
Becoming a New York life insurance agent requires meeting the state's licensing requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
To start, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course approved by the New York State Insurance Department. This will cover topics such as life insurance, annuities, and ethics.
You'll also need to pass a licensing exam administered by the Insurance Department. The exam will test your knowledge of life insurance and related topics.
Becoming a New York Life Insurance Agent
To become a New York life insurance agent, you'll need to get your New York life insurance license. You can start by taking a New York Insurance Pre-license Course, which costs $149 or more.
This course is offered by Kaplan Education Company, a well-known provider of insurance education. You'll need to complete this course before you can take the licensing exam.
The licensing exam is administered by PSI and costs $33. You'll need to pass this exam to demonstrate your knowledge of life insurance laws and regulations in New York.
After passing the exam, you'll need to complete a New York Life Insurance License Application, which costs a $40 application fee. This application is submitted through the DFS Secure Portal.
Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to wait for the results. The whole process can take some time, so be patient and stay on top of your application.
Licensing and Certification
To become a New York life insurance agent, you'll need to meet the licensing requirements. You can choose from various types of licenses, including Adjuster (Independent or Public), Life and Accident/Health and Variable Life/Variable Annuity Agent or Broker, and Life Settlement Provider, among others.
To qualify for a license, you must complete a Department-approved prelicensing education course totaling not less than 40 hours of instruction for the life, accident & health authority or not less than 20 hours for either life only or accident & health only authority.
Here's a list of the prelicensing education requirements:
- Complete a 20-hour pre-license course on life insurance.
- Pass, within 2 years of applying for the license, licensing exam administered by PSI Services.
- A candidate applying for variable life/variable annuities authority must provide proof of having passed FINRA series 6, 7 or 63.
Licensing Applications
You can apply for various types of insurance licenses in New York, including life and accident/health and variable life/variable annuity agent or broker.
The New York State DFS offers different types of licensing applications, such as for adjusters, bail bond agents, consultants, and more.
You can find a list of insurance licensing applications on the DFS website, including applications for life settlement brokers, life settlement intermediaries, and life settlement providers.
The DFS Secure Portal is the online platform where you can submit your license application and pay the $40 application fee.
The DFS will review your application in the order it receives it, and this process usually takes one to five business days.
You can send any questions or supporting documents to [email protected].
Here are some examples of insurance licensing applications you can submit to the DFS:
- Adjuster (Independent or Public)
- Adjuster Temporary Permit
- Bail Bond Agent Licensing
- Consultant (General or Life)
- Excess Line Broker
- Life and Accident/Health and Variable Life/Variable Annuity Agent or Broker
- Life Settlement Broker
- Life Settlement Intermediary
- Life Settlement Provider
- Limited Agent (rental vehicle companies, wireless communications equipment vendors, and self-storage companies)
- Mortgage Guaranty Agent
- Property and Casualty Agent or Broker
- Service Contract Provider
- Title Insurance Agent
Maintain Valid License
To keep your license valid, you must complete the required continuing education (CE) hours in a timely manner. In New York, this means finishing 15 hours of CE every two years.
You should try to complete the required CE hours at least 120 days before your license expires to avoid delays in renewing your license. This allows enough time for your CE provider to report your successful completion to the New York State DFS.
There is a $80 renewal fee that will need to be paid when renewing your license.
License Process
To become a licensed life insurance agent in New York, you'll need to pass the life insurance exam. The application fee is $40, and you must apply online via the DFS Secure Portal.
You must be at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam to be issued a life insurance license. You should submit your completed license application within 12 months of passing the exam.
To apply for a life insurance license in New York, make sure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the New York Insurance Law and New York Administrative Code. The New York State DFS reviews applications in the order it receives them, and this process usually takes one to five business days from the date you submit your application.
Here are the types of insurance licenses you can apply for in New York:
- Life and Accident/Health and Variable Life/Variable Annuity Agent or Broker
- Life Settlement Broker
- Life Settlement Intermediary
- Life Settlement Provider
- Limited Agent (rental vehicle companies, wireless communications equipment vendors, and self-storage companies)
- Mortgage Guaranty Agent
- Property and Casualty Agent or Broker
- Title Insurance Agent
If you have any questions or need to submit supporting documents, you can email the New York State DFS at [email protected].
Complete License Application
To complete your license application, you'll need to submit your application online via the DFS Secure Portal. The application fee is $40, and you must apply within 12 months of passing the exam.
You must also ensure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the New York Insurance Law and New York Administrative Code. If you have any questions or need to send supporting documents, email [email protected].
The New York State DFS will review your application in the order it receives them, and this process usually takes one to five business days from the date you submit your application.
Step 4: Monitor Application Results
Once you've submitted your application, it's time to wait for the results. You'll receive an email from the New York State DFS with its decision.

The DFS will either email you with its decision or ask for more information. This is a crucial step, so keep an eye on your email.
You can print your license from the DFS Secure Portal once your application has been approved. There's no charge to print a license, so you can do it at no additional cost.
Steps After Securing Your License
To excel as a New York life insurance agent, you'll need to follow a few key steps after securing your license. Kaplan's online courses, which come with a 93% pass rate, can help you prepare for your insurance license exam(s).
First, you'll want to check out our guide on how to get your New York property and casualty (P&C) license. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and process.
You can also check out our Steps After Getting Your Insurance License guide for a more in-depth look at each step. This will provide you with a clear roadmap for maintaining your life insurance license and succeeding as an insurance agent.
Sales and Marketing
As a New York Life insurance agent, you'll have the flexibility to set your own pace and income objectives. You'll be the master of your career path.
To succeed, it's essential to develop a marketing approach that works for you. This might involve finding and sticking to a niche, which can improve client conversions.
Organizing client appointments for the start of your week can also help you stay on top of your work and achieve better results. By doing so, you'll be able to focus on what matters most – building strong relationships with your clients.
Income Potential & Benefits
You can set your own pace and establish your own income objectives as a sales agent. This flexibility is a key benefit of this career path.
The commission-based compensation structure allows you to earn a competitive income. You can work hard and earn a good income, but it's also up to you to decide how much time and effort you put in.
As a sales agent, you have the ability to master your career path. This means you get to decide how you want to grow and develop your skills.
By becoming a New York Life agent, you'll have access to competitive benefits. These benefits can help you achieve a better work-life balance and financial stability.
Choose a Sales Channel
Choosing a sales channel is a crucial decision that can impact your business's success. You'll need to decide whether to work as a captive agent or run your own business as an independent agent.
Working as a captive agent can provide stability and structure, especially for those just starting out. This option is likely to benefit beginners who can learn from the company's resources and support.
However, running your own independent agency can offer more freedom and flexibility, allowing you to pursue your personal aspirations and opportunities.
Ultimately, the choice between a captive agent and an independent agent will depend on your individual goals and circumstances.
Develop Your Marketing Approach
Developing a marketing approach is crucial for success as an insurance agent.
Finding and sticking to a niche is a key strategy. This allows you to tailor your marketing efforts to a specific group of clients, increasing your chances of converting them into customers.
Organizing all client appointments for the start of your week can improve overall client conversions.
Comprehensive Sales Training
New York Life offers a comprehensive sales training program called NYLIC University, which can help you succeed even without prior sales experience. This multidimensional program provides the necessary training to point you to success.
The company keeps its sales agents informed about the latest computer equipment and software packages, ensuring they have the tools they need to excel in their roles. This commitment to ongoing education and support is a key aspect of New York Life's sales training program.
If you join New York Life, you'll embark on a lifetime of learning and professional development through comprehensive training in insurance and financial services. This commitment to your growth and development is a key part of the company's approach to sales training.
Many of New York Life's senior executives started their careers as sales agents in the field, demonstrating the company's ability to support and develop its sales talent. This structured approach to career development can help you move into management roles and achieve your long-term career goals.
Career Advancement

As a New York Life insurance agent, you'll have opportunities to advance your career and take on new challenges. After serving as a sales agent for at least two years, you may qualify to enter management.
You'll have career choices that are hard to imagine, and it's an opportunity to be in business for yourself, but never by yourself. This means you'll have the freedom to make your own decisions and work independently, while still having the support of the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to get hired by New York Life?
Getting hired by New York Life is considered moderately challenging, with a difficulty rating of 2.43 out of 5. However, with a positive interview experience for 58.1% of Glassdoor users, it's worth exploring the hiring process further.
How much does a NY life insurance agent make?
According to data, a New York Life Insurance Agent's average yearly pay in the US is around $78,946, which is 33% above the national average. This salary can be a great incentive for those considering a career in life insurance sales.
Is it hard to be a New York Life agent?
Being a New York Life agent can be challenging, especially when finding new leads, but the company's supportive management helps mitigate the difficulties. Expect a rollercoaster of rejections and ups and downs in this business.
Sources
- https://www.newyorklife.com/careers/financial-professionals
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps_and_licensing/agents_and_brokers/apply_individual_original_tba
- https://staterequirement.com/become-a-life-insurance-agent/new-york-life-insurance-license/
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps_and_licensing/agents_and_brokers/lic_app_la_lb
- https://greatersouthcarolina.nyloffices.com/career/becoming-an-agent
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