How to get a New York insurance license

Step 1: Complete a New York Pre-Licensing Insurance Course

To qualify for the New York insurance license exam, you must complete a pre-licensing insurance course that is certified by the New York Department of Financial Services. Upon passing the pre-licensing course final exam, you will be awarded a Certificate of Course Completion.

Our New York pre-licensing insurance courses cover the various insurance concepts, definitions, insurance laws and agent regulations listed on the New York Examination Content Outline. Courses are presented in a clear and concise format and include instructional videos, interactive illustrations, practice exams, and student support.

National Online Insurance School is certified by the New York Department of Financial Services to offer the following courses:

Step 2: Pass the New York Insurance License Exam

Upon successfully completing your pre-licensing insurance course, you must register with PSI Exams to take your state insurance exam. Exam reservations can be made online at the PSI Exams website or over the phone at (855) 579-4637.

When scheduling your exam on the PSI website, you will be required to enter your approved pre-licensing provider information. Please select our school and enter our School Code, as shown on your Certificate of Course Completion, to ensure your exam registration is properly matched to your completed course.

Expected cost

Insurance Exam Fee: $40.00

About the state exam

• You are required to provide a current form of identification with a photo (driver license, passport, etc.) that exactly matches the name on the exam registration at the testing center. You are not required to present your Certificate of Course Completion.
• Exam times are typically available in the morning, afternoon, and early evening on weekdays at various locations throughout the state
• You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures. If you arrive late you will not be allowed to take your exam and will forfeit your exam fee.
• Passing score is 70%

Review our Insurance License Exam Tips to learn more about the state exam format and the types of questions asked on the exam, as well as additional test-taking tips to help you prepare for your exam day.

Step 4: Complete an Insurance License Application

Once you have passed your state insurance exam, you can apply for your insurance license through the New York Department of Financial Services website. Click the button below to visit the application overview page. Then follow the instructions below to begin your application:

1. Scroll down the page and click the NY LINX button located closer to the bottom.
2. On the first page of the NY LINX application, select Individual as the Business Type and complete all required personal information fields. Then click the Next button at the bottom of the page to continue.
3. On the following page, select your license type. Ensure that you have already passed your state insurance exam. If not, your license type will not be displayed on the second page of the application.
4. Complete all remaining sections of the application, then submit it and pay the required fee using a credit card or e-check.

License qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Complete prelicensing education requirements.
• Pass the applicable New York State examination within 2 years of applying for the license.
• Must not have committed any act that is a ground for denial, suspension, or revocation of license.

Expected Cost

Application Fee: $40 or $80

In New York, insurance licenses are issued for up to 2 years, but the actual cost of your license depends on how long it will be valid based on your birth year.

How it works

• If you were born in an even-numbered year, your license will expire on your birthday in the next even-numbered year.
• If you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire on your birthday in the next odd-numbered year.

This means your license will expire on your birthday in either 1 year or 2 years - depending on when you apply.

Examples

• Born in 1990 (even year) and applying in 2026 → License expires in 2026 → Fee: $40
• Born in 1991 (odd year) and applying before their birthday in 2026 → License expires in 2027 → Fee: $80
• Born in 1991 (odd year) and applying after their birthday in 2026 → License expires in 2027 → Fee: $80

Print your insurance license

Once your application has been approved you will receive an email from the New York Department of Financial Services. You will be able to view and print your New York insurance license.