How to Get a Property and Casualty License in Texas

If you want to sell homeowners, auto, commercial, or other property and casualty insurance in Texas, you need a license from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). The process is straightforward—study, pass a state exam, and submit your application—but the details matter. This guide walks you through every step so you know exactly what to expect.

Why You Need This License

Texas law is clear: anyone acting as an agent who writes property and casualty insurance for an authorized insurer must hold a general property and casualty license (Tex. Ins. Code §4051.051). The only exception is if you hold a personal lines property and casualty license and limit your activities to insurance "sold to individuals and families primarily for personal or household use" (Tex. Ins. Code §4051.401). If you plan to write commercial lines—business policies, bonds, commercial auto—you need the full general license.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin, confirm you meet the baseline qualifications. Texas requires that license applicants:

• Be at least 18 years of age (28 TAC §19.1903)
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident authorized to work
• Have not committed an act for which a license may be denied under the Insurance Code (28 TAC §19.1903)
• Be trustworthy and competent

If you have a criminal history or prior regulatory action, TDI will review your situation individually. A past issue doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you should disclose everything on your application.

Step 2: Prepare for the Exam (No Mandatory Course)

Texas does not require pre-licensing education for the property and casualty agent license — you can register for the exam and study however you like. Prep courses exist and some candidates find the structure helpful, but nothing in Texas law obligates you to buy one before testing.

What Texas does test is real: the exam draws heavily on the Texas Insurance Code and TDI rules, so build your study plan around the official content outline rather than generic insurance material.

Step 3: Schedule and Pass the State Exam

The Texas Property and Casualty exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Here are the key details:

• Scored questions: 130
• Time limit: 150 minutes
• Exam fee: $49
• Passing score: 70%

Unless you are exempt by applicable statute or rule, you must successfully complete the licensing examination to be eligible for licensure (28 TAC §19.805). You'll submit the exam fee directly to Pearson VUE when you schedule your test.

What the Exam Covers

The 130 questions break down across eight content areas:

Notice that roughly 30 of the 130 questions—nearly a quarter—focus specifically on Texas statutes and rules. Don't treat this as an afterthought. Know the Texas Insurance Code provisions, TDI regulations, and how they differ from general insurance principles.

Test Day Tips

• Arrive early with valid government-issued ID.
• You get roughly 69 seconds per question—enough time if you've studied, but don't linger on difficult items.
• There's no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank.
• You'll receive a preliminary pass/fail result immediately after finishing.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application

After passing the exam, you have 12 months to submit your license application to TDI (28 TAC §19.806). If you wait longer than 12 months, you'll need to retake and pass the exam again.

Your application will include:

• A completed application form (submitted online through TDI's licensing portal)
• The application fee and any provisional permit fee, if applicable
• Fingerprints for a background check
• Any required information relating to your identity, personal history, experience, and business record (28 TAC §19.1308)

TDI processes most applications electronically. Once approved, you'll receive your license and can begin selling property and casualty insurance in Texas.

Step 5: Get Appointed by an Insurer

Your license authorizes you to act as an agent, but you still need at least one insurer appointment before you can actually write policies. The insurance company files the appointment with TDI on your behalf. Many new agents secure a position or independent contract with an agency before or during the licensing process so the appointment is ready to go as soon as the license is issued.

Maintaining Your License

Texas property and casualty licenses must be renewed every two years. You'll need to complete continuing education (CE) hours during each renewal period—typically 24 hours, including ethics and Texas-specific content. Keep your CE certificates and renew on time to avoid lapse and reinstatement fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Texas P&C license?

Most people complete the process in two to four weeks. Pre-licensing education takes one to two weeks depending on your pace, the exam can be scheduled within days of finishing your course, and TDI often processes applications within a few business days after submission.

Can I sell personal lines insurance without the general P&C license?

Yes. Texas offers a personal lines property and casualty license for agents who only write insurance "sold to individuals and families primarily for personal or household use" (Tex. Ins. Code §4051.401). However, this limits you to personal auto, homeowners, renters, and similar policies—no commercial lines.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam after a waiting period. You'll pay the $49 exam fee again each time. There's no limit on attempts, but if you're struggling, consider additional study resources or a different prep approach before rescheduling.

Prepare With Confidence

Passing the Texas Property and Casualty exam comes down to understanding policy types, coverage concepts, and Texas-specific regulations. A structured study plan that mirrors the actual exam weighting gives you the best shot.

Start with our free Texas Property & Casualty practice test to see where you stand, then dive deeper with our complete exam guide for section-by-section strategies and key concepts you need to know on test day.