Texas is one of the largest and most competitive life insurance markets in the United States—and for good reason. With nearly 30 million residents, a fast-growing population, and no state income tax, the Lone Star State offers life insurance agents exceptional earning potential. Here’s exactly how to get your license and start selling.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To apply for a Texas life insurance license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Social Security number or ITIN
- Not have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust (disqualifying under federal law)
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal authorization to work
Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Texas requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education for a Life & Health (L&H) license. You can complete this online through approved providers such as Kaplan, ExamFX, or A.D. Banker. The coursework covers:
- Life insurance concepts and terminology
- Policy types (term, whole, universal, annuities)
- Texas insurance laws and regulations
- Ethics and professional conduct
Most candidates complete the 40 hours in 1–2 weeks studying part-time. Online courses typically cost $100–$200.
Step 3: Pass the Texas State Exam
After completing pre-licensing education, you’ll schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, the authorized testing vendor for the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). The Life & Health exam includes:
- 150 questions (some experimental/unscored)
- 2.5-hour time limit
- Passing score: 70%
Exam fee is $43. Testing centers are available throughout Texas, or you can take a remote proctored exam from home.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Within 12 months of passing the exam, apply for your license through the NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) or directly through Sircon. The TDI license application fee is $50. Approval typically takes 5–10 business days. If you have any criminal history, expect additional review time.
Step 5: Appoint with a Carrier
Your license alone doesn’t allow you to sell—you must be appointed by each carrier you represent. Carriers run a background check and E&O insurance verification, then submit an appointment form to TDI. Appointments are carrier-paid and typically approved within a week.
The Texas Life Insurance Market
Texas has a particularly strong market for:
- Final expense insurance — large senior population in cities like San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas
- IUL and living benefits products — high-income earners in Austin’s tech corridor and Houston’s energy sector
- Spanish-language sales — Texas has the second-largest Hispanic population in the US, creating demand for bilingual agents
Continuing Education Requirements
Texas requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain your license, including 3 hours of ethics. CE courses are widely available online for $50–$100 total.
Find Your First Opportunity
Once licensed, explore life insurance agent jobs in Texas to connect with IMOs, agencies, and direct carriers hiring in your area. If you’re evaluating product lines to specialize in, our Deal Analyzer can help you compare commission structures and product fit before committing to a carrier.
The path from zero to licensed Texas agent takes most people 3–5 weeks. The investment is modest—typically under $400 total—and the earning ceiling is essentially unlimited.