Key Takeaways
- Ohio insurance licenses are valid for 2 years (biennial renewal based on birth month)
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require re-examination
- Address changes must be reported to ODI within 30 days
- ODI can discipline licensees for violations including suspension, revocation, or fines
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Ohio insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Cycle | Based on birth month |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalties may apply |
| Expired Over 12 Months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Ohio 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 ODI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course in consecutive renewal periods
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Ohio accepts courses from other NAIC states (reciprocity)
Exam Tip: Ohio requires 24 hours of CE with 3 hours of ethics every 2 years. This is standard across many states.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date (birth month)
- Submit renewal through NIPR or ODI online system
- Pay renewal fee ($50)
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| 1-12 months late | Penalty fee, cannot practice until renewed |
| Over 12 months late | Must retake licensing exam |
Reporting Requirements
Ohio producers must notify ODI 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 Ohio insurance law and may result in disciplinary action including fines.
Disciplinary Actions
ODI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty (up to $25,000 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
- Failure to report changes
License Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively 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:
- Complete any outstanding CE
- Pay required fees and penalties
- Submit reinstatement application
- Pass background check if required
- If expired over 12 months, must re-examine
How many hours of continuing education does Ohio require for license renewal?
Within how many days must an Ohio insurance producer report an address change to ODI?
What happens if an Ohio insurance license expires and is not renewed for more than 12 months?