Obtaining an Insurance License in Missouri – Steps and Requirements

Selling insurance products in Missouri requires an insurance license that is issued by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. Licenses are required for agents and brokers selling life, health, property, casualty and other insurance products.

Below are details on how to get licensed, the steps involved, examinations, fees, continuing education and other Missouri insurance license requirements.

Insurance Licenses Issued in Missouri

The state of Missouri issues several resident and non-resident insurance producer license types:

• Life – For life insurance and annuity products
• Health – For health insurance policies
• Property – For home, auto and other property insurance
• Casualty – General liability insurance
• Personal Lines – Home and auto insurance for individuals
• Limited Lines – Travel, credit and other limited products
• Surplus Lines – Excess and surplus lines of insurance
• Title – For title insurance agents
• Crop – For crop insurance agents
• Consultant – Insurance consultant license
• Adjuster – For independent claims adjusters

You can get licensed in one specific line of authority or multiple lines. Most agents hold life, health, property and casualty licenses to offer a full range of insurance products.

Missouri Insurance Licensing Requirements

To obtain an insurance license in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass any required licensing exams
• Submit license application and fee
• Undergo a background check
• Maintain continuing education

Any felonies or disqualifying criminal history may prevent licensing. Most licenses require passing an exam unless you qualify for exemption.

Steps to Getting Licensed in Missouri

The major steps to earning your Missouri insurance license are:

1. Study for your required exam(s)

• Life, health, property and casualty lines require exams. Study materials, courses and tutors can help prepare.

2. Register and schedule your exam(s)

• Exams are administered by Pearson VUE. Create an account and register for your specific lines.

3. Pass your Missouri state licensing exam(s)

• You must pass an exam for each line of authority, achieving a minimum score of 70%.

4. Submit your license application

• Apply for your resident insurance license through the state portal with required items.

5. Clear your background check

• Missouri will conduct a background check to verify you have no disqualifying offenses.

6. Get your approved Missouri insurance license

• Once approved, you will be issued your official license number and authority.

7. Find a sponsoring insurance company

• You must find an insurer to back your resident license for appointments.

8. Complete ongoing insurance CE education

• Resident agents must take 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Missouri Insurance Exam Requirements

Missouri requires passing an exam to become licensed for life, accident, health, property, casualty, personal lines, crop, surplus lines and title insurance. The exam covers state insurance laws, regulations, practices and products for each line of authority.

You must pass the exam(s) within 12 months of your application date. The following are exam details:

• Exam Administer: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctored
• Cost: $92 exam fee per test
• Duration: 105 minutes per exam
• Passing Score: 70% correct
• Questions: 100-150 multiple choice questions

Study materials like licensing courses, sample exams and textbooks can help prepare for the Pearson VUE exams. Schedule and pay for your insurance exam through the Pearson VUE portal after registering.

How to Apply for a Missouri Insurance License

After passing any required exams, you must apply for your resident insurance producer license through the state’s NIPR portal:

1. Create your NIPR account

Go to nipr.com to setup your free account to access the resident application.

2. Submit resident application

Complete and submit the application for your specific Missouri license type(s).

3. Pay license fee

The fee is $100 for your major license line or $150 total for multiple lines.

4. Provide fingerprints for background check

Follow instructions to complete digital fingerprinting for your license background review.

5. Check license status

You can check your Missouri license status through the NIPR resident licensing portal.

6. Maintain your license

Get appointed, take continuing education, and renew your license to keep it active.

NIPR provides step-by-step instructions and guidance on submitting your Missouri license application.

Maintaining Your Missouri Insurance License

Once licensed, you must complete certain requirements to keep your Missouri resident insurance license in good standing:

• Get Appointed – Become appointed by an insurance carrier within 90 days and maintain that appointment.

• Take Continuing Education (CE) – Complete 24 hours of CE including 3 hours of ethics CE each two-year period.

• Pay Renewal Fee – A $50 fee is due every two years by the last day of your birth month. Fee increases to $100 if renewed late.

• Maintain Residency – You must maintain your primary state of residence as Missouri to hold a resident license.

Letting your license lapse will require starting the licensing process over. Keep your required CE and renewal fees up to date.

Becoming Licensed as a Missouri Insurance Producer

Obtaining an insurance license requires study, passing exams, applying, fees and continuing education. But it opens up the ability to sell insurance products and services in Missouri.

Review the steps, license types, exam details, fees and other requirements to becoming a licensed resident insurance agent or broker in Missouri. The state licensing process ensures all producers are properly qualified and vetted.