
In many states, individuals with a felony conviction can still obtain a health insurance agent license, but it's not a straightforward process.
The licensing requirements vary by state, but some states have specific restrictions or additional requirements for felons. For example, in California, a felony conviction may require a separate application and approval process.
The type of felony and the circumstances surrounding it can also impact eligibility. In some cases, a felony conviction may be considered a "barrier" to licensure, while in others, it may be considered a "mitigating factor".
A felony conviction may also require disclosure on the licensing application, and some states may conduct a background check as part of the licensing process.
Recommended read: Is Dental Insurance Considered Medical Insurance
Eligibility and Barriers
If you've got a misdemeanor or felony on your record, you'll need to contact the licensing department for a case-by-case determination of your eligibility. They'll want to see a written statement explaining the circumstances of the incident, a copy of the charging document, and a copy of the official document showing the resolution of the charge.
Certain felonies will permanently bar you from licensure, including those related to the financial services business. This means if you've been convicted of a felony involving money laundering, embezzlement, or a similar offense, you won't be eligible for a health insurance agent license.
Here are some specific crimes that will permanently bar you from licensure:
Eligibility and Barriers
If you have a criminal record, you may face eligibility barriers when applying for a license in the insurance industry. A misdemeanor, felony, or other criminal offense on your record will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
To determine eligibility, you'll need to provide documentation, including a written statement explaining the circumstances of the incident(s), a copy of the charging document(s), and a copy of the official document demonstrating the resolution of the charge(s) or any final judgment.
A 15-year disqualifying period exists for all felonies involving moral turpitude that aren't permanently barred. A 7-year disqualifying period applies to all felonies not covered by the permanent bar or 15-year disqualifying period, as well as all misdemeanors directly related to the financial services business.
Broaden your view: Agent of Record Insurance
Some specific crimes that may result in a 7-year disqualifying period include:
- Use or Possession of ID of Another Person without Consent
- Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (Not Involving Intentional Bodily Injury)
- Burglary (Depending on Circumstances)
- Carrying A Concealed Weapon
- Child Neglect
- Criminal Mischief
- Domestic Violence
- Driving Under Influence/Driving While Intoxicated
- Driving While License Suspended/Revoked
- Felony Battery
- Fleeing and Eluding (Lights & Sirens)
The disqualifying periods begin upon the applicant's final release from supervision or upon completion of the applicant's criminal sentence, including payment of fines, restitution, and court costs.
Expand your knowledge: An Agent and an Applicant for a Life Insurance Policy
Permanent Bar
If you've committed a felony, you might be barred from getting a license. This permanent bar applies to convictions, guilty pleas, or nolo contendere pleas, regardless of adjudication, by any applicant.
Certain felonies will permanently bar you from licensure, including first-degree felonies, capital felonies, felonies involving money laundering, felonies of embezzlement, and felonies directly related to the financial services business.
A permanent bar also applies to convictions or pleas related to counterfeiting, false statements, or sale of unregistered securities.
Here are the specific crimes that will permanently bar you from licensure:
- Any Capital Felony
- Any Felony Directly Related to Financial Services Business
- Any First-Degree Felony
- Counterfeiting - (Financial Services Instruments)
- Embezzlement
- False Statement (Financial Services Transactions)
- Money Laundering
- Sale of Unregistered Securities
Tac Sections 1.501-1.509
In sections 1.501-1.509, the eligibility criteria for certain benefits are outlined.
The Department of Labor defines a "qualified alien" as an individual who is not a U.S. citizen but is lawfully present in the country.

To be eligible for certain benefits, an individual must be a qualified alien or have been a qualified alien in the past.
Section 1.503 explains that certain benefits, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are only available to U.S. citizens and qualified aliens.
Section 1.505 lists specific benefits that are not available to certain individuals, including those who are not qualified aliens.
In section 1.507, it's stated that some benefits may be available to individuals who are not qualified aliens, but only if they meet specific requirements.
Section 1.509 explains that certain benefits may be available to individuals who are not qualified aliens, but only if they have been lawfully present in the country for a certain period.
Related reading: What Does Health Insurance Not Cover
License Denial or Revocation
If you're wondering why your application for a health insurance agent license might be denied or revoked, it's essential to know the reasons. The NAIC's 14 reasons for license denial, non-renewal, or revocation include providing incorrect or misleading information, violating insurance laws, and committing insurance fraud.
You could also be denied a license if you've been convicted of a felony or have a history of dishonest practices. Failing to pay state income tax or comply with a court order can also lead to license denial or revocation.
Here are the 14 reasons for license denial, non-renewal, or revocation:
- Providing incorrect, misleading, incomplete or materially untrue information in the license application;
- Violating any insurance laws, or violating any regulation, subpoena or order of the insurance commissioner or of another state’s insurance commissioner;
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license through misrepresentation or fraud;
- Improperly withholding, misappropriating or converting any monies or properties received in the course of doing insurance business;
- Intentionally misrepresenting the terms of an actual or proposed insurance contract or application for insurance;
- Having been convicted of a felony;
- Having admitted or been found to have committed any insurance unfair trade practice or fraud;
- Using fraudulent, coercive, or dishonest practices, or demonstrating incompetence, untrustworthiness or financial irresponsibility in the conduct of business in this state or elsewhere;
- Having an insurance producer license, or its equivalent, denied, suspended or revoked in any other state, province, district or territory;
- Forging another’s name to an application for insurance or to any document related to an insurance transaction;
- Improperly using notes or any other reference material to complete an examination for an insurance license;
- Knowingly accepting insurance business from an individual who is not licensed;
- Failing to comply with an administrative or court order imposing a child support obligation; or
- Failing to pay state income tax or comply with any administrative or court order directing payment of state income tax.
NAIC's Reasons for License Denial or Revocation
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has 14 reasons for denying or revoking an insurance license. These reasons cover a range of behaviors, from dishonesty to incompetence.
Providing incorrect or misleading information on a license application can lead to denial or revocation. This includes lies of omission, where you might forget to include important information or intentionally leave it out.
Violating insurance laws or regulations can also result in license denial or revocation. This includes violating a subpoena or order from the insurance commissioner.
Obtaining a license through misrepresentation or fraud is a serious offense that can lead to license denial or revocation.
Improperly withholding or converting money or property received in the course of doing business can also result in license denial or revocation.
Here are the 14 reasons for license denial or revocation, as outlined by the NAIC:
- Providing incorrect, misleading, incomplete or materially untrue information in the license application;
- Violating any insurance laws, or violating any regulation, subpoena or order of the insurance commissioner or of another state’s insurance commissioner;
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license through misrepresentation or fraud;
- Improperly withholding, misappropriating or converting any monies or properties received in the course of doing insurance business;
- Intentionally misrepresenting the terms of an actual or proposed insurance contract or application for insurance;
- Having been convicted of a felony;
- Having admitted or been found to have committed any insurance unfair trade practice or fraud;
- Using fraudulent, coercive, or dishonest practices, or demonstrating incompetence, untrustworthiness or financial irresponsibility in the conduct of business in this state or elsewhere;
- Having an insurance producer license, or its equivalent, denied, suspended or revoked in any other state, province, district or territory;
- Forging another’s name to an application for insurance or to any document related to an insurance transaction;
- Improperly using notes or any other reference material to complete an examination for an insurance license;
- Knowingly accepting insurance business from an individual who is not licensed;
- Failing to comply with an administrative or court order imposing a child support obligation;
- Failing to pay state income tax or comply with any administrative or court order directing payment of state income tax.
Re: 1033 Waivers
If you've received a 1033 waiver, you're likely aware that it's a serious matter that can impact your ability to hold a firearms license. A 1033 waiver is typically issued when a person has been convicted of a felony or has been deemed a threat to public safety.
You can be denied a firearms license if you've been issued a 1033 waiver. This is because the waiver is a flag that indicates you're not eligible to possess a firearm.
The 1033 waiver process can be lengthy and complex, involving multiple government agencies and a thorough review of your case. If you're facing a 1033 waiver, it's essential to seek professional help to navigate the system.
A 1033 waiver can be issued for various reasons, including a felony conviction or a court-ordered protection order.
A unique perspective: Can You Be an Insurance Agent with a Felony
Selling Insurance Without a License
Selling insurance without a license is a serious offense in the United States, as it's illegal in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
You can get in big trouble for selling insurance without a license, and it may prevent you from becoming licensed in the future.
The laws regarding selling insurance without a license vary by state, but it's always a crime.
For another approach, see: Can You Have Dental Insurance without Health Insurance
License Reinstatement
If a producer loses their license because of misconduct, they may be eligible for reinstatement. Either way, the process of getting a license back isn't automatic.
License reinstatement means the producer's previous license is reactivated. This can be a more straightforward process than reissuance, but it's still subject to certain conditions.
The producer must meet the requirements set by the insurance law, which may include paying any fines or penalties associated with the disciplinary action. This can be a significant hurdle to overcome.
Reinstatement is often considered a better option than reissuance because it preserves the producer's existing license history. This can be especially important for experienced agents who have built a reputation in the industry.
However, reinstatement is not guaranteed and is ultimately up to the discretion of the regulatory body. The producer must demonstrate that they have learned from their mistakes and are committed to upholding the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work in healthcare with felonies?
Working in healthcare with felonies is possible, but it depends on the type of conviction and the specific laws in your area. Certain felony convictions may lead to disqualification, so it's essential to review the regulations and consult with a healthcare professional or attorney for guidance.
Can a felon get a series 7 license?
Obtaining a Series 7 license as a felon is challenging due to a 10-year disqualification period for felony convictions. However, some firms may consider hiring convicted felons, so it's worth exploring further
What professional license can a convicted felon get in Texas?
In Texas, a convicted felon may be eligible for certain professional licenses, but eligibility requires research and meeting specific requirements. Check the links in the description for more information on available options.
Sources
- https://www.insurance.wa.gov/if-you-have-criminal-offense
- https://myfloridacfo.com/division/agents/licensing/agents-and-adjusters/criminal-histories
- https://agentsync.io/blog/compliance/14-reasons-why-an-insurance-provider-might-lose-their-license
- https://www.tdi.texas.gov/rules/2006/1003-059.html
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/ogco2009/rg090805.htm
Featured Images: pexels.com