What happens when your Georgia insurance license lapses and how to get it back

Your Georgia insurance license lapses when you let your renewal lapse or when the Department of Insurance suspends or revokes it. Once it lapses, you cannot legally sell insurance in Georgia until you reinstate it. The reinstatement process depends on why your license lapsed — whether it expired because you didn't renew on time, whether you let it go inactive voluntarily, or whether the state took action against it.

The Georgia Department of Insurance handles all reinstatements. You'll work directly with them, not through a third party. The steps, fees, and timeline vary based on how long your license has been inactive and the reason it lapsed.

Key Takeaways

  • A lapsed Georgia insurance license can be reinstated by contacting the Department of Insurance and paying the reinstatement fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $100 depending on your license type.
  • If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, reinstatement is usually straightforward; if it has been inactive longer, you may need to retake the licensing exam.
  • Licenses suspended or revoked by the state require you to address the underlying violation before reinstatement is possible.
  • You will need your current Georgia ID, your license number (if you have it), and proof of payment when you submit your reinstatement request.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the Department receives your complete request and payment.

Reinstatement within 12 months of lapse

If your license lapsed within the past 12 months and the lapse was straightforward because you didn't renew on time — not because of a suspension or revocation — reinstatement is the fastest path. You do not need to retake the licensing exam. Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance directly by phone at 404-656-2070 or through their website at insurance.georgia.gov.

Have your license number ready when you call. If you don't have it, the Department can look it up using your name and date of birth. Tell them you want to reinstate your license. They will confirm your license type (property and casualty, life and health, etc.) and quote you the reinstatement fee. Pay the fee by credit card, check, or money order as directed. Once the Department receives payment, your license is typically reinstated within one to two weeks.

Reinstatement after 12 months of inactivity

If your license has been inactive for more than 12 months, the Georgia Department of Insurance treats reinstatement differently. You will likely need to retake the licensing exam for your license type. This is not a penalty — it is a requirement to may support you are current with Georgia insurance law and regulations, which may have changed during your time away.

Contact the Department of Insurance and ask whether your specific situation requires a full exam or a shortened refresher exam. Some license types have different rules. Once you know what exam you need, register through the Department's testing vendor (currently PSI). Pay the exam fee, study the current Georgia insurance code and regulations, and schedule your test. After you pass, submit your reinstatement fee to the Department. Your license will be reinstated once both the exam and fee are processed.

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation

If the Georgia Department of Insurance suspended or revoked your license — rather than letting it straightforward expire — reinstatement is more complex. Suspension and revocation happen when the Department finds a violation of Georgia insurance law, such as mishandling client funds, failing to disclose conflicts of interest, or breaking continuing education requirements.

Before you can reinstate, you must address the violation that led to the suspension or revocation. This might mean completing additional continuing education, repaying money you owed, or demonstrating that you have corrected the underlying problem. Contact the Department of Insurance and ask for a written explanation of why your license was suspended or revoked. The letter will tell you what steps you must take before reinstatement is possible. Once you complete those steps, submit proof to the Department along with your reinstatement fee and request.

Documents and information you will need

Gather these items before you contact the Department of Insurance. Having them ready speeds up the process. You will need your current Georgia driver's license or state ID, your insurance license number (if you have it), and your Social Security number. If you don't have your license number, the Department can find it using your name and date of birth.

If your license was suspended or revoked, have the Department's written notice of suspension or revocation on hand. If you have completed any steps toward addressing the violation (such as a certificate of completion for continuing education), gather those documents too. When you pay the reinstatement fee, keep your receipt or confirmation number — you may need it to track your reinstatement status.

Fees and payment methods

Reinstatement fees for Georgia insurance licenses vary by license type. Property and casualty licenses typically cost $50 to $100 to reinstate. Life and health licenses fall in a similar range. The Department of Insurance will quote you the exact fee when you call or visit their website. Fees are subject to change, so do not assume a fee you paid years ago is still current.

The Department accepts payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), check, or money order. If you pay by check or money order, mail it to the Georgia Department of Insurance at the address they provide. If you pay by credit card, you can do so over the phone or through their online portal. Keep your payment confirmation — it serves as proof that you have paid and helps the Department locate your reinstatement request.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Once the Georgia Department of Insurance receives your complete reinstatement request and payment, processing typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, the Department verifies your information, confirms that you have met any requirements (such as passing an exam or completing education), and issues your reinstated license.

You will receive written confirmation of your reinstatement by mail or email, depending on how you submitted your request. Your license number remains the same. You can begin selling insurance in Georgia as soon as you receive confirmation — do not wait for a physical license card to arrive. If you do not hear back within two weeks, contact the Department to confirm they received your request and payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell insurance while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. You cannot legally sell insurance in Georgia until your license is officially reinstated. Wait for written confirmation from the Department of Insurance before you conduct any insurance business. Selling without an active license can result in fines and legal action.

What if I don't know why my license was suspended or revoked?

Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance at 404-656-2070 and ask for a written explanation. They are required to provide this information. Once you have it, you will know what steps are needed before reinstatement is possible.

Do I need to retake continuing education to reinstate?

Only if your license has been inactive for more than 12 months or if the Department specifically requires it as part of addressing a violation. If your license lapsed within 12 months and there was no suspension or revocation, you do not need to retake education — only pay the reinstatement fee.

Can I reinstate my license online?

You can start the process online through the Georgia Department of Insurance website at insurance.georgia.gov, but you will likely need to call 404-656-2070 to complete it and arrange payment. The Department's website has a reinstatement section that explains the current process and any forms you need.

What happens if I don't reinstate within a certain timeframe?

There is no important date to reinstate, but the longer your license remains inactive, the more steps you may need to complete. After 12 months, you will likely need to retake the exam. After several years, the Department may require additional documentation or background review. Reinstate sooner rather than later to avoid extra requirements.