If your insurance agency is recruiting agents in Texas, understanding the insurance agent requirements is essential. Whether you’re onboarding new producers or helping experienced professionals expand into new lines of authority, agencies play a central role in guiding recruits through licensing, compliance, education, and appointments.
This guide breaks down what your agency needs to know to support recruits effectively—so they can get licensed faster and start contributing to your agency’s growth.
What You’re About to Learn
- Understand eligibility and insurance agent requirements for new recruits in Texas.
- Learn the license types your agency may need agents to hold, based on your product strategy.
- The step-by-step licensing process to follow so your agency can streamline onboarding.
Insurance Agent Requirements in Texas: What Agencies Need to Know
Before your agency begins onboarding or sponsoring new recruits, you’ll want to confirm they meet the baseline eligibility standards set by the Texas Department of Insurance. Ensuring compliance early protects your agency from delays and licensing complications.
Your recruits must meet the following requirements:
- Age: At least 18 years old
- Residency: Texas resident (non-residents follow a special process)
- Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check
- Legal Status: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Once your recruits meet these basic requirements, your agency can guide them into selecting the proper license type and beginning the education and exam process.
Types of Insurance Licenses in Texas (and How Agencies Should Use Them)
To align your recruitment goals with your product offerings, your agency must know which licenses your producers will need. Texas offers several license types, each suited for a different agency focus.
Life, Accident & Health (LAH) License
- Enables agents to sell life insurance, health plans, and annuities
- Ideal for agencies offering Medicare, ACA, life insurance, or financial-planning products
Property & Casualty (P&C) License
- Covers auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance
- Useful for agencies targeting personal lines or commercial clients
Personal Lines License
- Limited to personal products like auto and home
- Often used by agencies building entry-level P&C teams
Adjuster License
- Allows agents to evaluate damages and process claims
- Helpful if your agency supports claims operations or partners with adjusters
Here’s a quick comparison you can use when recruiting for your agency:
| License Type | Focus Areas | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| LAH | Life, health, annuities | Agencies offering life, Medicare, or health products |
| P&C | Auto, home, commercial | Risk management, personal & commercial lines |
| Personal Lines | Home, renters, auto | Entry-level personal lines teams |
| Adjuster | Claims assessment | Claims-focused operations |
Step-by-Step Licensing Process for Your Agents
Helping your agents understand the licensing workflow ensures faster onboarding and smoother compliance.
Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Texas requires pre-licensing coursework—typically 40 hours, depending on license type. Agencies should connect recruits with approved providers like AD Banker or Kaplan.
Step 2: Pass the State Licensing Exam
Agents must pass a Pearson VUE exam covering national and Texas-specific insurance regulations. The passing score is 70%.
Agency Tip: Track your recruits’ scheduled exam dates to keep onboarding on schedule.
Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
All agents must submit fingerprints through IdentoGO so the state can verify eligibility.
Step 4: Submit the License Application
Recruits apply through NIPR or Sircon and pay the required fee (around $50).
Step 5: Begin Selling (Once Approved)
After approval, the agent receives their license and is ready for carrier appointments—something agencies can accelerate with EMG’s support.
Common Challenges for New Agents (and How Agencies Can Help)
Even with a straightforward process, new recruits often face hurdles. Agencies can play a major role in helping them overcome these challenges.
Passing the Licensing Exam
Many recruits need structured support. You can help out new agents in this regard by providing access to resources, practice exams, study calendars, and group study sessions.
Navigating the Application Process
Recruits may feel overwhelmed by paperwork or deadlines. You can assign an onboarding coordinator or checklist to keep everything organized.
Staying Compliant with Continuing Education
Agents in Texas must complete CE every two years. You can help new recruits by using automated reminders or compliance tools to avoid late renewals.
Career Paths Your Agency Can Recruit For
The insurance industry offers multiple ways for agents to work—each with advantages depending on your agency structure. Agencies can leverage these paths strategically to maximize growth and earning potential.
Independent Agent
These agents work with multiple carriers and offer a wider range of products. Independent agents are best for agencies building diverse product portfolios.
Captive Agent
Captive agents sell exclusively for one carrier. This makes them perfectly suited for agencies that are aligned with a single, strong partner.
Specialized Roles
Examples include Medicare specialists, commercial P&C experts, or high-net-worth advisors. They are great for agencies that target niche markets or advanced product lines.
How EMG Insurance Brokerage Supports Your Agency
EMG Insurance Brokerage is the go-to partner for agencies looking for help with recruiting and licensing new agents in Texas. We help agencies like yours to streamline the entire licensing and onboarding process. Here’s how:
Access to Tools & Resources
Our e-complete portal simplifies:
- Submissions
- Appointments
- Case management
- Tracking agent progress
Training & Ongoing Support
We provide:
- Product training
- Licensing guidance
- Marketing support
- Sales coaching
A Network and Community for Agencies
Partnering with EMG means tapping into a nationwide network of carriers, training, and growth opportunities, helping your agency scale faster with well-supported agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new agents need a college degree to meet Texas insurance agent requirements?
No, Texas only requires a high school diploma or GED. Agencies simply need to ensure that recruits complete their pre-licensing coursework and pass the state exam. A college degree is not required to begin selling insurance.
Can Texas-licensed agents sell insurance in other states?
Yes. Agents can apply for non-resident licenses in other states, allowing them to sell across multiple markets. EMG helps agencies streamline multi-state licensing so teams can expand quickly and compliantly.
How long does it take for new agents to become fully licensed?
Most agents complete the process in 3–8 weeks, depending on pre-licensing speed, exam scheduling, and state processing times. Agencies with structured onboarding, and support from EMG, can often speed up this timeline.
What ongoing requirements do agents need to maintain their Texas license?
Texas requires agents to complete continuing education (CE) every two years. Agencies should track CE deadlines for their teams to avoid lapses, compliance issues, or reinstatement fees. EMG provides resources and reminders to help agencies stay organized.
How can EMG Insurance Brokerage support my agency’s licensing and onboarding process?
EMG helps agencies with licensing guidance, multi-state support, pre-licensing recommendations, carrier appointments, and onboarding through our e-complete portal. We streamline the administrative burden so your agents can get licensed and start producing faster.
Strengthen Your Recruiting and Licensing Process with EMG Insurance Brokerage
Getting your agents licensed quickly and efficiently starts with understanding the core insurance agent requirements in Texas. With the right tools, guidance, and support, your agency can build a strong, compliant, revenue-producing team.
Ready to streamline your agent onboarding process?
Contact EMG Insurance Brokerage today—we’re here to help your agency grow.
