This article covers all the steps you’ll need to follow to keep your insurance license active in New York. We’re confident that the BetterCE straightforward two-step process can help you renew your license quickly and without fuss.
Every two years, you need to renew your insurance license. This must be done within 180 days prior to the license expiration date. Your license expiration date is your birthdate on either an odd-numbered year if you were born on an odd-numbered year or an even-numbered year if you were born on an even-numbered year.
If you are not certain of your license expiration date, you can find it on the New York Department of Financial Services Licensee Portal.
Now that you know your license expiration date and year, there are only two steps required to keep your license active:
- Complete the required continuing education.
- Submit your renewal application prior to expiration.
Step #1: Complete the Required Continuing Education
The New York Department of Financial Services requires that all major lines licensed agents complete state-approved continuing education every two years. Single lines licensed agents and brokers must complete 15 credits in life/health or property/casualty, depending on their license.
Multiple lines licensed agents and brokers, life/health and property/casualty, must complete 30 credits with 15 credits in each line category or 15 total if the courses are approved as “bridge” courses.
Agents must also complete 1-hour of insurance law, 1-hour of ethics training, and 1-hour of diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias training. If you’re licensed in property/casualty, you must complete 1-hour of flood insurance continuing education. If you sell flood insurance through NFIP, you must complete a 3-hour enhanced flood course.
Note that agents cannot receive credits for the same courses taken in prior renewal periods. Any excess credits are not eligible to be carried over to future renewal periods. There is also an exemption for CE requirements for licensees who are called to military duty.
Step #2: Submit Your Renewal Application Prior to Expiration
After completing your CE requirements, the last step you need to take is to renew your New York insurance license. This must be done on or prior to your license expiration date but not more than 180 days in advance of your expiration date.
You can access your renewal application and file it online at the New York Department of Financial Services Licensee Portal.
Now Is the Time to Start Your Continuing Education
Even with a full two years to accumulate your continuing education, there’s no reason to wait to get started. BetterCE has you covered with all the courses you need. You can find the complete listing in our New York Insurance Continuing Education Course Catalog.
The online training is self-paced and delivered to your computer, tablet, and smartphone. The quizzes and exams are scored instantly, and you can take them as many times as necessary to pass. Plus, you can return to the training whenever it is convenient. The course progress bar tells you exactly where you left off.
Our webinar courses are instructor-led and delivered live using video conferencing. You’re required to be in attendance for the entire class time, with check-ins at random times throughout the webinar to confirm your attendance. Students can interact and ask questions. The advantages of webinars include no required reading and no quizzes or final exams. You can view a listing of our webinars here: New York Webinar Catalog.
Completions Reported the Same Day
Note that our office will report your continuing education course credits to the New York Department of Financial Services the same day you complete the training. So, if you’re in a rush to complete your continuing education, we’ve got you covered.
Summary of Steps to Keep Your Insurance License Active in New York
Even though we’ve mapped it out above, it’s still a great deal to digest. Here’s a quick summary to get you started on the path to renewal.
- Determine your license expiration date.
- Determine your continuing education requirements.
- Enroll in courses well in advance of your expiration date.
- Complete your courses – we submit your credits the same day you complete them.
- Renew your license.
We’re confident that everything you need to keep your license active is easily accessible through our website. If not, simply call our office, and we’ll happily assist you.
There’s no time to be lost if you’re near your renewal date. Sign up now for the most trusted and convenient solution for keeping your license active.
What if I Don’t Complete My New York Continuing Education On Time?
We’re Here to Help
At BetterCE, we provide more than the most convenient and affordable solution for insurance continuing education. Our agent support services are provided by experienced insurance licensing professionals who have helped thousands of agents easily navigate the renewal process.
Have a question or need assistance? Phone 1-888-501-7330 for our customer care team. We also respond to email as well as via our Contact Form. You can also sign up for convenient license renewal reminders on our contact page.
