How to check an insurance agent's license in NIPR
A license number on a resume isn't proof. Checking takes a few minutes.
To check an insurance license, look up the person's National Producer Number (NPN) on NIPR, then verify the license through NIPR's license verification or the state insurance department's lookup. Confirm the license is active, covers the right lines of authority, such as property and casualty, and is held in every state where your clients are.
Step by step
- Get the basics. Full legal name, home state, and NPN if they have it.
- Find the NPN. Use NIPR's NPN lookup if you don't have it.
- Verify the license. Use NIPR's license verification or the state insurance department's lookup.
- Read the details. Status, lines of authority, states and expiration.
- Save a copy in the person's file with the date you checked.
What to look for
| Field | What you want |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Lines of authority | Matches the work: property, casualty, personal lines, life, health |
| States | Every state where your clients are |
| Expiration | Not about to lapse |
| Name | Matches their ID |
Red flags
- The license is inactive, expired or shows a different name.
- Lines don't match: a life license for P&C work.
- Only a home state license when your clients are elsewhere.
- They can't give you an NPN or full legal name.
Resident vs nonresident
A producer holds one resident license in their home state, and nonresident licenses in other states. Under the NAIC model act, which most states follow, a producer in good standing at home should generally be granted a nonresident license elsewhere. Each state still has to issue it.
Where Humai fits
Humai checks every licensed agent in NIPR before they're matched to you, and confirms they're licensed in your state. Identity and background checks are done too.
Questions agency owners ask
What is an NPN?
A National Producer Number is a unique identifier the NAIC assigns to each licensed producer during the licensing process. It follows the person across states.
Where do I look up an insurance license?
Start at NIPR, which has an NPN lookup and links to license verification. Most state insurance departments also run their own public lookup.
What should I check on a license?
That it's active, the lines of authority match the work, the states match where your clients live, and the expiration date isn't close. Some states also show appointments.
Does a license in one state let someone work with clients in another?
No. A producer needs a license in each state where they sell, solicit or negotiate. Licenses outside the home state are called nonresident licenses.
How often should I recheck licenses?
At hire, then at least at each renewal date. Licenses can lapse or change status between checks.
Sources
- NIPR: look up a National Producer Number
- NIPR: verify existing licenses
- NAIC Producer Licensing Model Act (#218)
Licensing rules differ by state. This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with your state's department of insurance.