How long does it take to get a life insurance license in New York?

Plan on 1 to 4 weeks. Most candidates finish the 20-hour pre-licensing course in 1 to 2 weeks studying part-time, then schedule the PSI Services LLC exam. Including fingerprinting and New York DOI application processing, total time from start to license issuance is typically 3 to 6 weeks.

How much does a New York life insurance license cost?

Budget about $275 all-in: pre-licensing or exam-prep course (~$100), the $33 state exam fee, the $80 New York license application fee, and roughly $50 for fingerprinting/background check. The Price Group reimburses qualifying course costs after your first sale.

Do I need to be a New York resident to get a New York life insurance license?

No. New York issues non-resident licenses to agents already licensed in good standing in their home state. The non-resident application is filed through NIPR with no additional New York pre-licensing required.

Which New York license should I get for selling final expense and term life?

The New York Life Producer (Life-Only) license is the minimum required to sell life insurance, including final expense and term/whole life. If you also want to sell Medicare Supplement or under-65 health, you can either take a combined Life & Health course up front or add the Health line later. TPG agents typically start Life-Only and add Health when they are ready.

How to Get Your Life Insurance License in New York

20 hours of pre-licensing, PSI Services LLC exam, about $372 all-in. Here is the exact path.

Verified against the New York Department of Financial Services on May 13, 2026.

Free New York Licensing Roadmap

A printable step-by-step PDF covering pre-licensing, fingerprinting, the PSI Services LLC exam, and what to do the week your license arrives.

20 hrs

Pre-licensing hours

70%

Passing score

~$372

Total cost estimate

Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks

Path options: Life: 20 hours Health: 20 hours Life + Health: 40 hours

5 Steps to Get Licensed in New York

Follow this exact sequence to go from zero to fully appointed agent.

1
Complete pre-licensing education
Finish your state-approved pre-licensing course online. Most students complete it in under a week with focused study.
Start the JustInsurance Course
2
Schedule your New York state exam
Register through PSI Services LLC, the testing partner for the New York Department of Financial Services. Pick a testing center near you or, in most states, a remote-proctored slot.
Schedule with PSI Services LLC Visit New York Department of Financial Services
3
Pass the New York life insurance exam
Show up early, bring two valid IDs, and use the JustInsurance practice tests beforehand. Most students who follow the study plan pass on the first attempt.
Retake policy: Retake policy: scheduling your next available test date with no mandatory waiting period.
4
Submit your license application
After passing, file your application through NIPR or your state's online portal. Background check and fingerprinting are usually required.
Fingerprinting: Fingerprint requirement varies; check with the state DOI before applying.
5
Get appointed with carriers
A license alone does not let you sell. You need carrier appointments. The Price Group handles contracting with 20+ A-rated carriers so you can start writing business right away.

Want this written out as a printable checklist?

New York Licensing Cost Breakdown

Everything you can expect to pay to get fully licensed in New York.

Item	Cost
Pre-licensing course (JustInsurance)	$39
New York state exam fee	$33
License application fee	$80
Background check / fingerprinting	$50
Estimated total	~$372

Costs are estimates based on the most current published fees and may change. Verify with your state's Department of Insurance before paying.

License term

2 years

CE hours per renewal

15 hrs (1 ethics)

Official CE rules

Reciprocity

Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. The exam requirement is waived.

New York Licensing FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about getting licensed in New York.

Why agents choose The Price Group

Once you are licensed, the next decision is who you go to market with. The Price Group is built for life insurance agents who want a real system, not an MLM.