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California · Insurance Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your California Insurance Agent License

California insurance agents must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
24 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers California insurance agents holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit.

When to renew

California insurance agents licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0030-seek-pre-lic/)

The continuing education California requires

California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Ethics (3 hrs, incl. 1 hr insurance fraud)
  • Annuity training (8 hr initial, 4 hr per renewal - life agents selling annuities)
  • Long-term care training (8 hr per period for LTC sellers)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    California sets insurance agents requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit requires 24 hours every 2 years, including Ethics (3 hrs, incl. 1 hr insurance fraud), Annuity training (8 hr initial, 4 hr per renewal - life agents selling annuities), Long-term care training (8 hr per period for LTC sellers). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the California insurance agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In California, completions are submitted through the board’s online licensing portal.

  5. 5

    Renew with California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit

California insurance agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do California insurance agents need?
California insurance agents must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit.
What topics are required for California insurance agents continuing education?
California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit requires coverage of: Ethics (3 hrs, incl. 1 hr insurance fraud); Annuity training (8 hr initial, 4 hr per renewal - life agents selling annuities); Long-term care training (8 hr per period for LTC sellers).
How are completed CE hours reported to California Department of Insurance (CDI), Producer Licensing Bureau - Education Unit?
Completed hours are reported through the board's online portal. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can California insurance agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the California requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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