California Insurance Licensing
California life insurance license guide.
Current 2026 requirements.
California Life license applicants follow requirements established by the California Department of Insurance. This guide explains the current resident licensing process, the 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code requirement, Life examination, application, fingerprints, fees, renewal requirements, and official resources.
- License
- Life Agent
- Regulator
- California Department of Insurance
- Required course
- 12 hrs Ethics + CA Insurance Code
- Exam provider
- PSI
- Application fee
- $188
- License term
- 2 years
- Last verified
- September 2026
2026 California update
The 12-hour course is the California prelicensing requirement.
Under the CDI's current requirements, Life applicants complete 12 hours of study on Ethics and the California Insurance Code, including one hour on insurance fraud. California no longer lists the former 20-hour product-specific Life course. If you see 20-hour or 52-hour California programs elsewhere, those references may reflect pre-2026 rules.
Resident licensing path
Getting a California Life license.
- 01
Review current CDI requirements
Start with the official Department of Insurance pages before buying a course or scheduling an exam. - 02
Complete the 12-hour course
12 hours of Ethics and the California Insurance Code from a CDI-approved provider, including one hour on insurance fraud. - 03
Schedule and pass the Life exam with PSI
At a PSI site or by remote proctoring. CDI exam fee $55, plus PSI's $43 convenience fee. - 04
Complete fingerprints
Follow CDI's background instructions. PSI sites can take the required fingerprints. - 05
Submit your application
Apply online through CDI. The Life-Only Agent filing fee is $188. - 06
CDI review
Submission is not approval. Track your application with CDI's CLASS service. - 07
Confirm your license is issued
Use CDI's Check a License before any regulated activity.
State fees
California Life license fees.
From CDI's current fee schedule. Course tuition, fingerprint processing and third-party charges are separate and vary by provider.
- Filing fee (Life-Only Agent)
- $188
- Examination fee
- $55
- PSI convenience fee
- $43
- Renewal fee
- $188
- Late renewal fee
- $282
After licensing
The license is where the operating process begins.
- 01License issued
- 02Carrier contracting / appointments
- 03Final Expense Elite onboarding
- 04Leads matched to licensed states
California resident
- California is your home state
- 12-hour course + PSI exam
- Fingerprints and CDI application
California non-resident
- Licensed in your home state first
- Apply under CDI's non-resident rules
- Requirements set by CDI
Official resources
The regulator is the authority.
FAQ
California licensing questions
What license do I need to sell final expense insurance in California?
Final expense is life insurance, so producers generally need California Life Agent authority issued by the California Department of Insurance (CDI).
Is there still a 20-hour or 52-hour prelicensing course in California?
Not under CDI's current requirements. As of 2026, CDI lists the 12 hours of study on Ethics and the California Insurance Code as the prelicensing course for Life applicants. Older guides mentioning 20 or 52 hours may reflect pre-2026 rules.
What is the 12-hour course?
12 hours of study on ethics and the California Insurance Code, including one hour on insurance fraud, required for the Life license under Insurance Code section 1749.
Who administers the California exam?
PSI schedules and administers CDI's licensing exams, at testing sites or through remote online proctoring.
How much does the exam cost?
CDI lists a $55 examination fee for the Life license. PSI adds a $43 convenience fee for testing at PSI sites or remotely. Check both sources for current amounts.
What is the application fee?
CDI's fee schedule lists a $188 filing fee for the Life-Only Agent license. Applying for Life and Accident & Health at the same time is also $188.
Do I need fingerprints?
Yes, fingerprints are part of the California process. PSI sites can take them. Follow CDI's current background and fingerprint instructions.
How long does a California license last?
Two years. Renewal is $188 and requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics.
Am I licensed once I apply?
No. Submission is not approval. CDI decides whether to issue the license. You can track your application status with CDI's CLASS service and confirm issuance with Check a License.
Can I get a California non-resident license?
Producers licensed in their home state may apply for a California non-resident license, subject to CDI's rules. Check CDI's non-resident requirements first.
How do I add more states after California?
Once licensed in California as your resident state, you may seek non-resident licenses in other states, subject to each state's rules. See the licensing directory.
Does the Junior Broker Program let me sell before I'm licensed?
No. Only a licensed producer can sell, solicit or negotiate insurance. Junior Broker helps developing agents organize licensing, training and onboarding.
Start with the license
Understand the California process. Then build the system.
Final Expense Elite helps developing agents connect licensing resources with sales training, technology onboarding, lead infrastructure, and a structured development roadmap. California licensing approval and requirements are determined by the California Department of Insurance.