This article will answer your questions about insurance license renewal in Arkansas. Using BetterCE’s straightforward, two-step process, you can renew your Arkansas insurance license smoothly and easily.
The requirements for renewing your Arkansas insurance license are pretty basic. First, make sure you know your license expiration date. It will be the last day of your birth month every two years. Your CE and renewal requirements must be fulfilled on or before this date during each biennial period. Your renewal period starts 90 days before your expiration date.
Arkansas agents can view their license information, CE Requirements, and balance of earned credits at any time through NIPR, located here: Arkansas Agent License Information.
Once you know when your license expires, follow these two steps to keep it active:
- Complete your Arkansas insurance license continuing education requirements.
- Submit your renewal application and pay the associated fees before your expiration date.
Step #1: Complete Your Arkansas Insurance License CE Requirements
All major lines licensed agents in Arkansas are required to complete 24 credit hours of continuing education every two years prior to their license expiration date. Of the 24 credits required, at least 3 of the credits must be done in courses approved for the category of Ethics Training. Major lines are agents licensed to sell: life, accident and sickness, property, casualty, and personal lines.
Even if you hold multiple licenses, you will only need to complete a maximum of 24 credit hours. For example, if you hold a Property line of licensing and a Life insurance license, you only need to complete a maximum of 24 credits.
Special Training Requirements
There are special training requirements for agents selling long-term care, annuity, and flood insurance. These courses will generally apply towards your CE requirements if taken from an approved CE provider.
Flood Insurance
- If you are licensed in a property line of authority and will be selling flood insurance, you must complete a one-time, three-hour course related to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Annuity Training
- If you will be selling, soliciting, or negotiating an annuity product, you will need to complete a one-time, four-hour Annuity Training course. You will also need to complete ongoing company-sponsored training on the topic.
Long-Term Care
- If you are selling, soliciting, or negotiating a long-term care partnership policy, you must complete an initial 8-hour Long Term Care training course. You must also complete a 4-hour training course on this topic during each following compliance period.
Besides the 3 hours of ethics training, you can take the remaining courses (21 credits) in any subject matter as long as the Arkansas Department of Insurance has approved them.
Step #2: Submit Your Arkansas Insurance License Renewal Application
Once you have completed all of your CE requirements, you are ready to renew your Arkansas insurance license. This must be done prior to your license expiration date, but not before your license renewal period, which starts 90 days before your license expiration date.
When you are ready to renew, you can do so through NIPR Arkansas License Renewal or Sircon License Renewal. The renewal fee for Arkansas is $70 total, regardless of the number of major-lines licenses being renewed.
What Happens if I Don’t Complete My Arkansas License Renewal on Time?
If you don’t complete your renewal requirements prior to your license expiration date, your license will be suspended, and you are prohibited from transacting insurance business. However, you can still reinstate your license, but the time frame depends on how long you wait. You have up to 90 days to reinstate as long as you:
- Complete your CE requirements and submit your renewal application
- Pay a $70 reinstatement fee as well as your $4 or $5 renewal processing fee
Arkansas agents must also pay a CE Late Fees, based on the length of time late completion of CE Requirements:
0-30 days: $50
31-60 days: $50
61-90 days: $100
91-365 days: $150
Failure to complete the above process within a 90-day period, will result in the termination of your appointments. You will have up to one year to complete the following steps:
- Apply for reinstatement using the initial license application form (you’ll be allowed to skip some of the steps)
- Pay an $80 application fee and a $70 reinstatement fee
- Complete your CE requirements
- Re-establish your company appointments
If you exceed one year, there’s still a chance to reinstate your license within four years. You must fulfill all requirements above and undergo re-fingerprinting.
If your license has been terminated for over four years, you’ll need to complete the full re-application process, including fingerprinting. You’ll also need to pass a licensing exam.
Now Is the Time to Start Your Arkansas License Renewal Continuing Education
Even though you have two years to complete your 24 hours of continuing education, it’s always best to start as soon as possible. BetterCE offers all the courses you’ll need to fulfill your requirements. You can view them all in our Arkansas Insurance Continuing Education Course Catalog.
If you prefer live instruction, take a look at our catalog of Arkansas webinar courses. You won’t have to worry about any final exams when using this course format, and you’ll have the chance to interact with your instructor.
We also offer text-based courses that you can complete anywhere, anytime! When taking quizzes and exams, you can re-test as many times as you need. For added convenience, you can access all of our courses from a web browser or mobile device.
Differences Between Webinar Courses and Traditional Online Courses
Completions Reported the Same Day
Unlike most other CE providers, BetterCE offers same-day credit reporting. We report twice daily, so your credits will be submitted to your department of insurance within hours of completing your coursework. Keep in mind that it usually takes the department of insurance up to 24 hours to process these submissions and make your renewal application available to you. So, we strongly encourage agents to complete their CE requirements at least 28 hours in advance of their license expiration date.
Summary of Steps to Keep Your Arkansas Insurance License Active
Renewing your Arkansas insurance license is an important process. Let’s briefly summarize the steps involved.
- Determine your license expiration date
- Determine your continuing education requirements
- Enroll in courses well in advance of your expiration date
- Complete your courses
- Renew your license
Everything you need to renew your Arkansas insurance license is available through our website. Should you have any questions, feel free to call our office, where our compliance support professionals will be delighted to assist you.
If your renewal date is approaching, don’t wait until the last minute! Sign up for courses now through BetterCE and experience the most trusted and convenient way to keep your license active.
Get Started Today and Renew Your Arkansas Insurance License on Time!
At BetterCE we’ve proudly helped thousands of insurance agents navigate their licensing requirements and renewal processes. Our commitment to providing affordable, convenient CE solutions is matched only by our reliable, expert support. Join our community of satisfied agents and experience the ease and excellence of BetterCE today!
If you have a question or need help, call 1-888-501-7330 for our customer care team. Then, fill out our Contact Form and get a conversation started with us today!”
