New Continuing Education Requirements
Effective November 12, 2021, the Department of Financial Services amended Part 20 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations (Regulations 9, 18 and 29), mandating the completion of certain courses to renew the insurance license. Of the 15 credit hours of instruction required in accordance with Insurance Law Section 2132, the licensee shall satisfactorily complete courses or programs of instruction or attend seminars, as the superintendent may approve, that provide:
1. at least one hour of Insurance Law instruction.
2. at least one hour of ethics and professionalism instruction.
3. at least one hour of diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias instruction.
4. at least one hour of flood insurance instruction if the licensee is licensed to sell one or more lines of property/casualty insurance.
5. and at least three hours of enhanced flood insurance instruction if the licensee sells flood insurance through the NFIP.
These requirements shall apply to a licensee whose license renews on or after April 1, 2022.
Insurance Licensee Look-Up
To determine if an individual or entity is licensed to sell insurance in New York, use the Producer/Licensee Search option.
Cybersecurity
All entities and persons regulated or licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services are required to file various cybersecurity notices to the Superintendent. Visit the Cybersecurity Resource Center and Producers Cybersecurity FAQs to learn more.
Fingerprinting for DFS
DFS uses IdentoGO Centers for live scan fingerprinting services. learn more on our Fingerprinting for DFS page.
Report Suspected Insurance Fraud
- Insurers must report suspected fraud electronically via FCMS
- Unlicensed/out-of-state insurers may use a hard copy Industry Reporting Form (PDF)
Consent to Engage in Business
The Omnibus Crime Bill disqualifies anyone convicted of a criminal felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust or anyone who has been convicted of an offense under this section from employment in the insurance industry. This ban may be removed if approval is given by the Superintendent for the individual to remain or become employed in the insurance industry. This request can be made by completing the Application for Written Consent to Engage in the Business of Insurance.
Satellite Office
Insurance Law requires that each place of business established by an individual, corporation, partnership or limited liability company established by a licensee must be supervised by one or more persons licensed to do the kinds of business being transacted in that office. Written notice shall be given to the Superintendent of any Satellite office and the licensed designated person(s)responsible for each satellite office via the Satellite Office Form (PDF) within 15 days following the establishment of a new location, change in address of an existing location or replacement of a designated person.
Certification
Certifications for a resident New York licensee are available to Individual licensees, licensees with a TBA, and currently licensed entities via the DFS Portal Letter of Certification application. Certifications processed via the DFS Portal may be immediately printed for use. Please read the system requirements and instructions carefully.
Letter of Clearance
A Letter of Clearance (PDF) may be required when a licensee moves from New York to another state and wants to become licensed in that state.
Education Providers
If you are a Prelicensing or Continuing Education Provider looking for Resources related to registration, renewals or filings please visit the Insurance Education Provider section of our website.