Lines of Authority Required to Sell Life Insurance in North Carolina

Licensing Requirements for Selling Life Insurance in North Carolina

To sell life insurance in North Carolina, you must obtain a life insurance license, an accident and health license, and a property and casualty license if you will adjust claims. These three lines of authority cover the core activities of soliciting, marketing, and servicing life insurance products in the state.

North Carolina Licensing Process

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) oversees all insurance licensing. The standard path involves completing pre-licensing education, passing a state exam, submitting a fingerprint-based background check, and applying through the NCDOI online portal. Each line of authority requires its own exam and fee, though the accident and health exam often covers both health and life lines when taken together.

Pre-Licensing Education

• Life insurance: 20 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework
• Accident and health: 20 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework
• Property and casualty: 20 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework

Background Check and Examination

Applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal history review. The exam for each line is scored on a scale, and candidates must achieve a passing grade set by the NCDOI. Once licensed, agents must complete continuing education every two years to renew each line of authority.

Lines of Authority at a Glance

Continuing Education and Renewal

Each line of authority requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including a mandatory ethics course. Failure to renew on time results in a lapse, and selling insurance with a lapsed license violates North Carolina law.