How to Become an Insurance Broker in Washington State

Washington insurance broker license

Washington state licenses and regulates insurance brokers through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. There are requirements you must meet before your application for an insurance broker's license will be considered, including education, criminal background and financial history. The Insurance Commissioner will require documentation and sworn statements proving that you meet the requirements before your license will be issued.

Instructions

1. Complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education in each major line of insurance you wish to provide. Major lines include life, disability, property, casualty and personal insurance. Education must be completed with an approved provider. See Resources for a list of approved providers.

2. Pass the insurance examination tests for each line of insurance you wish to provide. Include your examination score report with your application. You may obtain practice tests and preparation materials from Pearson VUE, which is the company that administers professional testing for the State of Washington.

3. Visit your local law enforcement office and have your fingerprints taken. You must submit an official fingerprint card with your application. Some insurance examination locations are also authorized to take your fingerprints. Contact the exam location to determine if they offer fingerprinting.

4. Complete the Uniform Application for Individual Insurance Producer License or Registration provided by the Insurance Commissioner. You must provide personal information, agency affiliation, employment history, type of license, lines of insurance, background information and certification of the accuracy of your statements. See Resources for a link to the application form.

5. Submit your application with all of your documents attached to the Insurance Commissioner's office. Include a check for the licensing fee, filing fee and fingerprint processing fee payable to the Washington Insurance Commissioner. Once your application has been accepted and approved, you will be issued your license usually within two weeks.

References

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Life, disability, property, casualty or personal lines - applying for a license

Resources

• Pearson VUE
• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Pre-Licensing Education Providers
• National Insurance Producer Registry: Application Form