How to get a New York Public Insurance Adjuster License

How do I get a public adjuster license in New York?

Step 1: Ensure you meet the New York public insurance adjuster prelicensing requirements.

You must complete a New York public adjuster prelicensing education course approved by the Department of Financial Services. The DFS website provides a list of approved providers.

The prelicensing education requirement can be waived if you've been regularly employed in the insurance industry for at least 1 year within the last 3 years. You must have worked in either sales, underwriting, or claims during this employment period. You can have more than 1 employer during this time, but you must include a separate Statement of Employer Form from each employer when submitting your application.

Step 2: Purchase a New York public insurance adjuster surety bond.

New York Insurance Law Section 2108 requires public adjuster applicants file a $1,000 surety bond before being licensed to work in the state. You must submit your official New York public adjuster bond form with your license application. By filing this specific surety bond form, you agree to faithfully perform all duties as a public adjuster while working in New York.

You can buy your New York Public Adjuster Bond online 24/7. Once your order has been processed, your official surety bond will be emailed to you.

Step 3: Complete your New York public insurance adjuster license application.

You can apply for your New York public adjuster license online using the Division of Financial Services Portal. To submit a physical application by mail, you must request a paper application by emailing [email protected].

Step 4: Pay the required licensing fee.

If your initial license period is 1 year or less, you must pay a $50 application fee. If you're applying for a longer license period, you must include a $100 application fee.

Application fees are nonrefundable and can be paid by credit card, electronic funds transfer (e-check), or paper check. If you pay by paper check, your application will be pending until DFS receives and processes your payment.

Note: You'll be charged a $20 fee for any e-check or paper check returned to the bank for insufficient funds.

Step 5: Provide a full set of fingerprints.

If you're a New York resident, you must be electronically fingerprinted through IdentoGo. If you're a nonresident, you must mail a completed fingerprint card and fingerprint fees to the Department of Financial Services.

You can find more information about fingerprint scheduling, fees, and receipt submission on the DFS website. 

If you have additional questions about fingerprinting requirements or processing, call 1(800)342-3736.

Step 6: Submit 5 certificates of character for each licensee or sub-licensee.

You must submit 5 certificates of character from members of the community in which you reside or transact business. Your references must certify, under penalty of perjury, that they've personally known you for at least 5 years and that you're honest, competent, and of good character. Your references cannot be related to you by blood or marriage.

You must include your certificates of character with your online or physical application.

Step 7: Pass your New York public insurance adjuster examination.

PSI Services provides all examination services for New York public adjuster license applicants. PSI testing centers are located in various cities across the state. Visit the Exam Vendor Information page for registration and scheduling instructions.

You must pass your New York public adjuster licensing exam within 2 years of your license application submission.