A California insurance broker is a licensed professional who helps clients find the best insurance coverage options on the market. The California Department of Insurance (DOI) regulates licensing for all insurance professionals in the state.  

This guide outlines the general licensing steps for California property broker-agents, casualty broker-agents and personal lines broker-agents. You must be at least 18 years old to qualify. If you are a non-resident or a business entity, you may have additional requirements. 

How Do I Become an Insurance Broker in California?

To become an individual resident insurance broker in California, follow these five steps. 

Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education

Personal lines, casualty and property brokers are all required to take at least 20 hours of pre-licensing training and 12 hours of ethics training. Find an education provider and register for the appropriate course for your license. Courses are offered both online and in a classroom. 

Step 2: Get fingerprinted

For the smoothest licensing process, get your fingerprints done before your exam. Schedule a live scan appointment with Accurate Biometrics. 

Be aware of the fingerprinting process costs:

• FBI processing fee: $17
• Department of Justice processing fee: $32
• Fingerprint “rolling fee”: $5-$60* 

*The “rolling fee” varies depending on the county and vendor.

Step 3: Take the exam

Schedule an exam for your insurance specialty through PSI Services LLC. Exams are offered both online and in-person at PSI locations. Both types require a $43 convenience fee plus the $55 DFI license exam fee. 

Step 4: Purchase your $10,000 surety bond

California Insurance Code requires personal lines, casualty and property insurance broker licensees to get a $10,000 surety bond. This ensures brokers handle insurance funds properly, protecting clients from financial harm. 

Buy your California insurance broker bond instantly online for just $100 for the two-year term. Then, sign and file your bond form with the California DOI.  

Step 5: Submit your application

Apply online through sircon.com and pay the $188 licensing fee. The DOI typically takes about four weeks to process and approve insurance broker applications. 

How to Renew Your California Insurance Broker License

Renew your California insurance broker license every two years through sircon.com. The renewal process may differ depending on if you hold a resident, non-resident or business entity license. Be sure to complete the appropriate continuing education and ethics training for your license type.

Like your license, your surety bond has a two-year term, so be sure to renew it as well. 

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Insurance Broker License in California?

The cost of becoming a California insurance broker is about $400–$450 in total. You can expect the following expenses:

• Application Fee: $188
• DFI Licensing Fee: $55
• Surety Bond: $100*
• Fingerprint Fees: Varies, typically $55–$110

*This range reflects the SuretyBonds.com California insurance broker bond rate. 

Can I Be an Insurance Broker in California If I Have a Criminal History?

If you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or violating Title 18 U.S.C. Statute 1033, you must file a 1033 written consent form with the state of California. The state will decide if you can become an insurance broker by giving you written consent. Refer to the filing requirements for more information. 

More Resources

• California Department of Insurance: Continuing Education Requirements
• California Department of Insurance: Continuing Education Exemptions
• California Department of Insurance: Pre Licensing Program Requirements 
• California Department of Insurance: Education FAQ
• Casualty Educational Objectives Study Guide 
• California Department of Insurance: Licensing Fees
• California Department of Insurance: Personal Lines Broker 
• California Department of Insurance: Casualty Broker 
• California Department of Insurance: Property Broker 
• California Department of Insurance: Business Entity License Application 
• California Department of Insurance: Surety Bond Form
• Instructions for Execution of Surety Bonds
• California Department of Insurance: Agents and Brokers Overview 
• California Department of Insurance: Check License Application Status Service 
• California Insurance Code: Sections 1662-1665
• California Insurance Department: Live Scan Locations