How to check if your insurance agent is licensed
Whether it's life, health, auto, or home insurance, you can confirm your agent is properly licensed in a few minutes — using free, official records. Here's what to look up and what the results mean.
Insurance agents are licensed at the state level, and each state's Department of Insurance publishes a free public lookup so consumers can confirm a license. You only need one or two pieces of information to get started.
What you'll need
- The agent's full name, and ideally their license number or National Producer Number (NPN).
- The state where you live or where the policy will be issued.
License number vs. NPN — what's the difference?
A license number is issued by a single state, so one agent can hold a different number in each state they're licensed in. The National Producer Number (NPN) is a single national ID from the National Insurance Producer Registry that stays the same everywhere. Either one lets you find the agent in an official lookup — the NPN is just more portable across states.
How to check the license
- Find your state's lookup. Search the web for "[your state] Department of Insurance license lookup" and open the official state (.gov) result.
- Search by name or number. Enter the agent's name, license number, or NPN.
- Confirm the status. Look for a license that is active / in good standing, not expired, and with no suspension or revocation.
- Match the line of authority. Make sure the license actually covers the type of insurance you're buying (for example, "life" for a life policy).
What if you can't find the license?
Double-check the spelling and try the NPN instead of the name. If a license still doesn't appear as active in your state, ask the agent directly and, if in doubt, contact your state Department of Insurance. An agent who can't produce a verifiable, active license in your state is a serious red flag.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my insurance agent is licensed?
Search your state's Department of Insurance license lookup for the agent's name, license number, or NPN, and confirm the license is active and covers the product you're buying. The lookup is free and public.
What's the difference between a license number and an NPN?
A license number is issued by an individual state, so it can differ from state to state. The NPN is a single national ID that stays the same in every state.
What does "active" or "in good standing" mean?
It means the license is current, not expired, and has no suspension or revocation on record. An inactive or lapsed license means the agent isn't currently authorized to sell insurance in that state.
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