Key Takeaways
- Virginia insurance licenses are valid for 2 years with a biennial renewal
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education including 3 hours of ethics
- First-time renewal requires completion of a 16-hour Life and Health CE course
- Address changes must be reported to the Bureau within 30 days
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require re-examination
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Virginia insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Due | Last day of birth month |
| Late Renewal | Up to 12 months with penalty |
| Expired 12+ Months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Virginia requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
Standard CE Requirements
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Ethics | 3 (required) |
| General CE | 21 |
| Total | 24 |
First-Time Renewal Requirements
For the first renewal only, Virginia requires:
- Completion of a 16-hour Life and Health CE course
- This is in addition to or as part of the 24-hour requirement
- Must be a BOI-approved course
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at BOI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Exam Tip: Virginia requires 24 hours of CE with 3 hours of ethics. First-time renewals have a special 16-hour L&H course requirement.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal through NIPR or state system
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| Up to 12 months late | Penalty fee, cannot practice |
| Over 12 months late | Must retake licensing exam |
Grace Period
Virginia provides a 12-month grace period after expiration:
- License is expired but can be renewed
- Cannot practice during this period
- Additional penalties apply
- Must still complete CE requirements
Reporting Requirements
Virginia producers must notify the Bureau of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of email address
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Failure to Report
Failure to report changes within 30 days can result in:
- Administrative penalties
- License suspension
- Fines
Disciplinary Actions
The Bureau can take disciplinary action for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Warning | Written warning for minor violations |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common Violations
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to disclose material information
- Mishandling of premiums
- Unauthorized transactions
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Felony conviction
- Fraud or dishonest practices
How many hours of continuing education does Virginia require for license renewal?
What happens if a Virginia insurance license expires and is not renewed within 12 months?
Within how many days must a Virginia insurance producer report an address change?