New York Insurance License Requirements and Exam Steps (2026)

New York insurance prelicensing requirements from TSI National

New York insurance licensing

New York Insurance License Requirements and Exam Steps (2026)

New York insurance licensing starts with the right license class. The hour requirement changes by authority, and the exam/application timing has a two-year window.

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New York at a glance

Short answers first. Open a detail only when you need the source-backed nuance.

Minimum ageReview detail

Details

DFS says individual agent and broker applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Prelicensing educationEducation check needed

Details

Complete DFS-approved prelicensing education unless you qualify for an exemption.

Exam vendorPSI

Details

PSI administers New York insurance licensing exams.

Exam windowExam step required

Details

DFS states the applicable New York exam must be passed within 2 years of applying for the license.

Application windowApplication required

Details

DFS says the completed license application must be submitted within 2 years of passing the exam.

Prelicensing hour guide

  • Life, Accident and Health Agent: 40 hours.
  • Life only: 20 hours.
  • Accident and Health only: 20 hours.
  • Property/Casualty Agent or Broker: 90 hours.
  • Personal Lines Agent or Broker: 40 hours.
  • Life, Accident and Health Broker: 40 hours.
  • Life Settlement Broker: 20 hours.
  • Title Insurance Agent: 20 hours.
  • Public Adjuster: 40 hours.

Step-by-step checklist

  1. Choose the New York license class and line of authority.
  2. Complete the DFS-approved prelicensing course for that license class, unless an exemption applies.
  3. Use the PSI content outline to prepare for the correct New York exam.
  4. Pass the exam within the two-year application window.
  5. Submit the license application to DFS within two years of passing the exam.
  6. Upload or submit any supporting documents requested by DFS or NIPR.
  7. Wait for license approval before transacting insurance business.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up agent and broker hours: property/casualty agent and broker both use 90 hours, while personal lines uses 40 hours.
  • Letting the exam window expire: plan the application date before the exam result ages out.
  • Assuming an exemption applies: DFS lists specific professional-designation and work-experience exemptions. Confirm before skipping coursework.

Course planning

TSI National can help you plan prelicensing and exam preparation, but New York DFS controls education approval, testing rules, and licensing decisions. Match your course to the exact New York license class. You can review available options on the TSI National course results page.

Official sources used

This guide is a practical checklist, not legal advice. Always verify current requirements with New York DFS, PSI, NIPR, and your appointing carrier before applying.