How Do I Get a Public Insurance Adjuster License in California?

To get a public adjuster license in California, follow these six steps:

Step 1: Verify eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a public adjuster license. Your application process will vary depending on your state residency status and whether you’re an individual or a business entity. 

All applicants must have at least two years of certified experience in the insurance adjusting field. You can satisfy this requirement by completing 4,000 hours of compensated time or being licensed as an Apprentice Public Adjuster for 12 months.

If you’ve ever been convicted of a felony or violated Title 18 U.S.C. Section 1033 (the "Act"), you’ll need written consent from the Commissioner via Form 1033.

Step 2: Complete prelicensing courses

Before you can apply, you need 20 hours of prelicensing education. You can register for any of the classes on the CDI’s approved education courses list. 

Step 3: Pass an exam

Next, register for the California public adjuster exam. The Public Insurance Adjuster Educational Objectives outline the topics covered on the exam.

You must pass the exam before you can apply. Each attempt costs $68 at a CDI exam site or $101 at a PSI exam site. 

Step 4: Purchase a bond

Under California Insurance Code Section 15033, you need a $20,000 surety bond for licensing. This protects clients from financial harm due to fraudulent or negligent public insurance adjusters.

You can purchase your California public adjuster bond instantly online for just $200 from SuretyBonds.com.

Step 5: Apply

Next, apply online using Sircon or NIPR. Alternatively, you can submit the paper Public Adjuster and Apprentice License (Form CDI-180).

Include your surety bond form and two recent 2x2 passport-size photographs. You’ll also need to mail a copy of your business contract to the following address:

California Department of Insurance 

Attention: Adjuster Unit

300 Capitol Mall, 16th Floor

Sacramento, CA 95814-4313

Business entities and nonresidents also must submit a Public Insurance Adjuster Authorization Application (Form LIC 0100A). For businesses, each employee must complete their own form. 

The licensing fee is $264 for both individuals and business entities. Branch offices are $39 per location. Each branch location also requires an Application for Branch Office Certificate (Form LIC 31A-13). 

Step 6: Submit fingerprints

After you apply, register for a fingerprinting session at a CDI or PSI exam site. Fingerprints cost $74. 

Note: Nonresidents require a slightly different process. 

How to Renew Your Public Adjuster License

All public adjuster licenses remain active for two years. Your license term begins on the issuance date and ends on the last day of the same month.

Under the CIC Section 15059.1, California residents must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours of ethics. You can register for classes from the CDI’s approved education course list. 

Nonresidents must continue to meet the requirements of their designated home state. 

The CDI will email you with renewal instructions. If your license expires, you must complete a reinstatement process and pay 1.5x the current renewal fee.