How to reinstate your Georgia insurance license
To reinstate your Georgia insurance license, you contact the Georgia Department of Insurance, file a reinstatement request with the original license number, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that accumulated while your license was inactive. The process typically takes two to four weeks. You cannot sell insurance or represent an insurer until your license is active again, so timing matters if you have a job waiting.
The exact steps depend on why your license lapsed — whether it expired because you didn't renew it, whether the department suspended it for a specific reason, or whether you voluntarily let it go inactive. Each situation has different requirements and different fees.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance directly to confirm your license status and what reinstatement requires in your specific case.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by license type and reason for lapse, plus any continuing education hours you missed.
- If your license was suspended rather than straightforward expired, you may need to resolve the underlying issue before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement process usually takes two to four weeks from the time the department receives your complete request.
Contact the Georgia Department of Insurance first
Call the Georgia Department of Insurance at 404-656-2070 or visit their website at insurance.georgia.gov. Tell them your name, license number (if you have it), and ask them to confirm your current license status. They will tell you whether your license expired, was suspended, or is still active.
This call is essential because the reinstatement path depends on the reason your license is not active. If you do not know your license number, the department can look it up by name and date of birth. Write down the name and direct phone number of the person you speak with, in case you need to follow up.
Understand the difference between expiration and suspension
An expired license straightforward means you did not renew it before the expiration date. Reinstatement is straightforward: you pay the fee, submit the reinstatement form, and complete any continuing education hours you owe. Most people in this situation can reinstate within two to four weeks.
A suspended license means the department took action against it — usually for a violation, failure to pay a fine, or failure to complete required education. You cannot reinstate a suspended license until you resolve the underlying reason. The department will tell you what that reason is and what you must do to clear it. This can take longer and may require additional steps beyond the standard reinstatement form.
Gather the documents and information you need
Have your license number ready, or be prepared to provide your full name and date of birth so the department can find it. You will also need to know which lines of insurance your license covered — for example, property and casualty, life and health, or variable annuities. The department uses this to calculate the correct reinstatement fee.
If you have been out of the industry for more than a year, you may need to complete additional continuing education beyond the standard renewal hours. Ask the department how many hours you owe and which courses count toward reinstatement. Some courses are approved statewide; others are approved only by specific providers.
Complete the reinstatement form and pay the fee
The Georgia Department of Insurance provides a reinstatement form on their website or by mail. You can request it by phone at 404-656-2070. Fill out the form completely — it asks for your license number, the lines of insurance, your current address, and confirmation that you meet the continuing education requirement.
Reinstatement fees vary by license type and how long your license has been inactive. As of the most recent information available, fees typically range from $50 to $150, but confirm the exact amount with the department when you call. Mail the completed form, the fee (check or money order), and proof of continuing education completion to the address the department provides.
What happens after you submit your request
The department processes reinstatement requests in the order they receive them. You should expect a response within two to four weeks. They may contact you by phone or mail if they need additional information or clarification on your form.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the department will mail you a new license or send you a confirmation that your license is active in their system. Some employers ask to see the physical license; others accept the department's written confirmation. Ask your employer which form of proof they need before you submit your reinstatement request, so you know what to expect.
If your license was suspended for a violation
Suspension for a violation — such as a compliance issue, a complaint from a consumer, or failure to complete education — requires you to address the violation before reinstatement. The department will explain what you must do. This might mean taking a specific course, paying a fine, or providing documentation that you have corrected the problem.
Do not assume you can reinstate without resolving the violation. Contact the department's enforcement section directly to understand what is required and in what order. Submitting a reinstatement form without clearing the violation will delay the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell insurance while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally represent an insurer or sell insurance policies until your license is active. If you have a job waiting, tell your employer the expected timeline and ask whether they can delay your start date or have you work in a non-licensed role until reinstatement is complete.
What if I cannot find my old license number?
The Georgia Department of Insurance can look up your license number by your full name and date of birth. Call 404-656-2070 and they will provide it. You can also check any old insurance agency paperwork or correspondence from the department, which usually includes your license number.
How many continuing education hours do I need to reinstate?
This depends on how long your license has been inactive and which lines of insurance you held. Call the department to confirm the exact number. Generally, you need to complete the hours that would have been required if you had renewed normally, plus any additional hours for the time you were inactive.
Can I reinstate my license online?
The Georgia Department of Insurance does not currently offer online reinstatement. You must submit your reinstatement form and fee by mail. However, you can call to ask questions, confirm your status, and request forms by phone or email.
What if the department denies my reinstatement request?
The department will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons include incomplete continuing education, an unresolved violation, or incorrect fee payment. Once you address the issue, you can resubmit your request. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing before the department.