermont

$65

Not Required

$65

Virginia

$51

$15

$15

Washington

$66

$49.25

$60

Washington DC

$75

$50

$100

West Virginia

$88

$45.75

$50

Wisconsin

$75

$39.25

$75

Wyoming

$113

$39

$100

The table above doesn’t include the cost of a prelicensing education course. Those courses can range from around $100 to more than $300, depending on the state and the course.

Prelicensing Education Course Cost

Some states require you to complete a prelicense education course before taking your P&C insurance exam.

Even if your state doesn’t require one, a prelicense education course can help you study for your licensing exam and increase your chances of passing it on the first attempt. If you fail the exam, you’ll have to pay a spend time taking it again. That can make a prelicense education course a good investment.

The cost of a P&C prelicensing course varies from around $100 to more than $300, depending on your state and which course package you choose.

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Licensing Exam Cost

The P&C insurance license exam tests your knowledge of the general terms, concepts, and policies related to selling P&C insurance. The questions appear in two categories: general knowledge and state-specific knowledge.

While the P&C insurance license exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice test in each state, some details will vary from state to state (e.g., the specifics of the exam, the number of questions, how much time you have to complete it, and the passing score).

Check out our in-depth guide on How to Pass the Insurance Exam.

Fingerprinting/Background Check Cost

Most states require some sort of background check as part of the P&C license application process — and many require applicants to submit fingerprints. Your state will provide you with instructions for this step.

The following states don’t require fingerprints when applying for a P&C insurance license: Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Vermont.

License Application Cost

Each state has its own license application process. P&C license applications usually are available through your state’s Department of Financial Services, Department of Insurance, State Corporation Commission, or other similar state office. The costs vary for each application.

Some states require submitting a license application before your exam, and some after the exam, so be sure to check the insurance license application process in your state.

Cost of Printing a License

After your state approves your application, you may print out your license from the relevant website (e.g., the National Insurance Producer Resource (NIPR) or Sircon). Some states charge a printing fee while others don’t. For example, California has a $5.50 license printing fee.

How to Get a P&C Insurance License

The steps and requirements for getting a P&C insurance license vary slightly from state to state. However, they generally include the following:

  • Complete a Prelicense Education Course
  • Take the P&C Insurance Licensing Exam
  • Get Fingerprinted and/or Complete a Background Check
  • Complete an Insurance License Application
  • Await Your Application Review and License

Check out our How to Become an Insurance Agent guide for state-specific information.

Property and Casualty (P&C) License Cost by State FAQ

What is a P&C license?

A P&C license — also known as a P and C license — allows you to sell insurance products like homeowners, auto, commercial property, and professional liability policies.

How do I get a P&C license?

Getting a P&C license usually requires the following steps:
1. Completing a prelicense education course
2. Taking the P&C insurance licensing exam
3. Getting fingerprinted and/or completing a background check
4. Completing an insurance license application
5. Await Your Application Review and License

Is the P&C license exam hard?

Based on data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), 55 percent of participants pass the exam on their first attempt. This means that, with serious studying and preparation, anyone can pass the exam on their first try. Check out our How to Pass the Insurance Exam guide for some useful information.

How much does the P&C license exam cost?

The cost of the P&C license exam ranges from $33 to $113. New York has the cheapest P&C license exam and Wyoming has the most expensive P&C license exam.

How long is the P&C insurance exam?

The number of questions on the P&C insurance exam will depend on your state. Following a multiple-choice format, this exam usually includes between 150 and 170 questions. It typically takes between two and four hours to complete.

What are the requirements to get a P&C license?

To get a P&C license, you must pass the state P&C insurance exam and submit a license application. Many states also require you to take a prelicensing education course and/or pass a background check.

How much can you make by having a P&C license?

According to ZipRecruiter, most P&C insurance agents earn between $30,000 and $44,500 per year. The top earners can make more than $50,000 per year.

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