Key Takeaways
- Washington insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year period
- At least 3 hours of ethics CE is required every renewal period
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address changes must be reported to OIC within 30 days
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Washington insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $55 |
| Late Renewal (within 90 days) | Fee + penalty |
| Expired 90 days to 12 months | May reinstate with CE and fees |
| Expired Over 12 months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Washington 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 OIC-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Ethics course must cover regulatory topics
- Cannot repeat same course in consecutive periods
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Exam Tip: Washington requires 24 hours of CE with 3 hours of ethics. This matches the standard for many states.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal through NIPR
- Pay renewal fee ($55)
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| Up to 90 days late | Penalty fee, cannot practice until renewed |
| 90 days to 12 months late | May reinstate with CE and additional fees |
| Over 12 months late | Must retake licensing exam |
Reporting Requirements
Washington producers must notify OIC of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Change in email address
Failure to Report
Failure to report changes within 30 days is a violation of RCW Title 48 and may result in disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Actions
OIC 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 | 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
- Twisting or churning
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
- Submit reinstatement application
- Pass background check if required
How many hours of continuing education does Washington require for license renewal?
Within how many days must a Washington insurance producer report an address change to OIC?
What happens if a Washington insurance license expires and is not renewed for more than 12 months?