Texas Insurance License Expired? 2026 Reinstatement Guide

Has your Texas insurance license expired? Whether you missed the deadline by a few days or several months, understanding the reinstatement process can help you avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has different requirements depending on how long your license has been expired.

Quick Answer: If your license expired less than 90 days ago, you can generally renew it by paying the required fees and resolving any outstanding continuing education (CE). If it has been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year, you generally must apply for reinstatement. After one year, you must meet new-license qualification requirements.

Here's how to get back on track in 2026.

What Happens When Your Texas Insurance License Expires?

An expired Texas insurance license is no longer valid for activities requiring that license.

You should not continue conducting insurance business that requires an active license until your licensing status has been restored.

The steps you need to take depend on your expiration date.

Time Since Expiration	General Process
Less than 90 days	Late renewal
More than 90 days but less than one year	Reinstatement through a new application
More than one year	New-license application and requalification

Always check your specific license status with TDI before taking action.

1. License Expired Less Than 90 Days Ago

If your license expired within the past 90 days, you may still qualify for late renewal.

TDI generally requires three steps.

Step 1: Pay your renewal fee and late fee

Most license types require the normal renewal fee plus a $25 late fee.

Additional processing or vendor fees may apply.

Step 2: Complete any missing CE

If you did not finish your continuing education before your license expired, you must complete the outstanding hours.

For many common Texas agent and adjuster licenses, the standard requirement is 24 total CE hours every two years, including 3 hours of Ethics.

Other license types have different requirements.

Step 3: Pay any outstanding CE fines

TDI generally assesses a $50 fine for each CE hour not completed by the expiration deadline.

For license terms expiring after June 1, 2018, the fine is capped at $500 per license type.

Completing the missing hours after expiration does not automatically eliminate the fine.

You must resolve the applicable fees and CE deficiencies before your license can be renewed.

2. License Expired More Than 90 Days but Less Than One Year

If your license has been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year, you can no longer use the ordinary renewal process.

Instead, TDI requires reinstatement through a new application.

The general process involves four steps:

1. Complete outstanding CE requirements.

2. Pay any unpaid CE fines.

3. Obtain new fingerprints when required.

4. Submit a new application and pay the applicable fees.

For many individual license types, TDI lists a $50 application fee and a $25 late fee. Fingerprinting and vendor charges may also apply.

A new fingerprint submission is required for most reinstatements, although exemptions may apply.

You can generally submit your application through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR), depending on your license type.

Important: Reinstatement is not automatic. All applicable requirements must be satisfied before TDI can restore your license.

View TDI's Official Reinstatement Instructions

3. License Expired More Than One Year Ago

If your Texas insurance license expired more than one year ago, you generally must requalify for a new license.

This may involve:

• Completing outstanding CE.
  
• Paying unpaid CE fines.
  
• Passing the applicable qualifying examination.
  
• Obtaining new fingerprints when required.
  
• Submitting a new license application and paying the application fee.

Some license types allow an approved qualifying course instead of a traditional examination.

TDI advises applicants to complete the required qualifying examination or course before submitting the new application.

Check the specific requirements for your license type to avoid unnecessary fees or rejected applications.

Texas Insurance CE Fines: How Much Could You Owe?

Missing your CE deadline can create additional expenses even if you complete the required hours later.

For applicable Texas insurance licenses, the standard CE fine is:

$50 per missing CE hour, up to $500 per license type for license terms expiring after June 1, 2018.

For example:

CE Hours Missing at Deadline	Potential Fine
2 hours	$100
5 hours	$250
10 hours	$500
12 hours	$500

These amounts illustrate the standard rule. Your actual balance depends on your license and compliance record.

CE fines are separate from renewal fees, application fees, and applicable late fees.

How to Check Your Missing CE Hours on Sircon

Before buying additional courses, check your actual CE transcript.

1. Visit Sircon.

2. Open the Continuing Education Transcript Inquiry service.

3. Select Texas.

4. Enter the required license information.

5. Review your completed courses, Ethics hours, and outstanding credits.

If you have unpaid CE fines, follow TDI's instructions for paying your state invoice through Sircon.

Keep copies of your course completion records and payment confirmations.

Can Online Insurance CE Help You Reinstate Your License?

Yes, if you still need approved CE credits and your license type requires them.

Online courses can help you complete missing continuing education without attending in-person classes.

However, purchasing or finishing a CE course does not automatically reinstate an expired insurance license.

You must still satisfy the applicable TDI application, payment, fingerprinting, and licensing requirements.

Time2Renew offers online Texas Insurance CE coursework, including a 24-hour package with 3 hours of Ethics included for eligible license types.

Explore Texas Insurance CE Courses at Time2Renew

Check your Sircon transcript before choosing a course package to ensure it matches your outstanding requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas insurance license after it expires?

Generally, yes, if it has been expired for less than 90 days and you satisfy the applicable renewal requirements.

After 90 days, the reinstatement process changes.

Do I have to retake the insurance exam?

Generally, an exam is not required solely because your license expired more than 90 days but less than one year ago.

If the license has been expired for more than one year, requalification is generally required.

Does completing my missing CE automatically restore my license?

No. You may also owe fees or fines and need to submit an application.

Can I continue selling insurance while my license is expired?

No. You should not perform activities that legally require an active insurance license until your licensing authority confirms your valid status.

Where can I check my Texas insurance license status?

Use TDI's licensing resources or Sircon to review your license information and CE record.

Final Thoughts

An expired Texas insurance license does not always mean starting the entire licensing process over.

The most important factor is how long your license has been expired.

If you are within 90 days, resolve the renewal requirements promptly. If you are beyond 90 days, follow the applicable reinstatement or new-license process.

Before purchasing CE courses, confirm your outstanding hours through Sircon and review the official TDI instructions.

If you still need approved continuing education, Time2Renew can help eligible Texas insurance professionals work toward completing their required credits online.

Last reviewed: October 2026. This guide provides general information. TDI determines individual license eligibility, fees, and reinstatement requirements.