Key Takeaways
- Georgia insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address and name changes must be reported to the Commissioner within 30 days
- The Commissioner can discipline licensees through suspension, revocation, or fines up to $10,000
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Georgia insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Expiration Date | Last day of birth month |
| Renewal Fee | $15 per line |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees |
| Expired 12+ Months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Georgia requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Ethics course must cover industry ethics, not just Georgia law
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Exam Tip: Georgia requires 24 hours of CE with 3 hours of ethics. This is a common requirement across many states.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal through Georgia Agent Licensing portal
- Pay renewal fee ($15 per line)
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| 1-12 months late | Late fee, cannot practice until renewed |
| Over 12 months late | Must retake licensing exam |
Reporting Requirements
Georgia producers must notify the Commissioner of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of email address
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Failure to Report
Failure to report changes within 30 days is a violation of Title 33 and may result in disciplinary action including fines.
Disciplinary Actions
The Commissioner can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Warning | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license (up to 12 months) |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty (up to $10,000 per violation) |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common Violations
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to disclose material information
- Commingling of funds
- Unauthorized transactions
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Felony conviction
- Twisting or churning policies
License Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not currently practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Surrendered | Voluntarily gave up license |
Reinstating a License
To reinstate an expired or inactive license (within 12 months):
- Complete any outstanding CE
- Pay required fees and penalties
- Submit reinstatement application
- Pass background check if required
How many hours of continuing education does Georgia require for license renewal?
Within how many days must a Georgia insurance producer report an address change to the Commissioner?
What happens if a Georgia insurance license expires and is not renewed for more than 12 months?