Ohio Insurance Licensing
Ohio life insurance license guide.
Current 2026 requirements.
The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) issues the resident agent license with the Life line of authority.
- License
- Agent – Life line
- Regulator
- Ohio Department of Insurance
- Required course
- 20 hours (Life)
- Exam provider
- PSI (in person)
- Application fee
- $10 (Life line)
- License term
- 2 years
- Last verified
- September 2026
Ohio update
Remote exams ended in March 2026.
Effective March 13, 2026, PSI no longer offers remote proctored Ohio insurance exams. Exams are taken in person at PSI testing locations.
Resident licensing path
Getting a Ohio Life license.
- 01
Complete 20 hours of Life prelicensing
Required under OAC 3901-5-09 unless exempt. Bring a valid completion certificate to the exam (certificates are valid for 180 days). - 02
Pass the Life exam with PSI
In person at a PSI testing location. You don't need state approval to schedule. - 03
Complete the BCI & FBI background check
Through a National WebCheck provider. PSI centers are approved providers and charge $72.25. - 04
Apply
Submit the application with the $10 Life line fee. - 05
ODI review
Submission is not approval.
State fees
Ohio Life license fees.
From PSI's 2026 Ohio candidate bulletin. The PSI exam fee and NIPR processing fee are charged separately.
- License application fee (Life line)
- $10
- Fingerprints at a PSI center
- $72.25
- Renewal (resident with CE requirement)
- Waived
- Renewal (non-resident)
- $25
After licensing
The license is where the operating process begins.
- 01License issued
- 02Carrier contracting / appointments
- 03Final Expense Elite onboarding
- 04Leads matched to licensed states
Official resources
The regulator is the authority.
Other state guides
FAQ
Ohio licensing questions
What license do I need to sell final expense insurance in Ohio?
Final expense is life insurance, so producers generally need an Ohio agent license with the Life line of authority.
How many prelicensing hours does Ohio require?
20 hours for the Life line, under OAC 3901-5-09, unless exempt.
Can I take the Ohio exam online?
No. Since March 13, 2026, Ohio exams are in person at PSI locations.
Do I need a background check?
Yes, a BCI and FBI check through a National WebCheck provider. PSI centers charge $72.25.
How often do I renew?
Every two years by the last day of your birth month, after 24 hours of CE including 3 of ethics.
Am I licensed once I apply?
No. Submission is not approval. ODI decides whether to issue the license.
Start with the license
Understand the Ohio 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. Ohio licensing approval and requirements are determined by the Ohio Department of Insurance.