What you need to pay to reinstate a lapsed Texas insurance license
Reinstating a lapsed Texas insurance license requires paying the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) a reinstatement fee, plus any outstanding renewal fees you missed while the license was inactive. The reinstatement fee is $50, and you must also pay the full renewal fee for the license type you held — this varies by license class and ranges from roughly $100 to $300 depending on whether you held a property and casualty license, life and health license, or another type.
If your license lapsed because you did not renew it on time, you may also owe a late renewal fee. TDI charges an additional fee if you renew after the expiration date, though the exact amount depends on how long the license has been inactive. The longer your license has been expired, the more you may owe in total fees.
You do not have to pay fines in the traditional sense — TDI does not impose penalties for straightforward letting a license expire. However, you cannot legally work as an insurance agent, broker, or adjuster in Texas while your license is lapsed, and working without a valid license can result in enforcement action and actual fines from the state.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement requires paying a $50 reinstatement fee plus the full renewal fee for your license type, which ranges from approximately $100 to $300.
- If you renew after your license expiration date, you will owe an additional late renewal fee on top of the standard renewal cost.
- You must submit your reinstatement request and payment through the TDI online licensing system or by mail to the Texas Department of Insurance.
- Reinstatement typically takes five to ten business days once TDI receives your complete payment and any required forms.
- Working as an insurance professional without a valid license is illegal in Texas and can result in enforcement action and substantial fines.
How to submit your reinstatement request to TDI
Log into your account on the TDI licensing portal at license.tdi.texas.gov. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your Social Security number or Federal Employer Identification Number. Once logged in, navigate to the "Renew License" or "Reinstate License" section — the exact wording depends on how long your license has been expired.
Select your license type and confirm the information TDI has on file. Review the renewal requirements for your license class, which may include continuing education hours if your license has been inactive for more than two years. Pay the reinstatement fee and renewal fee using a credit card or electronic check. TDI will send you a confirmation email with a receipt number.
If you prefer to submit by mail, read the reinstatement form from the TDI website, print it, and mail it along with a check or money order to the Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78714-9104. Include your license number and a note explaining that you are requesting reinstatement. Mail submission takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so the online method is faster.
Continuing education requirements if your license has been inactive
If your license has been inactive for two years or longer, you must complete continuing education (CE) hours before TDI will reinstate it. The number of hours required depends on your license type: property and casualty agents typically need 30 hours, life and health agents need 30 hours, and adjusters need 24 hours. TDI specifies which courses count toward reinstatement — not all CE providers are approved.
You can take these courses online through approved providers, and most can be completed in a few days. You do not need to finish CE before submitting your reinstatement request, but you must complete it and provide proof to TDI before your license will actually be reinstated. Once you finish a course, the provider will send your completion certificate directly to TDI, or you can upload it yourself through the licensing portal.
If your license lapsed less than two years ago, you do not need to complete additional CE to reinstate — you only pay the fees and submit the reinstatement request.
Timeline for reinstatement and when you can work again
Once TDI receives your complete reinstatement request with payment, processing typically takes five to ten business days. If you submitted by mail, add an additional week for delivery and processing time. TDI will email you when your license has been reinstated and will update the status in the online licensing portal.
You cannot legally work as an insurance professional until TDI confirms that your license is active. Check the portal or wait for the confirmation email before you contact clients or employers. If you need your license reinstated urgently, call the TDI licensing division at (512) 676-6750 to ask whether expedited processing is possible — this is not may provide, but staff can sometimes prioritize requests.
If your reinstatement is delayed, it is usually because TDI is waiting for proof of continuing education or because your payment did not process correctly. Call the licensing division to confirm what TDI needs from you.
What happens if you work without a valid license
Working as an insurance agent, broker, or adjuster in Texas without a valid license is illegal. If TDI discovers that you worked while your license was lapsed, the department can issue a cease and desist order, fine you up to $1,000 per violation, and potentially pursue criminal charges depending on the circumstances. Each day you work without a license can be counted as a separate violation, so the fines can accumulate quickly.
Employers are also responsible for ensuring their agents hold valid licenses. If your employer knowingly allowed you to work without a license, they face their own fines and potential license suspension. This is why it is important to notify your employer when ready if your license lapses and to reinstate it as soon as possible.
If you are unsure whether your license is currently active, check the TDI licensing portal or call (512) 676-6750 to verify your status before you conduct any insurance business.
Reinstating a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked by TDI — rather than straightforward allowed to lapse — reinstatement is more complex and may not be possible when ready. Suspensions are usually temporary and tied to a specific violation or unpaid fine. Revocations are permanent unless TDI grants a petition for reinstatement, which is rare.
If your license was suspended, contact TDI to find out what you must do to lift the suspension. You may need to pay a fine, complete additional training, or resolve a complaint. Once the suspension is lifted, you can reinstate your license by paying the standard reinstatement and renewal fees.
If your license was revoked, you will need to file a formal petition with TDI requesting reinstatement. This process is lengthy and requires demonstrating that you have corrected the underlying problem. You should consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance licensing before pursuing this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license if I owe money to TDI for a previous fine?
No. TDI will not process your reinstatement request if you have an outstanding balance owed to the department. You must pay any fines or fees in full before submitting your reinstatement request. Contact TDI at (512) 676-6750 to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I let my license lapse while I was out of state or deployed?
TDI does not grant automatic extensions for military service or relocation. However, you can reinstate your license at any time by paying the reinstatement and renewal fees. If you were deployed, you may want to contact TDI to explain the circumstances — staff cannot waive fees, but they can confirm the reinstatement process and timeline.
Do I have to take a new exam to reinstate my license?
No. You do not need to retake the licensing exam to reinstate a lapsed license. You only need to pay the fees and, if your license was inactive for two years or more, complete the required continuing education hours. The exam is only required when you first obtain a license.
How long does it take to reinstate if I submit online versus by mail?
Online submission is faster — typically five to ten business days from the time TDI receives your payment. Mail submission takes two to three weeks because of delivery time plus processing. If you need your license reinstated quickly, use the online portal at license.tdi.texas.gov.
What if TDI denies my reinstatement request?
TDI rarely denies a reinstatement request if you have paid all fees and completed required continuing education. Denial usually happens only if you have an outstanding fine, a suspension or revocation on your record, or if TDI discovers you worked without a license while it was lapsed. If your request is denied, TDI will explain why in writing and tell you what steps you need to take next.