Official Government Website

How to Apply for a License

Insurance Licenses can be applied for via NIPR. If you would like to view a step-by-step guide on how to use the NIPR online application, please click here.

How do I apply for a _________ license?

Insurance Producer

Insurance producers, also known as agents or brokers, are licensed to sell and negotiate life, disability (accident, health, sickness), property, casualty, variable, limited or personal lines of insurance offered by an insurance company. As an insurance producer, you may work for one insurance company only or represent multiple carriers.  For more information on Insurance Producers click here.

Individual, Full Lines
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Pass the Producer License Exam for all lines you wish to carry. For information on testing click here.

Step Two: Have your fingerprints taken for a background check. For more information on fingerprints click here.

Step Three: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee: $80.

Step Four: Email the following documents to agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Documents Warehouse.
-Copy of Pass Slip(s)s from Exam(s)
-A copy of the fingerprint receipt from Pearson Vue
CHRI Request and Release form
If the applicant is not a citizen of the U.S, but are residing in Idaho and applying to become a resident producer, the application must be accompanied by a copy of a current work permit visa/Green Card. A student visa is not valid for purposes of this license.
Step One: Hold a Producer License in your home state with the same lines being applied for.

Step Two: Submit an online application via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Individual, Limited Lines
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Read the Limited Lines Pre-Licensing Manual

Step Two: Have your fingerprints taken for a background check. For more information on fingerprints click here.

Step Three: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Four: Email the following documents to agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Documents Warehouse.
Attestation page from Limited Lines Pre-Licensing Manual
CHRI Request and Release form
-A copy of the fingerprint receipt from Pearson Vue
Step One: Hold a Producer License in your home state with the same lines being applied for.

Step Two: Submit an online application via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Business Entity (Agency)
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Two: 
Have at least one designated registered licensed producer (DRLP) lined up.

Step Three: 
Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Step One: Hold a Business Entity License in your home state with the same lines being applied for.

Step Two:
Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Three: 
Have at least one designated registered licensed producer (DRLP) lined up.

Step Four: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Independent Adjuster

Independent adjusters work as contractors for multiple insurance firms or third-party administrators. They often work with catastrophe claims and will travel to the impacted areas after major weather events or emergencies. For more information on Independent Adjusters click here.

Individual
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Pass the Independent Adjuster Exam. For information on testing click here.

Step Two: 
Have your fingerprints taken. For more information on fingerprints click here.

Step Three:
 Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Four:
 Send the following to: agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Document Warehouse.
-Copy of Pass Slip(s)s from Exam(s)
-CHRI Request and Release form
-A copy of the fingerprint receipt from Pearson Vue
Step One: Hold an Independent Adjuster License in your home state.
Step Two: Submit an online application via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Business Entity (Agency)
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Two: 
Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Step One: Hold a Business Entity Adjuster License in your home state.

Step Two:
Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Three: 
Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Individual, Designated Home State (DHS)

Step One: Pass the Independent Adjuster Exam. For information on testing click here.

Step Two: 
Have your fingerprints taken. For more information on fingerprints click here.

Step Three: 
Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Four: 
Send the following to: agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Document Warehouse.
-Copy of Pass Slip(s)s from Exam(s)
-CHRI Request and Release form

-A copy of the fingerprint receipt from Pearson Vue

Business Entity, Designated Home State (DHS)

Step One: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Two: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Public Adjuster

Public insurance adjusters work directly on behalf of policyholders. They help businesses or individuals file insurance claims if a proposed settlement seems unfit from an insurer. Generally, public adjusters are also contract workers rather than salaried. For more information on Public Adjusters click here.

Individual
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Pass the Public Adjuster Exam. For information on testing click here.

Step Two: Have your fingerprints taken for a background check. For more information on fingerprints click here.

Step Three: Obtain a bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond needs to be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Four: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Five: Send the following to agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Documents Warehouse
-Copy of the pass slip from the exam
CHRI Request and Release form
-A copy of the fingerprint receipt from Pearson Vue

Step Six: Mail the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
7000 W. State Street, Floor 3
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043
Step One: Hold a Public Adjuster License in your home state.

Step Two: Obtain a bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond needs to be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Three: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Four: Mail the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
7000 W. State Street, Floor 3
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043
Business Entity (Agency)
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Two: Obtain a bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond needs to be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Three: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Four: Mail the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
7000 W. State Street, Floor 3
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043
Step One: Hold a Public Adjuster Business Entity license in your home state with the same lines being applied for.

Step Two: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Three: Obtain a bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond needs to be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Four: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80

Step Five: Mail the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
7000 W. State Street, Floor 3
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043

Bail Agent/Agency

A Bail Agent is a producer licensed in the line of surety insurance and authorized by an insurer to execute or countersign undertakings of bail in connection with judicial proceedings. For more information on Bail licenses click here.

Individual (Agent)
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Pass the Bail Agent ExamFor information on testing click here.

Step Two: 
Have your fingerprints taken for a background check. For more information on fingerprints click here. 

Step Three: 
Obtain an Appointment to a Surety company.

Step Four: 
Acquire a bond in the amount of $15,000. The bond must be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Five:
Send the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
700 W State Street, 3rd Floor
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0043

Step Six:  
Apply online via NIPR. There is a Non-Refundable Fee of $80.

Step Seven: 
Send the following to agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Documents Warehouse.
Copy of Pass Slip(s)s from Exam(s)
A copy of the fingerprint receipt from Pearson Vue
CHRI Request and Release form
Step One: Hold a Bail Agent License in your home state.

Step Two: Obtain an appointment to a Surety company.

Step Three: Acquire a bond in the amount of $15,000. The bond must be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Four: Send the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
700 W State Street, 3rd Floor
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0043

Step Five: Apply online via NIPR. There is a Non-Refundable Fee of $80.

Step Six: Send the Appointment Form to agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Documents Warehouse.
Business Entity (Agency)
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Two: Obtain a bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond needs to be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Three: Apply online via NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Four: Mail the original bond to:
Idaho Department of Insurance
7000 W. State Street, Floor 3
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043
Step One: Hold a Bail Agency license in your home state.

Step Two: Register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Step Three: Obtain a bond in the amount of $15,000. The bond needs to be on the DOI’s bond form.

Step Four: Obtain an Appointment to a Surety company.

Step Five: Apply online via NIPR. There is non-refundable fee of $80.

Step Six: Send the Appointment Form to agent@doi.idaho.gov or upload them to the Documents Warehouse.

Step Seven: Mail the original bond:
Idaho Department of Insurance
7000 W. State Street, Floor 3
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043
 

Surplus Lines Broker

Most insurance in Idaho is written by insurance companies licensed by the Idaho Department of Insurance and protected by the Idaho Guaranty Fund. These companies are regulated by the State in a variety of ways, including restrictions on the amount of premium charged and policy forms used. However, licensed companies will not provide all the insurance coverage needed by Idaho citizens

For more information on Surplus Line licenses click here.

Individual (Agent)
Resident ApplicationNon-Resident Application
Step One: Hold a producer license with property and casualty for a minimum of two years.

Step Two:
Become a member of the Idaho Surplus Lines Association.

Step Three:
Apply online via either NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Step One: Hold Surplus Lines license and a Producer license with property and casualty in your home state.

Step Two:
Become a member of the Idaho Surplus Lines Association.

Step Three:
Apply online via either NIPR. There is a non-refundable fee of $80.
Business Entity (Agency)

Idaho does not license Business Entities in Surplus Lines.

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Which license do I want to apply for?

The following are the most common licenses. For a full list of licenses offered by the Idaho Department of Insurance click here.

Insurance Producer AKA Insurance Agent

Insurance producers are licensed to sell and negotiate life, disability (accident, health, sickness), property, casualty, variable, limited or personal lines of insurance offered by an insurance company. As an insurance producer, you may work for one insurance company only or represent multiple carriers.

For more information on applying to be an Insurance Producer (Resident and Non-Resident) click here and select “Application Requirements”.

Adjuster (Independent and Public)

Independent adjusters work as contractors for multiple insurance firms or third-party administrators. They often work with catastrophe claims and will travel to the impacted areas after major weather events or emergencies.

For mor information on applying to be an Independent Adjuster (Resident, Non-Resident) click here and select the “Application Requirements”

Public insurance adjusters work directly on behalf of policyholders. They help businesses or individuals file insurance claims if a proposed settlement seems unfit from an insurer. Generally, public adjusters are also contract workers rather than salaried.

For more information on applying to be an Public Adjuster (Resident and Non-Resident) click here and select the ““Application Requirements””.

What is required for before I can get a license?

Each License Type page has a a section dedicated to the documents and activities needed for the application process. This section is called “Application Requirements”

Producer and Adjusters Licenses need the following for an application to be considered valid.

  1. Pass slips from the licensing exam. (Residents Only). For more information on testing visit our Testing and Fingerprinting page.
  2. Receipt for Fingerprinting and Background Check (Residents Only). For more information on the fingerprinting and background requirements visit our Testing and Fingerprinting page.
  3. Hold the desired license in your home state (Non-Residents Only).
  4. A completed application Visit the desired License Types’ page for links to its application.

How do I apply for a license?

Most applications can be submitted online. Visit the desired License Types’ page for detailed instructions.

How long does it take for my application to be approved?

There are many factors that go into the processing time of an application. The department can typically process a non-resident individual license application within 1-2 business days of receiving all documentation.

Many factors can increase the processing time, including but not limited to:

  • Fingerprints. Processing time does not include the time waiting for fingerprints. Your application is not considered complete until the fingerprints are processed and returned to the DOI. For more information on fingerprinting click here.
  • Background Issues. If you have criminal offense that needs reviewed your application will be on hold while it is reviewed. You can speed up this process by ensuring that all needed documents are submitted with your application or are already uploaded to the NIPR Document warehouse. For more information on Criminal Offenses and licensing click here.
  • Applying by paper instead of online. While there are licenses that must apply via paper most can be applied for online. Applying by paper process can add upwards of 4-7 days, not including shipping time to the turnaround time.
  • Inaccurate information. Make sure that everything is correct in your application, including addresses, before submitting.
  • Missing Items. Ensure that you have everything on your Application Checklist completed and ready to submit together with the application. Ensuring that all documents are submitted together will help speed the process.

How do I know if my license has been approved?

The DOI will notify the applicant via the e-mail address provided to the DOI once the application has been processed. Please ensure the e-mail is correct and check your junk/spam folders.

Have more questions?
Contact the Licensing Team

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