FAQ Main Page
Address Change Violations
Adjuster
Business Entity
Cancellation of License/LOA
Company
General
How to Become Licensed
Proof of Citizenship
Reissue License
Risk Purchasing Groups
Surplus Line Broker
Q. If I received an address change violation letter can I call the office to state
my case?
A. No. All inquiries and/or explanations must be in writing.
Q. What if I decide not to pay the address change violation fee?
A. Your license will expire and you will not be allowed to renew or get another
license until this fee is paid. You may also be subject to other administrative
fees if it is not paid in a timely manner.
Q. Does Alabama license/recognize public adjusters?
A. Alabama does not license or recognize public adjusters.
Q. What types of firms or business entities can be licensed as an independent adjuster?
A. A corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability
partnership, or other legal entity. Please note: A sole proprietorship can only
be licensed as an individual.
Q. What are the fees for independent adjusters?
A. The initial fee for an individual independent adjuster license is $100, while
the biennial renewal fee is $80. The initial fee for a business entity independent
adjuster license is $220, while the biennial renewal fee is $200.
Q. How do I change my email address?
A. Individual and Business Entity Producers (Also-Individual and Business Entity
Adjusters as required by law within 30 days) now have the ability to update their
e-mail addresses online for Alabama through SBS Online tools. You can access this
by going to our website at www.aldoi.gov and
under Producers/Agents either click on Print Your License or View Your CE Info and
that takes you straight to SBS and it will be under Email Maintenance.
Q. What lines of authority are available for an independent adjuster?
A. There are four lines of authority for an independent adjuster:
- Property & Casualty, including Workers’ Compensation and Crop
- Property & Casualty, excluding Workers’ Compensation and Crop
- Workers’ Compensation
- Crop
Q. What is an independent apprentice adjuster license?
A. It is a temporary one-time license not to exceed 12 months for an individual
residing in this state who is qualified for an adjuster license except as to have
taken and passed the prelicensing course and examination. The temporary apprentice
adjuster must be sponsored by a licensed independent adjuster.
Q. Is there an examination to become an independent adjuster?
A. Yes, an individual seeking to be licensed as an independent adjuster must complete
the appropriate prelicensing course and pass the state examination.
Q. When do I renew my independent adjuster license?
A. Beginning in 2013, the license of an individual born in an odd year expires at
the end of the individual’s birth month in every odd year; the license of an individual
born in an even year expires at the end of the individual’s birth month in every
even year. Individuals can renew the license online starting 75 days prior to license
expiration. A business entity adjuster license expires on December 31 of odd years
and can be renewed October 1 to December 31.
Q. Do I need Continuing Education (CE) to renew my independent adjuster license?
A. Beginning in 2014, licensees whose licenses expire January 31, 2014, and thereafter,
must complete 24 hours of CE, of which 3 hours must be in ethics, to be eligible
to renew.
For those non-resident independent adjusters renewing whose home state is CA, NY or HI, they must complete
Alabama’s CE requirement in order to renew.
Q. When is my adjuster license renewal considered late?
A. If it is not processed online by the last day of your renewal birth month.
Q. Can I renew late and is there a penalty for renewing late?
A. Yes, you can renew within 30 days after your renewal birth month by paying one
and one-half times the license renewal fee which would be $120 for an individual
and $300 for a business entity.
Q. If it has been over 30 days can I still renew my adjuster license?
A. Yes, only if it is within one year from date of expiration, you can get the license
reissued by paying double the renewal fee which would be $160 for an individual
and $400 for a business entity.
Q. Will I receive a copy of my license by mail?
A. No, you will need to go online and print off the license.
Q. How long is my initial Independent Adjuster license good for?
A. The initial license is good until the biennial renewal would be due. Renewal
notices are sent out approximately 45 days prior to the birth month. The individual
biennial renewal is every two years based upon birth month and birth year, odd or
even. If you were born in February in 1955, you would have to renew in February
in every odd year, 2015, 2017, etc.
Q. What is the cost to take the Independent Adjuster Exam?
A. $75.00
Q. Does my agency need to be registered through the Alabama Secretary of State’s
Office as a foreign corporation prior to the submission of the business entity application?
A. No, but it is a state law.
Q. Do I have to have one surplus line broker in my agency licensed as a nonresident
Alabama surplus line broker to qualify for the business entity license?
A. Yes
Q. How do I start an Alabama Captive Insurer?
A. The instructions for setting up an Alabama captive and the forms that will have
to be completed are located on our website under
Captives.
If you have any questions, please call 334-241-4165.
Q. How do I start a new Alabama Insurer?
A. The instructions for setting up a new Alabama insurer are located on our website
under
Companies/New Domestic Company Requirements.
Please contact the Legal Division at 334-241-4117 concerning the solicitation permit
and contact our Examination Division at ExaminationDivision@insurance.alabama.gov or 334-241-4151 for name approval and any other
questions.
Q. How do I reserve an insurance company name?
A. Name approval requests should be emailed to Jessica Williamson at jessica.williamson@insurance.alabama.gov. If the name is available, you will be
furnished a letter of availability which will give instructions on how to reserve
the name with the Alabama Secretary of State.
Q. What do I send to you if my company, which is a foreign insurer licensed to do
business is Alabama, is changing its name or address, merging, redomesticating has
a change of control?
A. The NAIC UCAA Corporate Amendments Application should be filed. The application
is located on the NAIC's website. You do not need to submit items listed in the
application that you have already filed with this Department if they have not changed.
Please contact our Examination Division at ExaminationDivision@insurance.alabama.gov or 334-241-4151 if you have any questions.
Q. Do you license Third Party Administrators?
A. This Department does not license TPAs. If the TPA is a corporation, it should
contact the Corporate Division of the Secretary of State’s Office for instructions
on qualification as a corporation.
Q. Since all processes are done online through SBS/NIPR, can I still use my old license
number?
A. All old license numbers (A123456) are still valid. Remember to leave off the
“A” and any leading zeros, it is no longer used.
Q. How do I apply for an Alabama license?
A. All licenses (resident/nonresident) are applied for on the web site through NIPR.
(Go to
Licensing Requirements
and select the license you wish to apply for and follow the instructions.) Applications
are not accepted in the office unless previously discussed and documented.
In accordance with the Beason-Hammon Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, Alabama is now required to verify the citizenship of ALL APPLICANTS.
Please submit proof of citizenship using the link below. There are sixteen different identifiers, including your official driver’s license,
any one of which can be used as proof. Your license will not be issued until this documentation is received. If information is not received
within 10 days your application will be rejected. Please note: Fees paid are non-refundable.
Submit Proof of Citizenship
Q. If I am applying for Life & Health license can I also get Variable?
A. Yes, only if you have a FINRA CRD or have passed the variable exam.
Q. What is the fee?
A. The licensing fee is $80.
Q. If I am a non-resident do I have to provide a certification letter from my home
state?
A. No. Certification letters are no longer required.
Q. How long is the process?
A. The process takes a minimum of two to four working days.
Q. Will I be notified when the process is complete?
A. No. You can search our web site under “licensee search”
to obtain your license number. If after this time it is not found contact our office
for further information/details.
Q. Will I receive a copy of my license by mail?
A. No. All licenses are printed from our web site through SBS by clicking on “print your license” and following the prompts.
You must register with them and also register your license number.
Q. How do I add a line to an existing license?
A. Go online and process as if it is a new license with the $80 fee.
Q. What is a Temporary License?
A. Temporary licenses are only given to Alabama residents who have not had one previously
for the LOA requested. They are also processed online.
Q. When do I get my Temporary License?
A. Temporary licenses can also be printed from the web site. They will not print
until they have been fully processed with a company appointment.
Q. If I hold a Temporary license can I be appointed by more than one company?
A. Only if the company is an affiliate of the parent company.
Q. How long is a Temporary license valid and can it be renewed?
A. A Temporary license is only valid for six months after it is approved. It cannot
be renewed.
Q. Can I submit an agency check for a temporary license?
A. No. The payment must be made when applying online.
Q. Who can sign off on temporary applications?
A. Only authorized company officials, not the agency.
Q. How often do I renew my license?
A. All permanent licenses are renewed every two years depending on birth year (even/odd)
of producer. Renewal notices will be mailed 45 days prior to renewal (last day of
birth month). It is mandatory that they are done online.
Q. When is my renewal considered late?
A. If it is processed online by the last day of the renewal month it is considered
late.
Q. Is there a penalty for being late?
A. If the renewal is processed after the renewal month there is a $50 late fee attached.
If it is processed more than thirty days after the renewal month the license will
have to be reissued. There is an $80 fee and you must have completed the required
CE credits.
Q. Can I renew my license without being CE compliant?
A. No, after 1/1/19, no more CE extensions will be allowed and CE will have to be in system to be able to renew.
Q. How do I get a copy of my license renewal?
A. Licenses are printed from our web site by the same process as an initial license.
Q. Does Alabama license/recognize third party administrators?
A. Alabama does not license third party administrators.
Q. Why can’t I add an LOA to my existing non-resident license I received less than
30 days ago?
A. NIPR keeps the 1st application on their server for 30 days in case there is an
issue with it. You will need to contact them to have them remove the old application
so you can reapply for the new LOA.
Q. How long is my individual initial Producer license good for?
A. The initial license is good until the biennial renewal would be due. Renewal
notices are sent out approximately 45 days prior to the birth month. The individual
biennial renewal is every two years based upon birth month and birth year, odd or
even. If you were born in February in 1955, you would have to renew in February
in every odd year, 2015, 2017, etc.
Q. How long is my individual initial Service Representative license good for?
A. The initial license is good until the biennial renewal would be due. Renewal
notices are sent out approximately 45 days prior to the birth month. The individual
biennial renewal is every two years based upon birth month and birth year, odd or
even. If you were born in February in 1955, you would have to renew in February
in every odd year, 2015, 2017, etc.
Q. What is the cost to take the Producer Exam?
A. $50 or $75 for combined L&H or P&C exam.
Q. What is the cost to take the Title Agent Exam?
A. $75.00
Q. As a Producer I am showing CE compliant on the transcript but I can’t process a renewal?
A. Effective 1-1-19, no more CE Extensions are being allowed and CE must be showing in the CE transcript for the producer to be able to renew
the license. Please note that it generally can take 3-5 days after compliance for the CE information to be updated in the NIPR database so
that you are able to renew.
Q. Who do I contact to reschedule a State exam?
A. You will need to go online to reschedule an exam with the University of Alabama.
Q. Can I take an online course to get licensed?
A. Yes, if the Prelicensing provider and course are approved in Alabama.
In accordance with the Beason-Hammon Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, Alabama is now required to verify the citizenship of ALL APPLICANTS.
There are sixteen different identifiers, including your official driver’s license (FRONT AND BACK), any one of which can be used as proof.
Q. Did you receive my Proof of Citizenship?
A. Once you upload your Proof of Citizenship it will not populate to the server until the following day. *Please keep a look out for your Confirmation Email*
Q. I did not receive a Confirmation email; can you verify that you received my Proof of Citizenship?
A. If you have not received anything in 48 hours, please contact the Department to make sure we received it. Documentation must be received before the license will be issued or renewed. If the documentation is not received within 10 days after submission, the application will be declined. Please note: Fees are non-refundable.
Q. I keep receiving an email once a week requesting Proof of Citizenship is this normal?
A. These emails are sent out every Monday morning for anyone who still has an application or renewal pending with the Department. *If you have received more than 1 of these please, contact the Department concerning your pending Transaction*.
Q. I uploaded my Proof of Citizenship two separate times because the system would not allow me to choose more than one file, yet you are telling me you only received the back copy of my document.
A. The system will only ACCEPT one upload.
The upload is connected by the following: (REASON FOR ONLY ONE PAGE)
- FULL NAME (For Initial Licensing Only)
- LAST 4 OF SSN (For Initial Licensing Only)
- Your ALABAMA Expiration Date (For Renewals Only)
- ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER (For Renewals Only)
Q. I uploaded my Global Entry Card as my proof of citizenship. When will my Alabama license be ready to print?
A. The Global Entry Card is NOT a valid proof of citizenship for your Alabama License it can prolong your application and could finally result in the denial of your Alabama license.
You will need to submit one of the other documents listed here within 10 days of your transaction otherwise your application will be denied.
Q. Can I submit my Georgia Citizenship Affidavit as my Proof of Citizenship?
A. No, the Georgia Affidavit is NOT a valid proof of citizenship and can prolong your application and could finally result in the denial of your Alabama license. You can find a list of VALID documents here.
Q. Can I submit my Social Security Card as my Proof of Citizenship?
A. No, your Social Security Card is NOT a valid proof of citizenship and can prolong your application and could finally result in the denial of your Alabama license. You can find a list of VALID documents here.
Q. Is Proof of Citizenship required for a Business Entity (Adjuster, Producer, Surplus Line Broker, or Title)?
A. No. This is for Individuals only.
Q. It is time for me to renew my Alabama Business Entity (Adjuster, Producer, Surplus Line Broker, or Title) am I required to send in Proof of Citizenship for the entity?
A. No, Please continue with the Renewal.
Q. Will my home state insurance license qualify as Proof of Citizenship for my Alabama license since I had to qualify there?
A. No, your home state insurance license is NOT a valid proof of citizenship and can prolong your application and could finally result in the denial of your Alabama license. You can find a list of VALID documents here.
Q. I am a Non-Immigrant. What is needed for my Proof of Citizenship?
A. Please upload one of the documents that is listed on page 2 of the following link: Valid Documents
NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PUT THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE DOCUMENT ON ONE PAGE ONLY
Q. Will my NIPR receipt qualify as Proof of Citizenship?
A. No, your NIPR receipt is NOT a valid proof of citizenship and can prolong your application and could finally result in the denial of your Alabama license. You can find a list of VALID documents here.
Q. Can I upload my Proof of Citizenship to the Attachment Warehouse in NIPR?
A. No, you must upload your Proof of Citizenship to the Alabama website otherwise; it can prolong your application and could finally result in the denial of your Alabama license.
Q. Can I request a reissue form by phone?
A. No. You must go online through NIPR to have a license reissued through the renewal
process if it is within one year of the expiration date.
Q. Can I reinstate/reissue my license without my continuing education certificates?
A. No. You must always provide proof of the CE credits if not in your CE transcript.
You must maintain your CE Certificates for auditing purposes.
Q. If my license has been cancelled can I reissue it online?
A. Yes. It must be processed online but will be sent to the State Gateway to be
reviewed for correctness.
Q. How long should I wait for my faxed request or phone call to be returned?
A. You should allow us one business day to return your fax or phone call (an exception
is weekends/holidays).
Q. Can I get a letter of clearance or certification letter if my license is cancelled?
A. No. Your license must be active.
Q. Can I bring my reissue license application to the office to be processed?
A. No. Applications must be processed online. You can print your license from our
website.
Q. How do I register as a purchasing group in Alabama?
A. You fill out the NAIC registration form for risk purchasing groups.
Q. I am a nonresident applying for a surplus line broker license in Alabama. Do I
need to provide the state a bond in the amount of $50,000?
A. No, only resident surplus line brokers need to provide a $50,000 bond.
Q. I am a nonresident applying for a surplus line broker license in Alabama. Do I
need to get my nonresident producer license for Property and Casualty prior to applying
for the surplus line broker license?
A. No, you only need to have a resident surplus line broker license in your name
in your home state to qualify for the nonresident surplus line broker license here.