To sell life, accident and health insurance in Texas, you need a license from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). The path is short: pass one exam, get fingerprinted and apply online.

Most of the cost is small and the paperwork is electronic. The order of the steps matters, though, and one missed deadline can force you to pay for the exam twice.

This guide walks through each step, the fees and the time it takes. It follows TDI and the Pearson VUE candidate handbook. This site is independent and is not affiliated with TDI or Pearson VUE.

In short

  • You pass the state exam at Pearson VUE: 150 minutes, $49.1
  • You get fingerprinted through IdentoGO and apply for the license through Sircon or NIPR.12
  • The license application fee is $50. Apply within 12 months of passing, or you must retake the exam.12
  • TDI says it processes most applications within one business day.3
  • Most licenses renew every two years and need 24 hours of continuing education.1
Contents
  1. The steps in order
  2. Step 1: Pass the exam
  3. Step 2: Get fingerprinted
  4. Step 3: Apply for the license
  5. What it costs
  6. The temporary license
  7. After you are licensed
  8. Common questions
  9. Sources

The steps in order

The Pearson VUE handbook lists the sequence for a candidate who needs to take the exam. You schedule and take the exam, make a fingerprint reservation, get fingerprinted, and apply for the license electronically after you pass.1

TDI starts the process on its online initial application and fingerprint portal, where you get the service code you need for fingerprinting.2

Step 1: Pass the exam

The exam for this license is called General Lines, Life, Accident and Health. It is multiple choice, and you have 150 minutes. The fee is $49.1

It has two parts: a general part on insurance products, and a Texas part on state law. The score is for the whole exam, not for each part.1 Our guide to the exam format shows the topics and weights.

The passing score is set by TDI.1 Scores run from 0 to 100, and you need 70 or higher to pass. This is a scaled score, not simply 70 percent of the questions.4

Step 2: Get fingerprinted

You make a reservation, online or by phone, with IdentoGO by IDEMIA for a digital fingerprint.1 Afterward you send TDI a copy of the IdentoGO receipt showing your prints went to the Texas Department of Public Safety.2

Some people do not need new prints, for example a Texas resident who already holds an active TDI license and has submitted fingerprints. Others can request an exemption.2 Check the TDI page for your case.

Step 3: Apply for the license

After you pass, you apply electronically through Sircon at its Texas page. TDI also names the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) as a route.12

Mind the deadline. TDI says to submit your application within one year of passing the exam, or you need to retake it.2 The handbook says the same in terms of twelve months.1

The application asks for your resident, mailing and primary business address. The resident and business addresses may not be a post office box.1

What it costs

ItemAmount
Exam fee (Pearson VUE)$49
License application fee$50 per license type, non-refundable
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)Shown when you make the reservation
Each additional company appointment$10

The exam and application fees come from the handbook, and TDI lists the same $50 agent license fee.12 The fingerprint fee is set by the fingerprint vendor, so we do not quote it.

The temporary license

Some candidates can start before passing. A sponsoring company, agent or agency can request a temporary license that is valid for 180 days and cannot be renewed.12

  • TDI lists a fee of $150 that covers both the temporary and the permanent license application.2
  • Your sponsor completes Form FIN700.2
  • You complete 40 hours of training from the appointing company within 30 days.12
  • You must pass the exam within the 180 days. A temporary licensee may not obtain additional appointments.1

After you are licensed

Individual licenses are typically valid for two years. TDI mails one renewal notice per license type about 90 days before expiration.1

Most licenses need 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. Three hours must be ethics-related, and at least half of the hours must be in a classroom.1

If you fall short, there is a $50 fine for each missing hour, up to $500 per license. If you do not finish CE, pay and renew within 90 days after expiration, the license is canceled and you must reapply.1

You must also tell TDI in writing within 30 days if your address changes.1

Prepare before you book

Spend a few weeks on the content outline before you pay for the exam. Start a practice test to see which topics need work. A good place to begin is our guide to policy provisions.

Common questions

How long does it take to get licensed?

That depends mostly on when you can book the exam and fingerprints. After you apply, TDI says it processes most applications within one business day.3

How much does the license cost?

$49 for the exam and $50 for the application, plus the fingerprint fee.1

What if I wait too long to apply?

You must retake the exam if you do not apply within 12 months of passing.1

Can I fail and try again?

Yes, but each attempt needs another exam fee. A temporary licensee who fails pays another exam fee but does not need a new application while the temporary license is active.1

Sources

The fees, steps and deadlines come from the Pearson VUE candidate handbook and TDI's licensing pages. Rules and fees can change, so confirm them with TDI before you pay. This site is independent and is not affiliated with TDI or Pearson VUE.

  1. Pearson VUE: Texas Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook (#124400) (pearsonvue.com)
  2. Texas Department of Insurance: Apply for a general lines life, accident and health license (tdi.texas.gov)
  3. Texas Department of Insurance: Agent and adjuster licensing questions (tdi.texas.gov)
  4. Pearson VUE: Texas Department of Insurance exam pass rate report (July 2025) (pearsonvue.com)