Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about the process for obtaining a resident insurance license here.​

Applications can be processed within 24 to 48 hours; however, if your application has been deferred to the state for further review, the processing time could be delayed.

We always work through applications as thoroughly and efficiently as possible and state law allows OCI 90 days in which to process a completed application. Reaching out to us via email or phone (ociagentlicensing@wisconsin.gov or at (608) 266-8699) is the fastest way for us to provide you with a complete response.​

If you applied for a license type in error, you will need to submit a written request to our office requesting the withdrawal of the application. The application process and the withdrawal of the application represent an administrative expense for the agency and, therefore, the fees are non-refundable.

Learn more about resident license requirements here.

A resident agent whose license has been expired for less than 12 months must complete the following:

1. Satisfy all continuing education requirements. Review education transcript ​ for compliance.
2. Select "Apply for License" when reinstating online via nipr.com ​​ or an NIPR authorized business partner ​ to reinstate the same line(s) of authority.
   
3. Pay a reinstatement fee of $70.
4. Any resident agent whose license is revoked for failing to pay delinquent taxes or child support must obtain the Resident/Nonresident Reinstatement Paper Application and submit it along with payment to the Commissioner's office.​
   

A resident agent whose license has been expired more than 12 months must complete the following:

1. The prelicensing education for the previously held line of authority.
2. Complete and pass the examination for the previously held line of authority.
3. Make a reservation to complete fingerprints/criminal background check.
4. Apply online at nipr.com ​ or an NIPR authorized business partner ​​.
5. Pay license fee of $75 per line of authority.
   

Agents can obtain their Wisconsin resident license within one year of inactivating their previous resident state license to avoid completing prelicensing education, fingerprinting, and the exam requirements. Only the same lines of authority previously held can be applied for in Wisconsin. Any new lines of authority not previously held will require agents to follow the resident licensing requirements. Learn about the licensing requirements here.

Licensing Steps:

1. Voluntary surrender of the previous resident license to inactivate that license. Agents are not allowed to have two active resident licenses.
2. Voluntary surrender of the Wisconsin nonresident license in order to apply electronically. If agents do not wish to surrender their nonresident Wisconsin license, a paper application without examination can be mailed to OCI with a check or money order.
3. Apply electronically via nipr.com ​​ for a resident license. Each line of authority is $75 along with processing fees.​
   

A Variable Life/Variable Annuity line of authority is required to sell variable products in our state..

Residents must hold an active life license and proof of FINRA registration of the SIE exam and either a for Series 6 or Series 7 exam. Individuals will be required to provide a Central Registration Depository (CRD) number. Fingerprinting is NOT required for this line of authority.

Learn more about insurance license types and fees here.  

Individuals having a felony criminal conviction involving dishonesty or breach of trust must apply for and obtain a federal crime waiver before becoming eligible for licensure as an insurance agent. The crime waiver application is a separate application from the licensing application and requires the submission of different attachment documents.

Learn more about the 1033 Felony Waiver requirements and application here.

Agent Licensing does not have a walk-in process available. To provide the best service, we ask you to contact our office at ociagentlicensing@wisconsin.gov or at (608) 266-8699. The licensing application review process is complicated and relies on information from various databases. In a walk-in situation we are not able to look up the information needed to respond to most questions. However, it is possible to drop off your documentation with the receptionist and they will route it to the Agent Licensing department.

Questions about a denied application or a hearing need to be addressed by one of OCI's attorneys. There is no appointment or walk-in option for the attorneys. Instead, you should email the assigned attorney. If you do not know the attorney's name, please call us and we can provide that information.

All appointments and terminations must be completed by the insurance company per s. Ins 6.57 (2), Wis. Adm. Code. If you haven’t had any success in reaching out to the company, we recommend you file a complaint against the company and our consumer affairs staff will reach out to the company to determine why terminations have not yet been completed in a timely manner. Please refer to the following link for guidance https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/Filing-a-Complaint.aspx​

Applications can be processed within 24 to 48 hours; however, if your application has been deferred to the state for further review, the processing time could be delayed.

We always work through applications as thoroughly and efficiently as possible and state law allows OCI 90 days in which to process a completed application. Reaching out to us via email or phone (ociagentlicensing@wisconsin.gov or at (608) 266-8699) is the fastest way for us to provide you with a complete response.

A nonresident agent whose license has been expired for less than 12 months must complete the following:

1. Select "Apply for License" when reinstating online via nipr.com ​ or an NIPR authorized business partner ​ to reinstate the same lines(s) of authority.
2. Pay a reinstatement fee of $140.
3. Any nonresident agent whose license is revoked by Wisconsin for failing to pay delinquent taxes or child support must obtain the Resident/Nonresident Reinstatement Paper Application and submit along with payment to the Commissioner's office.

Applicants Please Read: Once your application has been submitted to the State of Wisconsin, you will have 90 days to submit any required information/requirements. Failure to supply the required documentation will cause your application to be CLOSED as EXPIRED. Fees are non-refundable.

A nonresident agent whose license has been expired more than 12 months must complete the following:

1. Re-apply for new licensure via nipr.com ​ or an NIPR authorized business partner ​​.
2. Pay a licensing fee of $75 per line of authority.

Applicants Please Read: Once your application has been submitted to the State of Wisconsin, you will have 90 days to submit any required information/requirements. Failure to supply the required documentation will cause your application to be CLOSED as EXPIRED. Fees are non-refundable.

First reach out to the new resident state to determine licensing requirements. After that has been done, follow the below steps.

1. Report address changes within 30 days to the Commissioner's office.
2. Once address is updated the resident license will be placed into a 60 day status.
3. Our office will notify the licensed agent that they may retain authority under their Wisconsin resident license for 60 days and request the agent to provide evidence of their new active resident license to Wisconsin.
4. Submit a copy of new resident license to our office via email at ociagentlicensing@wisconsin.gov.
5. Failure to provide updated license and address information will result in the cancellation of the Wisconsin nonresident license. In order to obtain licensure again, agents must re-apply via nipr.​com ​​ and pay licensing and processing fees.

Learn about nonresident agents moving to another state here.

A Variable Life/Variable Annuity line of authority is required to sell variable products in our state. Nonresident agents must hold a variable license from their resident or designated home state. Nonresident agents do not need a life insurance license unless the agents would like to sell life or annuity non-variable insurance products.​

Agent Licensing does not have a walk-in process available. To provide the best service, we ask you to contact our office at ociagentlicensing@wisconsin.gov or at (608) 266-8699. The licensing application review process is complicated and relies on information from various databases. In a walk-in situation we are not able to look up the information needed to respond to most questions. However, it is possible to drop off your documentation with the receptionist and they will route it to the Agent Licensing department.

Questions about a denied application or a hearing need to be addressed by one of OCI's attorneys. There is no appointment or walk-in option for the attorneys. Instead, you should email the assigned attorney. If you do not know the attorney's name, please call us and we can provide that information.

All appointments and terminations must be completed by the insurance company per s. Ins 6.57 (2), Wis. Adm. Code. If you haven’t had any success in reaching out to the company, we recommend you file a complaint against the company and our consumer affairs staff will reach out to the company to determine why terminations have not yet been completed in a timely manner. Please refer to the following link for guidance https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/Filing-a-Complaint.aspx​

A firm has no authority to transact insurance business in our state—the authority to transact insurance business lies with the Designated Responsible Licensed Producer (DRLP) and the lines of authority they actively hold. Learn more about intermediary firms here.

A nonresident agent's satisfaction of his or her home state's continuing education requirement for a licensed intermediary will constitute satisfaction of Wisconsin's continuing education requirements. Learn more about nonresidents and continuing education.​​

OCI highly recommends completing CE requirements at least 30 days prior to the license renewal date. Excess credit hours accumulated during any reporting period cannot be carried forward to the next reporting period. Learn more about continuing education here.

Appointment Renewal Invoices will be available on NIPR in January of every year. Appointment renewal invoices and a list of agents associated with the invoice will be generated annually and open the morning of January 5 and close on March 15 at 4:00 p.m. CST. Learn more about company appointment renewal billing here.

Reconciliation of appointed agents must be completed by December 31 each year by 11:59 p.m. CST. A list of agents can be obtained via the Company Appointment Report (CAR) by companies with an NAIC CoCode. This is available to NIPR subscribers. Learn more about company appointment renewal billing here.

All payments must be made electronically via nipr.com ​​. NIPR will assess a 1% renewal transaction fee of the total state fees charged. The minimum transaction fee is $5 and the maximum is $1,000. Fees are non-refundable. Learn more about company appointment renewal billing here.

If you have any questions about the appointment renewal  process, contact NIPR Customer Service.

• Email: support@nipr.com

• Phone: (855) 674-NIPR(6477)

• Fax: (816) 460-7494

Learn more about company appointment renewal billing here.

If the renewal invoice is not paid by March 15, all agent appointments will be terminated with an effective termination date of March 15 . In order to activate those appointments, the insurer will need to re-appoint and pay initial appointment fees again via nipr.com ​. Learn more about company appointment renewal billing here.