If the home state requires licensees to submit fingerprints, we will not require fingerprints to be submitted.
If the home state does not require fingerprints, applicants must submit fingerprints to obtain a non-resident license. (back to top)

3. How did the application form change?

Beginning July 1, we will ONLY accept the NAIC’s uniform application. All other applications will be rejected and returned. (back to top)

4. What changes will take place for pre-licensing education (PLE)?

A. The number of hours required will increase. Beginning July 1st, you must complete 20 hours of PLE for each major line, including training on Washington’s laws and rules specific to each line.

Example: You want a life and disability license. You must first complete 40 hours of PLE (20 for life and 20 for disability). (back to top)

5. Will classroom instruction still be required for PLE?

A. No. You may choose to attend a classroom course offered by an approved provider or to participate in self-study. (back to top)

6. How will home self-study work?

A. You simply choose self-study. You are then required to purchase your PLE self-study materials from an approved Washington provider. The provider will track your required number of study hours and issue the course completion certificate that allows you to take the licensing exam.

Note: Under the new rules, you do not need a waiver to choose self-study. You must purchase your materials from an approved vendor to take the test for a Washington license. (back to top)

7. How have the licensing exams changed?

A. Since several license types have been eliminated, so have those exams. All agent, broker and solicitor exams have been replaced by a producer exam.

Additionally, a candidate’s passing score will now only be valid for 180 days. This means you must re-test if you don’t apply for a license within 180 days after passing your state licensing exam. (back to top)

8. Are there any new exams?

A. Yes, several exams have been added. A personal lines exam is now available and two combination exams also have been added. (back to top)

9. What are combination exams?

A. They are for the candidate who doesn’t wish to take two separate exams to get the license his or her company wants him or her to obtain. With the combo exam, the general portions of the exam are combined, as are the laws and rules portions.

Example: You want a property and casualty license. You can choose to take the property exam and the casualty exam separately OR you can take a single exam that covers both. The other combo exam is life & disability. (back to top)

10. What if a candidate fails a portion of the combo exam?

A. The candidate would need to repeat the failed portion.

Example: You fail the general knowledge section of the life / disability combo exam but pass the laws and rules section. You must retake the entire general section of the combo exam even if you did well on the life-related questions, but not on the disability questions. (back to top)

11. How have requirements to maintain your license changed?

A. The requirement for submitting change of name and address notifications, conviction information, late renewal fees, and reinstatement fees have all changed.

Name or address changes – You will have 30 days to submit changes – including changes to your e-mail address for online services – or you will have to pay a fine.

Convictions – You must report any administrative action taken or any hearing in any jurisdiction or taken by any other state agency within 30 days. Failure to report may result in fines, penalties, suspension or revocation of your license.

Late fees and reinstatement fees – If you do not renew your license before it expires, you will have to pay a penalty of:

50 percent if 1-30 days late
100 percent if 31-60 days late
200 percent if over 60 days and up to one year (previously two years)

Note: If over 60 days late, you will have to have your license reinstated. If more than a year, you will have to begin the entire licensing process again from the beginning, including pre-licensing education, re-taking all applicable licensing exams, obtaining new fingerprints and re-applying. (back to top)

Questions?

Phone: 360-725-7144
Email: Licinfo@oic.wa.go

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New producer rules - frequently asked questions

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Producer Licensing | Lines of Authority | New Licensees |

Compensation and Disclosure | Miscellaneous

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