Key Takeaways
- New York P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and expire in the licensee's birth month
- Renewal requires 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 1 hour of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 1 year of expiration are void and require re-examination
- Address changes must be reported to DFS within 30 days
- DFS can discipline licensees including suspension, revocation, or fines up to $5,000 per violation
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
New York P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Expiration | Licensee's birth month |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Late Renewal (within 1 year) | $50 + late fees |
| Expired Over 1 Year | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
New York requires 15 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 15 |
| Ethics (required) | 1 |
| Electives | 14 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at DFS-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 24-month period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Exam Tip: Remember New York requires 15 hours of CE every 2 years, which is lower than many other states. However, the 1 hour of ethics is mandatory.
First License Renewal
- New licensees must complete full 15 hours before first renewal
- No exemption for first-year licensees
- Applies to both property and casualty licenses
Reporting Requirements
New York producers must notify DFS of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Termination by insurer for cause
Disciplinary Actions
DFS can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Censure | Minor offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Up to $5,000 per violation |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common P&C Violations
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Failure to disclose material information
- Failure to remit premiums to insurer
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Rebating
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Surrendered | Voluntarily gave up license |
Appointing Companies
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
- Appointment Required: Within 15 days of first sale
- Appointment Fee: Paid by insurer or agent per agreement
- Termination Reporting: Insurers must report terminations to DFS within 30 days
- For Cause Terminations: May trigger DFS investigation
Appointment Process
- Agent passes exam and obtains license
- Insurer submits appointment to DFS
- DFS processes appointment
- Agent can sell insurer's products
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does New York require for P&C license renewal?
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the maximum fine DFS can impose per violation for P&C insurance violations?
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