Virginia Insurance License Requirements InsuranceLicenseExpress.com

Overview of Licensure

For complete procedures and application forms visit Virginia Bureau of Insurance Website at

http://scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/webpages/boiproducer.htm.

There are several types of insurance licenses issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Depending on what type of license the applicant is applying for, he or she may have to take an exam in addition to fulfilling other requirements.  Virginia residents and nonresidents may also have different licensing requirements.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission is empowered to qualify those who wish to operate as insurance agents and consultants in Virginia through the Bureau of Insurance by Title 38.2, Chapter 18, of the Code of Virginia. Legislature has the authority to change these laws annually.  In addition, administrative procedures may be changed at any time. All licensees are expected to be aware of changes in the law that affect their occupational practice.

The application for licensure should be submitted to the Bureau after all exam requirements (if any) have been met.  Application instructions can be found in the exam provider’s candidate handbook:  http://www.asisvcs.com/indhome.asp?CPCAT=1253INS

Your application materials, along with a current copy of your criminal history record report from the Virginia State Police, will be reviewed by the Bureau.  Once the Bureau approves your application, you will receive a license and may solicit insurance of the type for which you have been licensed. All applicants will be notified in writing of the reason if the application is denied.

Resident Licensing Requirements

The qualifications to become a Virginia resident insurance agent are:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Bureau’s satisfaction that he/she is of good character and has a good reputation for honesty (including submitting a current criminal history record report from the Virginia State Police).
• The applicant must be a legal resident of Virginia.
• The applicant must pass the appropriate license exam(s).

An applicant is considered to be a resident of Virginia if:

• He or she maintains a principal place of residence in Virginia.
• He or she declares to be a Virginia resident on his or her federal tax return.
• He or she declares to be a Virginia resident for the purposes of paying Virginia income tax and personal property taxes.

An applicant who lives outside of Virginia but whose principal place of business is in Virginia may be considered a resident for purposes of issuing a license if the applicant:

• Can demonstrate to the Bureau’s satisfaction that the laws of his or her state of residence prevent him or her from obtaining a resident license in that state and
• Can affirmatively choose to qualify as and be treated as a resident of Virginia for purposes of licensing and continuing education, both in Virginia and in the state in which he or she resides.