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How to Get Your Tennessee Insurance License: Step-by-Step Guide

October 19, 2026 · PassReadyPro Team

Tennessee producers are licensed by the Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI). The path is exam, fingerprints, then a short online application.

Quick answer: Tennessee requires no pre-licensing course for property, casualty or life (only title has one). You pass a Pearson VUE exam, complete fingerprints through IdentoGO at least two business days before applying, and submit a $50 application through NIPR — waiting 48 hours after the exam to apply.

Step 1: Confirm you're eligible

You must be at least 18 and show proof of Tennessee residency. All applicants must pass a written exam unless exempt, and licensing is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 56-6-101 and following.

Step 2: Prepare for the exam

Only the title insurance line requires a 30-hour pre-licensing course. For other lines you can go straight to the exam. Pearson's Tennessee content outlines show the Tennessee-specific material, and a course built on that outline helps you cover it before test day. See the Tennessee courses →

Step 3: Schedule and pass the Pearson VUE exam

Schedule at Pearson VUE's Tennessee page or by phone. Pearson's October 2026 handbook lists $55 for single-line exams such as Life, Property, Casualty and Personal Lines at a test center; combination pricing is in the handbook. Remote testing through OnVUE is available, but each exam line is limited to one OnVUE attempt — retakes must be at a physical test center. Fees must be paid at reservation and are not refundable except under the change/cancel policy. Pearson sends your score to the Department electronically.

Step 4: Fingerprint and apply

Fingerprint-based background checks are required. Schedule at IdentoGO (search by state, choose Tennessee, Digital Fingerprinting, agency "Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance," and select the TN Insurance Producer service). TDCI asks you to complete fingerprinting at least two business days before you submit your application.

Then submit the application and $50 filing fee online at NIPR. You must wait 48 hours after taking the exam before applying electronically. Paper applications take about 15 days to process after the Department receives them. The Department issues the license once your exam result and all other requirements are in; make sure an insurer appoints you before you act as its agent.

What it actually costs

ItemCost
Pearson VUE exam (single line)$55
TDCI application filing fee$50
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)paid when you book
Pre-licensing coursenot required (title only)

Keeping your license

Tennessee producers complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years in approved courses, per Pearson's handbook. Check TDCI's CE page for the current rules and any exemptions.

Putting it together

Book fingerprints early, take the exam, wait the 48 hours, and file through NIPR.

Ready to start your Tennessee license?

Start the Tennessee Property & Casualty course → — built around the Tennessee exam outline, with timed practice exams and a state-law section.

Start the Tennessee Life Only course → — the same approach for the life exam.

Both are one flat price per license line: pay once, keep lifetime access, no subscription, and backed by our Pass Guarantee. Not sure which line to pick? Compare everything on the Tennessee page, or book a 1-on-1 tutoring session and we'll help you choose and build a study plan.

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

Does Tennessee require a pre-licensing course?+

Only for the title insurance line, which needs 30 hours. For other lines, you can go straight to the exam.

How much does the Tennessee insurance application cost?+

The Department's filing fee is $50, submitted online through NIPR. You also pay the Pearson VUE exam fee and the IdentoGO fingerprinting fee.

When can I submit my application?+

TDCI says to wait 48 hours after taking the exam before applying electronically, and to complete fingerprinting at least two business days before you apply.

Can I take the Tennessee exam remotely?+

Yes, through Pearson's OnVUE, but each exam line is limited to one remote attempt. Retakes after that must be at a physical test center.

Ready to start studying?

Browse our Tennessee pre-licensing courses — pay once, study at your own pace.

See Tennessee Courses

This article is for general informational purposes and reflects our understanding of Tennessee's licensing process at the time of writing. Requirements and procedures change — always verify current details with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance or your exam administrator before relying on anything here.