1.2 License Lines, the PSI Examination, Nonresident Reciprocity & Catastrophe Registration (RS 22:1664–1671)

Lines of Authority (R.S. 22:1671(A))

A Louisiana claims adjuster license lists the licensee's name, business address, license number, issue date and expiration date. It is issued in one or more lines of authority:

1. Property and casualty
2. Workers' compensation
3. Crop
4. Any limited line issued under R.S. 22:1666

Under R.S. 22:1666, the Department may issue a limited claims adjuster license when the commissioner considers it necessary. The license must specifically limit the kinds of insurance the person may handle, and the adjuster may not adjust any other kind of claim. NIPR's Louisiana nonresident adjuster instructions note that the automobile, personal lines and commercial lines authorities are included in an active comprehensive property and casualty line.

The PSI Adjuster Examinations

PSI's Louisiana Department of Insurance Licensing Examinations Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 1/1/2025) lists these adjuster-side exams:

The Series 204 content outline states 150 questions, a 70% minimum passing score and 160 minutes. It weights Louisiana Insurance Regulation 23%, Adjustment Process 17%, P&C Insurance Basics 9%, Homeowners 8%, Commercial General Liability 8%, Contracts 7%, Dwelling 7%, Commercial Property 7%, Personal Auto 5%, Commercial Auto 5%, Other Types of Policies 3% and Federal Regulation 1%.

Test-Day Rules From the PSI Bulletin

• Since July 8, 2024, Louisiana insurance license exams are given only at PSI test centers; remote testing ended.
• PSI may add 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions, which count against exam time.
• Bring one valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature that matches your registration name.
• A silent, non-programmable calculator without alpha keys is allowed; scratch paper and a pencil are provided.
• Cancel or reschedule at least 2 days before the appointment to keep the fee.
• Scores display on screen, and failing candidates receive a diagnostic report. You cannot rebook on the day you test, but you can call the next day for the next available seat. The bulletin places no limit on retakes.
• Examination fees are not refundable or transferable.

Resident License Qualifications (R.S. 22:1664 and 22:1665)

Before issuing a resident license, the commissioner must find that the applicant:

• is eligible to designate Louisiana as the home state, or is a nonresident who cannot get a license through reciprocity under R.S. 22:1670;
• has not committed an act that is a ground for denial, suspension or revocation under R.S. 22:1672;
• has paid the fees set in R.S. 22:821;
• maintains an office in the home state that the public can access by reasonable appointment or during regular business hours; and
• has the commissioner's written consent under 18 U.S.C. 1033 when that federal statute applies.

An individual must also be at least 18 years old and pass the adjuster examination unless exempt under R.S. 22:1669. A business entity must designate a licensed individual adjuster who is responsible for its compliance and may let only licensed individual adjusters exercise its license. A nonresident who cannot qualify through reciprocity may designate Louisiana as the home state by passing the Louisiana examination (R.S. 22:1665(D)). Canadian residents must pass the examination but are excused from the home-state office requirement (R.S. 22:1665(E)).

Application, Fingerprints and Fees

• Applications are filed through NIPR. Louisiana has no prelicensing education requirement for claims adjuster examinations. PSI's bulletin lists prelicensing requirements only for public adjuster candidates (Department pre-approval) and bail bond candidates (an apprentice program).
• R.S. 22:1664(C) authorizes state and FBI fingerprint-based background checks. The LDI instructs first-time resident applicants to file the application and background check authorization first. Applicants then fingerprint at IdentoGO only after receiving the LDI's instructions; fingerprints taken earlier are not accepted.
• Fingerprints are not required for nonresidents, for a resident licensee adding a line, or for reinstatement within two years of a lapse (LDI).
• Fees (R.S. 22:821(B)(23); LDI lists them as effective January 2026): $75 for a first-time resident or nonresident individual application, $75 per two-year renewal, $75 for business entities, and $25 for a catastrophe or emergency registration. Separately, the insurer or applicant may owe fingerprint and PSI examination fees.

Examination Rules and Exemptions (R.S. 22:1668 and 22:1669)

The examination tests the individual's knowledge of an adjuster's duties and responsibilities and of Louisiana insurance laws and regulations. The commissioner may contract with testing services, and applicants may be required to pay the testing firm directly. An applicant who fails the exam or does not appear must reapply and pay all required fees before rescheduling (R.S. 22:1668(C)).

No examination is required for:

1. A licensed adjuster moving to Louisiana. The adjuster must hold an exam-based resident license in another state and apply within 90 days of establishing Louisiana residence. The exemption applies only if the other-state license is current, or the application arrives within 90 days of that license's cancellation with good standing certified by the prior state or shown in NAIC records (R.S. 22:1669(A)).
2. A former Louisiana adjuster. The application must be received within 24 months of the Louisiana license's cancellation; the adjuster must have been in good standing at cancellation and must have passed the Louisiana examination (R.S. 22:1669(B)).

Nonresident Licenses (R.S. 22:1670)

A nonresident receives a Louisiana nonresident claims adjuster license, unless denied under R.S. 22:1672, when:

• the person holds a current resident claims adjuster license in good standing in the home state and, if an individual, passed a claims adjuster examination. If the home state does not require an examination, the individual must pass the Louisiana examination;
• the person submits the R.S. 22:821 fees and a completed application; and
• the home state issues nonresident adjuster licenses to Louisiana residents on the same basis.

Nonresident licensees must appoint the commissioner as agent for service of process; the commissioner forwards served process within 10 days. The license continues only while the adjuster keeps a resident license in the home state. It terminates if that license ends, unless the adjuster becomes licensed in a new reciprocal home state and notifies Louisiana within 30 days of the change.

Catastrophe or Emergency Registration (R.S. 22:1667)

After a hurricane or other declared catastrophe, Louisiana's licensed adjuster pool is rarely large enough. R.S. 22:1667 lets an insurer bring in an unlicensed individual it employs or retains to adjust catastrophe or emergency losses, but the individual must be registered: