Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I request producer licensing forms from the Department?
A: All licensing forms can be found on this website. If you cannot locate a form, please call (225) 342-0860.
Q: How do I apply for a Surplus Lines License?
A: A resident of LA applying for Surplus Lines must hold a Property & Casualty
license for at least two (2) years, complete a current LA Licensing Application
(Form 1546A) or NAIC Uniform Application and submit the application and fee to Prometric.
The
license fee for Surplus Lines is $250.00 along with the exam fee of $50.00.
A non-resident applying for Surplus Lines must have a current Property & Casualty
license in LA or they may apply for a Property & Casualty license when applying
for Surplus Lines. Submit a completed application, either the most current LA Licensing
Application or NAIC Uniform Application along with a fee of $250.00 for Surplus
Lines. If applying for Property & Casualty along with Surplus Lines the fee
is $325.00.
Q: What is the mailing address to which I should mail my license application if it does not require an exam?
A: The mailing address for all applications not requiring exams is P.O. Box 94214 Baton Rouge, La. 70804.
Q: What is the malling address to which I should mail my license application if I am required to take an exam?
A:The mailing address for all applications requiring exams is Prometric Attn: LA Ins. Exams 1260 Energy Lane, St. Paul, MN 55108.
Q: What does the State of Louisiana require to become licensed and appointed as an MGA?
A: In order to become a licensed MGA, you must hold a Property & Casualty license. The application fee is $300.00. The appointment fee is $300.00 per appointment. The appointment must accompany the application. You may obtain an application form by calling the Department at (225) 342-0860.
Q: How do I apply for a non-resident license and what is the fee?
A: You may either apply by submitting the Louisiana Licensing Application which can be found on our website (Form 1546A) or the latest version of the NAIC Uniform Application, which may be obtained at www.nipr.com. The fee is $75 per line of authority unless applying for Surplus Lines, which is $250. You may also apply on-line at www.nipr.com.
Q: If I want to license a corporation as an agency, partnership, state chartered bank, limited liability partnership, limited liability company or a surplus line broker corporation, what form is required and what is the fee?
A: You may either submit the Louisiana Corporation Application, which can be obtained on our website (Form 1546B) or the latest version of the NAIC Uniform Application for Business Entity at www.licenseregistry.com. Fees are $75 per line of authority unless applying for Surplus Lines, which is $250.
Q: Are there any changes to the licensing requirements that I should be aware of?
A: Yes, as part of the nationwide effort to streamline the licensing process, Louisiana passed legislation based on the NAIC Uniform Producer Model Act (PLMA). This legislation was signed by Governor Foster on 5/25/01 and became effective January 1, 2002. Information regarding this new legislation, Act 158 and 460 can be found on our website.
Q: Can I submit the PDB download in place of a letter of certification with my application for a non-resident license?
A: Our department no longer requires a letter of certification or PDB printout be submitted with an application or renewal, unless the most current information has not been updated on PDB (Producer Database) or the home state does not report licensing information to PDB.
Q: How do I obtain a letter of certification?
A: Letters of Certification may now be obtained free from our website. However, you may still obtain a letter of certification by submitting a letter of request stating your name, license number, how many letters you are requesting and a check or money order for $3.00 per letter of certification requested. Checks must be made payable to the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Send your letters to: Louisiana Department of Insurance Attn: Producer Licensing
Q: Do adjusters need to be licensed in Louisiana?
A: Yes. During the 2006 Regular Legislative Session, Act 783 (The
Louisiana Claims Adjuster Act which became effective January 1, 2007) and Act 806
(The Louisiana Public Adjuster Act which became effective August 15, 2006) were
passed requiring the licensing of all types of adjusters conducting business in
Louisiana. However, both Acts specifically state that the licensing of adjusters
shall begin on June 30, 2007.
Q: What type of license do I need to sell GAP Insurance?
A: The certificate of authority issued to the insurance company you are writing GAP insurance for will depend on whether you need a Property & Casualty license or a Credit Property license. If the insurance company you are writing for is authorized in LA for Property & Casualty, then you will need a Property & Casualty license to sell GAP insurance.
Q. What are the requirements for Bail Enforcement Agents or Bounty Hunters?
A: Per L.R.S. 22:1581, Bail Enforcement Agents/Bounty Hunters are required to obtain a Bail Bond Producer license.
Q: Why do we have to send in an address change form every time we move?
A: Louisiana Law (LRS22:1547G) requires that every licensee must notify this Department within ten (10) days of a change in your residential, business or mailing address. You may change your address online from our website.
Q: What happens if a producer's address changes and he/she doesn't notify the Louisiana Department of Insurance?
A: There is a $50 penalty charged for having an invalid address on file with our office. Address changes must be reported to the Department of Insurance within ten (10) days of the change. If you are unsure of the address we have on file, please do not hesitate to send our office your correct addresses in writing. You may verify your mailing address by using our Producer and Company Search Form on this website.
Q: What is the fee for a producer reneual?
A: The fee for producer renewal is $50 dollars.
Q:What is the fee for an adjuster reneual?
A: The fee for an adjuster renewal is $50 dollars.
Q: Why do we get charged the invalid address fine of $50 dollars when the department is not notified of a change of address?
A: This fine is imposed by Louisiana Law (LRS 22:1547G) and is not discretionary. If the applicant does not notify us of the change the fine is automatically imposed.
Q: I have been told that my address is flagged with an Invalid address fine but I have never moved or I have notified the Department of my move. What can I do to have the fine removed from my record?
A: If you have not moved, we will compare the address we have on record with your
current address. It may simply be a data entry error and we can correct our records
and remove the fine. However, it may be necessary for us to research the information
given on your original application or the last renewal to determine the source of
incorrect information.
If you did move and notified this office within ten (10) days of the move, we ask
that you please provide us with copies of the notification sent to our office. We
will research our records and make every effort to correct any errors that may have
been made. Only supervisory personnel may remove a fine from your record without
payment of that fine. When requesting a waiver of an address fine, you must submit
a written statement explaining your situation in detail. This statement must be
submitted upon notification of the address fine.
Q: What is a trade name?
A: A trade name is any name other than the legal name of an individual or corporation used by that person to advertise or solicit for business. For example, John Doe may have an office on Main Street and, therefore, refer to himself in signs, advertisements and telephone listings as "Main Street Insurance Agency". However the use of this name is not legal unless John Doe forms a corporation named Main Street Insurance Agency and has that corporation licensed or has his use of the name Main Street Insurance Agency registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State and the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
Q: What is the procedure to add a trade name?
A: To add a trade name the following steps must be taken: 1. The name must first be registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You must contact that Office at (225) 925-4704 to obtain the forms necessary for that registration. 2. After the name is registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State you must obtain from that Office a Certificate of Trade Name Registration. 3. The licensee should complete and return the COR-1 form along with the original of the Certificate of Trade Name Registration to the Louisiana Department of Insurance. An amended license with the trade name indicated thereon will be sent to the licensee. A $15.00 fee is also required.
Q: Who can use a trade name?
A: Any producer or agency may use a trade name. However, this trade name must be
registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State and with the Department of Insurance.
Do employees of HMOs operating in the state have to be licensed to solicit business
for the HMO?
Yes, anyone who solicits insurance in Louisiana must hold a current license. Licensees
representing HMOs must hold either a Code B (Health & Accident) or Code C (Life,
Health and Accident) license.
Q: How do I get a company appointment?
A: A company appointment is made by an insurance company and not by a producer. The company makes the appointment by submitting the appropriate form signed by an authorized representative of the company and the applicable fee of $20.00 per appointment. Louisiana is now accepting electronic appointments through PIN.
Q: How do I cancel a company appointment if I no longer work for the insurance company?
A: Just as an appointment can only be made by the insurance company, the appointment can only be cancelled by the insurance company. The new law that went into effect on 1/1/02 states that, "notification to the Commissioner shall be filed within thirty (30) days following the effective date of the termination, if not for cause. If the termination is for cause, the notification shall be filed within fifteen (15) days." The appointment is cancelled by submitting the necessary cancellation form signed by an authorized representative of the company. Louisiana is now accepting electronic appointment cancellations through PIN.
Q: How long does it take to process a company appointment?
A: Per R.S. 22:1558 B. (2), a company appointment will be processed within 30 days of its receipt in this Department. Please remember that the insurance company submitting the forms may be delayed in sending them to us and check with them to confirm the date of submittal and the check number used to pay the appointment fee.
Q: Who has to complete the company appointment or company cancellation form?
A: A company appointment or cancellation must be completed and signed by a representative of the insurance company. The producer CANNOT COMPLETE THE APPOINTMENT OR CANCELLATION FORM. In addition, the signature on the appointment or cancellation form must be original. No stamped or imprinted signatures will be accepted.
Q: How does the producer or company know if we received the company appointment?
A: This Department does not send confirmation of an appointment to the producer or company. The company obtains confirmation by using our website. It is the responsibility of the appointing company to notify the producer or the producer may check our website under, "Search for a Producer or Company" for current license and appointment status. In the event the appointment is disapproved, our Department will send the company notification of the disapproval and the company will be required to re-submit the company appointment and fee as fees are non-refundable and can not be transferred to another appointment.
Q: Does an appointment have to be submitted with the first time application or can the license be issued and then the producer obtain an appointment afterwards?
A: A company appointment no longer needs to be submitted with the application, however, pursuant to the new licensing law, L.R.S. 22: 1558 B. (1), the appointing insurer shall file appointment within fifteen (15) days from the date the agency contract is executed.
Q: Can I submit business to an insurance company before an appointment is approved by your department?
A: The Louisiana Insurance Code was amended in the 1995 regular session to allow an insurance producer to submit business to an insurance company and insurance company to accept business from an insurance producer prior to the approval of an appointment. However, no commissions may be paid to a insurance producer by a insurance company until the appointment of that producer has been confirmed. Please remember that an insurance company may have an internal policy that prevents accepting business from a producer is not appointed. The company has a right to set such a policy and the Department of Insurance cannot force them to change it.
Q: If a corporation (insurance agency) is appointed to an insurance company must all of the officers, directors and employees be appointed?
A: No. If the corporation is appointed the officers, directors and employees have a right to solicit insurance on behalf of that insurance company. However, such solicitation may only be made on behalf of the appointed agency and any producer making an independent solicitation will require a separate appointment for that individual.
Q: What is the difference between a reinstatement and a renewal?
A: The difference between a reinstatement and a renewal is really a matter of timing. The same application form is used for either but a form received after the actual expiration of the license. A form received prior to the expiration is referred to as a renewal.
Q: Is it true that the Department is in the process of changing to birthdate
remewals?
A: All licenses now expire on the last day of your birth month, regardless
of issue date. All licensees will be given two months to renew their license.
Effective November 1, 2006, the Department only mails renewals to non-resident business
entities. Renewals will be available online from our Web site the month prior
to -and the month of- your birthday. Click on "Producers & Adjusters"
on the main page of the Department Web site to begin renewing online.
Q: What is the procedure to reinstate a Producer license which has expired?
A: In order to reinstate a license you must fulfill all of the following:
1. Complete and return a reinstatement form.
2. Pay the license renewal fee ($50.00)
3. Pay the late fee ($50.00).
4. Submit a copy of the Appendix 5 showing Continuing Education requirements have
been met, if applicable
Q: What is the procedure to reinstate an adjuster license which has expired?
A: An adjuster license can be reinstated within 12 months after expiration, provided you meet all necessary requirements. Reinstatement applications are now available online from our Web site. Twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education is required for your second renewal. Reinstatement fees are $150. (This includes a $50 reinstatement fee plus double the $50 renewal fee.)
Q: What is the procedure for requesting a license reinstatement form?
A: In order to request a reinstatement form, you may call our office at (225)342-0860 or fax a request to (225) 342-3754 or (225) 219-9322.
Q: Do we have to send the company appointment with the reinstatement of our producer license?
A: No.
Q: Why am I required to take L&H or P&C test over again if I do not
renew my license in the five (5) years immediately following its expiration?
A: Louisiana Law, LRS 22:1137D requires that any license which has been expired for more than 5 years may only be reinstated by fulfilling the requirements for issuance of a new license.
Q: How do I apply for a duplicate license?
A: You can send a written request for a duplicate license along with the $15.00 duplicate license fee to: Louisiana Department of Insurance Attn: Agent Licensing Division P. O. Box 94214 Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Q: How do I apply for a photo ID?
A: In order to apply for a photo ID, Click Here
Q: What documents do I need to prove continuing education compliance?
A: Effective September, 2006 the on-line renewal system has been fully implemented. You can now view a list of the continuing education courses you have attended over the past few years. These continuing education courses can be used in the near future for renewal of your insurance producer license. These are a list of the courses provided to the Department by the providers. If you have taken any course and it is not listed, please contact your continuing education provider to see if they have submitted the course to the department.
Q: How many CE hours do I need for the upcoming renewal period?
A: If licensed for Life, Health and Accident only (Code A, B, and C) 16 hours of life, health and accident courses will be needed. If licensed for Property and Casualty only, (Code J, K, and L) 24 hours of Property and Casualty courses will be needed with three (3) hours being specific to flood education. If an applicant has both a current Life, Health and Accident license and a Property and Casualty license they will be required to file: 12 hours of Life, Health and Accident courses and 20 hours of Property and Casualty courses. Bail Bondsmen are required to file 12 hours of "bail bond" specific continuing education credits. Surplus lines brokers are not required to file continuing education credits.
Q: How many CE hours are needed for my adjuster license reneual?
A: All Louisiana resident adjusters must meet continuing education (CE) requirements. Please see our Web site, www.ldi.state.la.us, for information concerning exemptions from CE requirements for those 65 years of age or older. The Department and the Insurance Education Advisory Council must approve all courses and course providers. Licensees are responsible for attending classes and filing the proper forms. Any new licensee issued a license within the two years preceding renewal of the license is not required to meet CE requirements for the first renewal period only. Adjuster continuing education classes can be found on our website.
Q: Can I obtain Continuing Education credit if I am a member of a state or national
insurance association?
A: Members of state or national professional associations may be granted four continuing education credits each year for actively participating in a state or national insurance association in one of the following methods:
1. Attend a formal meeting of a state or national association where a formal business
program is presented and attendance is verified in a manner consistent with the
provisions of Rule 10.
2. Server on the Board of Directors or a formal committee of a state or national
chapter of the association, and actively participate in the activities of the board
or committee.
3. Participate in industry, regulatory, or legislative meetings held by or on behalf
of a state or national chapter of the association.
4. Participate in other formal insurance business activities of a state or national
chapter of the association.
Q: Where do I get the Appendix 5?
A: The Appendix 5 form is supplied by the continuing education provider. If the provider did not give you the needed Appendix 5 you must contact the provider.
Q: Must the continuing education certificate provided by the provider have a
seal on it to be valid?
A: Yes. As is stated in Louisiana Insurance Rule 10, each certificate must bear the seal of the continuing education provider in order to be considered valid.
Q: When must continuing education credits be completed?
A: Continuing Education credits for the next renewal period should be completed before the renewal application is filed with the Department.
Q: How many hours of continuing education can I carry over from one renewal
period to the next?
A: You may carry over 10 hours of Property and Casualty CE and 6 hours of Life, Health and Accident CE. Carry over hours must be classroom only, no correspondence.
Q: How do we know if we have used our CE courses and how many we have unused?
A: The continuing education hours listed on the website under a producers record is what is available to use for your renewal. Once the hours are used for a renewal they will no longer be available for the next renewal.
Q: What is the current law on exempting retired producers from continuing education
requirements?
A: R.S. 22:1573(I)(a) states that an individual may be exempt from continuing education requirements if they meet the following requirements: 65 years of age or older, 15 years experience as a licensed producer, broker or solicitor, and operating through a licensed insurer, or no longer actively engaged in the insurance business and receiving social security benefits if eligible. Eligible licensees may download and print form 65A from our website and submit the form and required documents to our department.
Q: I sent in a 65A exemption form recently but it was not recorded at the time
that the renewals were sent out. What do I need to do about this?
A: Attach a copy of the form and a copy of your driver's license or birth certificate to the renewal application when you submit it.
Q: I do not meet the requirements for a 65A exemption from continuing education
but I have been very ill and unable to attend CE courses. Is there a medical exemption?
A: You may request a medical exemption in writing by providing a statement from your physician indicating the general nature and the length of time of your illness and a written statement signed by the Producer indicating the reason the disability/illness prevented you from attending a classroom or completing a home study (correspondence) course. Medical exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis and are good for only one renewal period. This request should be submitted to the following address: Producer Licensing Division, Louisiana Department of Insurance, P.O. BOX 94214, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9214
Q: How can I get a schedule of the continuing education courses which will be
held in my area?
A: The Department does not require the continuing education providers to give us a schedule of courses in any given area. However, you may obtain a list of approved providers from our website. This list includes all of the information that you will need to contact the providers for a schedule.
Q: Where can I go to get my CE?
A: There are many continuing education providers approved by the state. The list of continuing education providers can be found on our website.
Q: Are non-residents required to meet the continuing education requirements
for Louisiana?
A: No. Non-resident licensees need only complete the continuing education requirements of their resident state.
Q: We have received our company appointment renewal listing and there are producers
which our records indicate are appointed but which do not show up on the appointment
list. What should we do about this?
A: If a producer's name does not appear on your company appointment renewal list which you feel should have been listed, please carefully check your records to see if they were appointed prior to January 15th of the current license year. If you have confirmation of the appointment but the name does not appear on the list, fax a copy of the confirmation to us at (225) 342-3754, we will research our records to determine the problem. Any Producer appointed by an insurance company between January 15th and April 15th will need to be re-appointed effective May 1st.
Q: Will the appointing company be penalized and required to pay an additional
appointment fee if the producers being renewed have not renewed their license?
A: Yes. Although every effort will be made to delay the processing of renewal appointments
until the license renewals have been processed, we will not be able to renew the
appointment of a producer who has not renewed his or her license. The company will
be required to submit another appointment and fee for any producer disapproved for
this or any other reason.
A: Make sure application is sent to the correct place: Application for an exam needs to be sent to Prometric, 1260 Energy Lane, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.
Application for license not requiring an exam needs to be sent to La. Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 94214, Baton Rouge, La. 70804.
B: Application must be complete; full middle name and no gaps in employment. If you have no middle name, submit a copy of birth certificate or a copy of your driver's license.
C: Use the most current application.
D: Complete all blanks on the application.
E: Include proper fees.
F: Provide all documentation requested on the background portion of the application.
Q: Will I be sent a reminder that it is time to renew my license?
A: Yes, E-mail and paper reminders will be sent, so it is important that e-mail addresses, as well as all addresses, are kept current. Address changes can be made quickly, easily and free of charge from the Department Web site using our online address change form.
Q: Will I get a new license card upon renewal?
A: No. A new license card is not issued upon renewal. However, a renewal certificate may be downloaded free of charge from our Web site at www.ldi.state.la.us.
Q: If I move to La. and have a claims adjuster license in the state from which I have moved, do I have to take an examination?
A: If you are licensed as a claims adjuster in another state (based on a claims adjuster examination) and move to Louisiana, you will need to make an application within 90 days of establishing legal residence to become a resident claims adjuster licensee. No prelicensing or examination shall be required in order to obtain a claims adjuster license, however you must be in good standing in your previous home state.