Texas insurance CSR license requirements
Texas has no separate CSR license. The question is whether your CSR's work counts as acting as an agent.
Texas has no CSR-specific license. A CSR who quotes, explains coverage or sells at a P&C agency needs a General Lines Property and Casualty license, or a personal lines P&C license for personal lines work. Texas Insurance Code § 4001.002 lets a salaried clerical employee who doesn't solicit or negotiate, and earns no commission, take customer information and receive premiums without a license.
Texas licenses at a glance
| License | Covers | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| General Lines – Property and Casualty | Personal and commercial P&C | CSRs and account managers on any P&C account |
| Personal Lines Property and Casualty | Policies for individuals and families, for personal or household use | Personal lines CSRs |
| Limited lines | Specific products such as credit or prepaid legal | Not a CSR license |
What unlicensed staff can do in Texas
Texas Insurance Code § 4001.002(b)(5) excludes a salaried employee from the licensing requirement when all four of these are true:
- They don't solicit or negotiate insurance.
- They work on clerical and administrative tasks, which can include incidentally taking customer information and receiving premiums in the agent's office.
- They receive no commission.
- Their pay doesn't vary with premium volume.
Section 4001.051(d) adds that simply referring a customer to an agent isn't acting as an agent, unless the person discusses specific policy terms or conditions.
In practice: an unlicensed Texas CSR on salary can take down information, accept payments and pass a client to a licensed agent. Once the conversation turns to what a policy covers, which option to choose, or a quote, it needs a licensed person.
Getting licensed in Texas
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Property and casualty exam through Pearson VUE, passed before applying |
| Fingerprints | Required, through IdentoGO with a service code from TDI |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Temporary license | $150, valid 180 days, needs a licensed sponsor, can't be renewed |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every 2 years, including 3 ethics hours |
Remote and out-of-state staff
Someone living in another state can work your Texas accounts with a Texas nonresident license. TDI requires an active license in good standing in their home state for the same line. They apply through Sircon or NIPR, the fee is $50, and home-state resident licensees are exempt from Texas fingerprinting.
One more Texas rule for agencies
A licensed Texas agency must have a designated responsible licensed person (DRLP) who holds the license.
Check a Texas license
Use TDI's agent lookup, or check the person's National Producer Number in NIPR. Confirm the license is active and covers the right lines.
Where Humai fits
Humai matches U.S.-licensed agents who hold Texas licenses, checked in NIPR, to work in your AMS under your agency's name. Use them for quoting, renewals and coverage questions, and keep salaried admin staff on the clerical work Texas allows.
Questions agency owners ask
Does Texas have a customer service representative insurance license?
No. TDI offers General Lines Property and Casualty, Personal Lines Property and Casualty, and limited lines licenses for specific products, but no license just for agency service staff.
What can an unlicensed employee do at a Texas insurance agency?
Under Texas Insurance Code § 4001.002(b)(5), a salaried employee who works on clerical and administrative tasks, doesn't solicit or negotiate insurance, receives no commission, and whose pay doesn't vary with premium volume can incidentally take customer information and receive premiums in the agent's office without a license.
Can an unlicensed person refer a customer to an agent in Texas?
Yes. Under § 4001.051(d), a person who only refers a customer isn't acting as an agent, unless they discuss specific policy terms or conditions.
How do I get a Texas P&C license?
Pass the property and casualty exam through Pearson VUE, get fingerprinted through IdentoGO, and apply to TDI. The application fee is $50. TDI also offers a 180-day temporary license with a licensed sponsor.
How many CE hours do Texas agents need?
24 hours every two-year renewal period, including 3 hours of ethics, with at least half in a classroom or classroom-equivalent format.
Can a remote agent in another state work for my Texas agency?
Yes, with a Texas nonresident license. TDI requires an active license in good standing in the agent's home state for the same line. Nonresidents apply through Sircon or NIPR, and the fee is $50.
Sources
- Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4001 (definitions, exceptions, acts of an agent)
- Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4051 (property and casualty licenses)
- TDI: General Lines Property and Casualty license
- TDI: Personal Lines Property and Casualty license
- TDI: Continuing education for agents
- TDI: Agent and adjuster lookup
Licensing rules differ by state. This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with your state's department of insurance.