Key Takeaways
- West Virginia requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years
- CE must include 3 hours of ethics training
- Licenses renew on a biennial basis (every 2 years)
- Address changes must be reported to OIC within 30 days
- Failure to complete CE before renewal results in license lapse
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
West Virginia insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Biennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Period | Before expiration date |
| Renewal Method | Online through NIPR |
| Grace Period | None - cannot sell while lapsed |
Renewal Timing
- Licenses expire on a set date every 2 years
- Renewal notices sent approximately 90 days before expiration
- Must complete CE and pay fees before expiration
- Cannot transact insurance business with an expired license
Continuing Education Requirements
West Virginia requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Breakdown
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at OIC-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat the same course in the same biennium
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Providers report CE credits electronically to OIC
Exam Tip: The 3-hour ethics requirement cannot be waived or substituted with other courses.
Renewal Process
Steps to Renew
- Complete CE before expiration date (24 hours including 3 ethics)
- Verify CE completion is recorded with OIC
- Submit renewal application through NIPR
- Pay renewal fee
- Confirm license status is active
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal process |
| License expired | Cannot transact insurance |
| Within grace period | Reinstatement with penalties may be possible |
| Extended lapse | May need to retake exam |
Warning: Operating without a valid license is a serious violation that can result in fines, penalties, and permanent revocation.
Reporting Requirements
West Virginia producers must notify OIC of changes within 30 days:
Required Notifications
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of business entity
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through NIPR online portal
- Or submit in writing to OIC Licensing Division
- Email: agent.licensing@wvinsurance.gov
- Failure to report is a violation subject to discipline
Appointments
Insurer Appointments
After receiving your license, you must be appointed by each insurance company you represent:
| Appointment Details | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Who Files | Insurance company (not the producer) |
| When Filed | Within 15 days of first selling company's products |
| Fee | Paid by insurer |
| Termination | Insurer must notify OIC within 30 days |
Appointment Requirements
- Cannot sell products for an insurer until appointed
- Multiple appointments allowed (for multiple insurers)
- Appointment is specific to each line of authority
- Termination for cause must be reported
Disciplinary Actions
OIC can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Grounds for Discipline
- Violating insurance laws or regulations
- Fraudulent or dishonest practices
- Misappropriation of premium funds
- Misrepresentation to clients or insurers
- Failure to maintain required CE
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
- License revocation in another state
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Warning | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Monetary penalty per violation |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
Administrative Fines
Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on:
- Severity of the violation
- Whether the violation was willful
- Prior disciplinary history
- Consumer harm caused
How many hours of continuing education does West Virginia require for license renewal?
How many hours of ethics CE are required in West Virginia?
Within how many days must a West Virginia producer report an address change?
What is the passing score for West Virginia insurance licensing exams?