How to Get an Insurance License in Missouri – A Step-by-Step Guide

Interested in selling insurance in Missouri? Like most states, Missouri requires an insurance license for agents and brokers selling policies to residents.

Obtaining a Missouri insurance license involves meeting the state’s eligibility requirements taking licensing exams submitting an application, and maintaining ongoing continuing education.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get an insurance license in Missouri:

Missouri Insurance License Requirements

To qualify for a Missouri insurance license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass any required licensing exams
• Submit license application and pay $100 fee
• Maintain continuing education requirements

Missouri offers several license types for major lines of insurance

• Life Insurance
• Accident & Health Insurance
• Property Insurance
• Casualty Insurance
• Personal Lines
• Crop Insurance
• Title Insurance
• Surplus Lines

You only need to pass exams and obtain licenses for the specific lines you plan to sell. There are no pre-licensing education requirements in Missouri.

Step 1: Review Exam Requirements and Study Materials

Most insurance licenses require passing a licensing exam with the exception of some limited lines like variable annuities.

You can register for exams through Pearson VUE [https://www.pearsonvue.com/mo/insurance/]. Exams costs $61 each.

Exam content outlines and study materials are available from Pearson VUE. You can also find exam prep courses from third party providers.

Allow 2-3 months minimum to properly study before testing. It’s recommended to focus on one license at a time.

Step 2: Schedule and Pass Required Licensing Exam(s)

Once you’ve studied, you can contact Pearson VUE to schedule the required exam(s) for the license types you need.

Most exams are between 115-150 questions and you are given about 2-3 hours to complete them. Scores are available immediately after testing.

You must pass each exam with a score of at least 70% to qualify for your insurance license. If you fail, you must wait 2 weeks before retesting.

Step 3: Submit License Application and Fee

After passing your exam(s), the next step is to submit your insurance license application to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.

You can apply online or by submitting a paper application. The non-refundable application fee is $100 for both resident and non-resident licenses.

Along with the form, you’ll need to provide additional documentation depending on your specific situation:

• Exam Results
• Background Check Consent
• Fingerprints for Criminal History
• Prior License Verification
• Errors and Omissions Insurance Proof

Non-residents can operate on their home state license while the Missouri application processes. Allow 2-3 weeks for approval.

Step 4: Get Appointed With Insurance Company(ies)

To actually sell policies, an insurance company must appoint you to solicit business on their behalf. This typically involves:

• Submitting company application
• Passing background check
• Signing agent agreement contract
• Completing product training

You can be appointed by multiple insurance carriers. Start the appointment process after licensing but before soliciting clients.

Step 5: Comply With Continuing Education Requirements

Maintaining a Missouri insurance license requires ongoing continuing education (CE).

• 18 CE credits required every 2 years
• At least 3 credits must be ethics focused
• Credits can be earned online or classroom

Use the state’s license management system to track your progress and report completed CE.

Additional Requirements for Agencies and Business Entities

If you want to open an insurance agency in addition to obtaining your individual license, there are separate steps required:

• Register business entity with Missouri Secretary of State
• Apply for agency license with Department of Insurance
• Appoint a Designated Responsible Licensed Producer (DRLP)
• Maintain your own personal license and CE
• Carry adequate Errors and Omissions insurance

While it takes dedication, obtaining an insurance license opens up a stable, lucrative career selling policies to Missouri residents.

Follow the application steps closely, study diligently for your exams, and maintain ethical business practices once appointed. This guide outlines everything you need to get licensed!

Missouri is an attractive insurance market with over 6 million potential customers. Use your new license to build your book of business and help MO residents protect what matters most!