How to reinstate your Texas insurance license after it lapses or is suspended
To reinstate a Texas insurance license, you file a reinstatement request with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any outstanding requirements — such as completing continuing education or paying back fees. The process takes roughly two to four weeks once TDI receives your complete request. You cannot sell insurance or represent yourself as licensed during the gap between when your license lapses and when reinstatement is approved.
The exact steps depend on whether your license lapsed because you didn't renew it on time, or whether it was suspended or revoked by TDI for a compliance issue. Both routes start at the same place — the TDI website — but the documentation you'll need differs.
Key Takeaways
- You must file your reinstatement request through the TDI online licensing system or by mail; there is no phone or in-person option to start the process.
- If your license lapsed due to non-renewal, you pay a reinstatement fee (currently $50 for most license types) plus any back renewal fees owed.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must first resolve the underlying violation — such as completing a required course or paying a fine — before TDI will consider reinstatement.
- Continuing education requirements may explore depending on how long your license has been inactive and your license type.
- You cannot legally work as a licensed insurance agent, adjuster, or other licensed role until TDI approves your reinstatement and issues a new license number.
Check your license status and reason for lapse or suspension
Before you file anything, log into the TDI License Lookup system at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Search your name and license number to see the current status. The system will show whether your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or inactive, and in many cases will display the reason.
If the status shows "expired" or "lapsed," your license ended because you did not renew before the expiration date. If it shows "suspended" or "revoked," TDI took action against your license — usually for a violation of insurance law or failure to meet a requirement. Suspension is temporary; revocation is permanent unless you file an appeal or meet specific conditions to restore it. Write down the exact status and any reason code shown, because you'll reference this when you file your reinstatement request.
Gather documents and fees for a lapsed license
If your license lapsed because you missed the renewal important date, collect these items before you file:
- Your Texas insurance license number
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of any continuing education completed since your license lapsed (if required for your license type)
- Payment for the reinstatement fee ($50 for most license types as of the last update, though this can vary) plus any back renewal fees for years you did not renew
The reinstatement fee is separate from the renewal fee. If your license lapsed in 2023 and you're reinstating in 2024, you may owe both the 2023 renewal fee (if you never paid it) and the 2024 renewal fee, plus the reinstatement fee. Contact TDI directly at 1-877-839-2378 if you're unsure what you owe — they can tell you the exact amount before you submit payment.
File your reinstatement request through TDI
Log into the TDI Online Licensing System using your existing account credentials. If you don't have an account, create one using your Social Security number and license number. Once logged in, look for the "Reinstatement" or "Reactivate License" option in the menu. The exact wording varies by license type (agent, adjuster, managing general agent, etc.), so read the options carefully.
Fill in the reinstatement form with your current contact information, employment status, and any other fields TDI requires. Upload scans of your documents — photo ID and proof of continuing education if applicable. Pay the reinstatement fee and any back fees using a credit card or electronic check. TDI will send you a confirmation email with a reference number once your request is submitted.
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a paper reinstatement request to the Texas Department of Insurance, License Services, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78714-9104. Include a check or money order for the full amount owed, your license number, and copies of required documents. Mail takes longer — expect an additional one to two weeks for processing.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If TDI suspended or revoked your license, you cannot straightforward pay a fee and reinstate. You must first resolve the violation or issue that led to the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include failure to complete continuing education, failure to pay a fine, violation of insurance law, or failure to respond to a TDI inquiry.
Contact TDI at 1-877-839-2378 and ask for the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to resolve it. TDI will tell you whether you need to complete a course, pay a fine, submit documentation, or take another action. Once you've completed those steps and TDI has confirmed receipt and approval, you can then file a reinstatement request following the same process as a lapsed license.
If your license was revoked (not suspended), reinstatement may not be possible without an appeal or a formal petition to TDI. Ask TDI whether your situation allows for reinstatement or whether you must pursue an appeal through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
Timeline and what happens after you submit
After TDI receives your complete reinstatement request, processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, TDI reviews your documents, confirms you've met all requirements, and verifies that no new violations have occurred. You'll receive an email or letter when your reinstatement is approved.
Once approved, TDI issues a new license number and sends you a license certificate. You can then legally work as a licensed insurance professional. If TDI denies your request, they will send you a written explanation of the reason and information about how to appeal or resubmit with additional documentation.
Do not attempt to conduct insurance business or represent yourself as licensed before you receive approval. Doing so is illegal and can result in additional penalties or criminal charges.
Continuing education requirements during reinstatement
Whether you must complete continuing education before reinstatement depends on your license type and how long your license has been inactive. Most Texas insurance agent licenses require a set number of continuing education hours every two years. If your license lapsed mid-cycle, you may owe hours before you can reinstate.
Check the TDI website for your specific license type's continuing education requirements. If you owe hours, complete them through an approved provider and request a certificate of completion. Upload the certificate with your reinstatement request. Some providers allow you to take courses online and print your certificate when ready, while others mail it to you — plan accordingly if you're on a timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an insurance agent while my reinstatement request is pending?
No. You cannot legally sell insurance, bind coverage, or represent yourself as licensed until TDI approves your reinstatement and issues a new license. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in fines and criminal charges. Wait for written approval from TDI before you resume licensed work.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee is $50 for most license types, but you may also owe back renewal fees for any years you did not renew. Call TDI at 1-877-839-2378 to confirm the total amount owed before you submit your request.
What if I don't know why my license was suspended?
Contact TDI directly at 1-877-839-2378 or check your email and mail for any notices TDI sent you. TDI is required to notify you of suspension or revocation, though the notice may have arrived at an old address if you moved. TDI can tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it.
Can I reinstate my license if it was revoked?
Revocation is permanent unless you file an appeal or petition with TDI. Contact TDI to ask whether your specific situation allows for reinstatement or whether you must pursue an appeal through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
How long does reinstatement take?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after TDI receives your complete request. If you submit by mail, add one to two weeks for delivery and initial processing. You'll receive an email or letter when your reinstatement is approved.