What you need to do to get your Maryland life insurance license back
If your Maryland life insurance license has lapsed or been suspended, you can reinstate it through the Maryland Insurance Administration. The process depends on how long it has been inactive and whether your license was suspended for a specific reason or straightforward expired. Most reinstated licenses require you to pay a fee, complete any outstanding continuing education, and submit a reinstatement form to the state.
The Maryland Insurance Administration handles all license reinstatements for life insurance agents. You will work directly with them, not with your former insurance company or broker. The timeline for reinstatement typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on whether your process is complete and whether any compliance issues need to be resolved first.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maryland Insurance Administration directly to find out whether your license can be reinstated or whether you need to take the licensing exam again.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on whether your license expired recently or has been inactive for several years.
- If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you may be required to complete continuing education hours or retake the licensing exam.
- Submit your reinstatement form and fee to the Maryland Insurance Administration, and expect a response within two to four weeks.
Check your license status with the Maryland Insurance Administration
Before you begin the reinstatement process, you need to know the current status of your license. The Maryland Insurance Administration maintains a public database where you can search for your name and see whether your license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked. Go to the Maryland Insurance Administration website and use their license lookup tool to find your record.
If your license shows as expired or lapsed, reinstatement is usually possible. If it shows as suspended or revoked, you will need to contact the Maryland Insurance Administration directly to understand why and whether reinstatement is an option. Suspension and revocation are typically the result of a complaint or disciplinary action, and the process to restore your license will be different from a straightforward reinstatement.
Gather the documents and information you will need
The Maryland Insurance Administration will ask for specific information when you submit your reinstatement request. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the license number ready. You will also need to know when your license expired and whether you have held any other insurance licenses in Maryland or other states during the time your license was inactive.
If you have been working in insurance under a different license or in a different state, or if you have had any disciplinary action taken against you since your license lapsed, disclose that information on your reinstatement form. The state uses this to determine whether you meet the conditions for reinstatement. Incomplete or inaccurate forms delay the process.
Complete continuing education if required
Maryland requires life insurance agents to complete continuing education hours to keep their licenses current. If your license has been inactive for fewer than two years, you may not need to complete additional hours before reinstatement. If it has been inactive for two years or longer, you will typically need to complete the continuing education hours that you would have been required to take during the time your license was inactive.
The Maryland Insurance Administration specifies how many hours you need and which courses count toward the requirement. You can take these courses online through approved providers. Once you have completed the hours, you will receive a certificate of completion that you submit along with your reinstatement form. Do not submit your reinstatement request until you have finished the education requirement, because the state will not process your process without proof of completion.
Submit your reinstatement form and fee to the state
The Maryland Insurance Administration provides a reinstatement form on its website. Fill out the form completely, including your personal information, license history, and any continuing education certificates. Sign and date the form. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee payable to the Maryland Insurance Administration.
Mail your completed form, fee, and supporting documents to the address listed on the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The state will send you a confirmation when your process is received. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it may take longer if the state needs additional information from you.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
Once the Maryland Insurance Administration receives your process, they will review it to make sure all required information is present and that you meet the conditions for reinstatement. If something is missing or unclear, they will contact you and ask you to provide it. Respond promptly to any requests from the state, because delays on your end will extend the timeline.
When your reinstatement is approved, the Maryland Insurance Administration will issue you a new license certificate and update their database to show your license as active. You can then begin selling life insurance again. Your new license will have the same expiration date as other licenses issued in that year, so you will need to renew it on the state's renewal schedule going forward.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
The Maryland Insurance Administration may deny your reinstatement request if you do not meet the conditions for reinstatement, such as if you have an outstanding disciplinary issue or if you failed to complete required continuing education. If your request is denied, the state will send you a written explanation of the reason.
If the denial is based on incomplete information or a misunderstanding, you can contact the Maryland Insurance Administration to clarify and resubmit. If the denial is based on a disciplinary matter, you may have the right to request a hearing or appeal. The state's denial letter will explain what options are available to you and how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a life insurance license in Maryland?
Most reinstatements take two to four weeks from the time the Maryland Insurance Administration receives your complete process. If your process is missing information or if the state needs to verify something about your background, it may take longer. Contact the state directly if you have not heard back after four weeks.
Do I have to retake the licensing exam to reinstate my license?
If your license has been inactive for fewer than two years, you typically do not need to retake the exam. If it has been inactive for two years or longer, the Maryland Insurance Administration may require you to retake the exam or complete additional continuing education. Contact the state to find out what applies to your situation.
What if I do not remember my license number?
You can find your license number by searching the Maryland Insurance Administration's public database using your name and date of birth. If you still cannot locate it, contact the Maryland Insurance Administration directly and provide your Social Security number and date of birth, and they will look it up for you.
Can I reinstate my license if it was suspended for a violation?
Reinstatement after suspension depends on the reason for the suspension and whether the suspension period has ended. Contact the Maryland Insurance Administration to understand the specific conditions that must be met before your license can be reinstated. You may need to complete additional requirements beyond the standard reinstatement process.
What is the reinstatement fee in Maryland?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you are reinstating a life insurance license only or multiple license types. Check the Maryland Insurance Administration website or contact them directly for the current fee amount that applies to your situation.