How to Get a Public Adjuster License
This guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage insurance adjuster licenses. Contact your state’s agency for the latest official requirements.
How to Become an Insurance Adjuster
In most states, anyone acting as a public or independent insurance claims adjuster must be licensed. No matter your state, you’ll need to pass an exam and file a surety bond to apply.
Continue reading for general application instructions and where to find state-specific information.
What’s the Difference Between Public and Independent Adjuster Licenses?
Public adjusters represent the policyholder, not the insurance company. They work to get the claimant the highest insurance payment possible.
Independent insurance adjusters act on behalf of the insurance company to save them as much money as possible when settling claims. However, they’re hired through an outside firm instead of by the insurance company.
How Do I Get an Insurance Adjuster License?
In most states, you’ll need to complete the following steps to apply for an insurance adjuster license. However, verify your exact requirements with your state’s agency.
Step 1: Verify eligibility
To apply, you need to be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, or have proof of work authorization.
Your application process will vary depending on whether you’re a state resident. If you’re not a state resident, you must designate a home state where you have an active license.
Your designated home state typically needs to have similar license requirements. For example, Oklahoma doesn’t accept public adjusters from states without a continuing education requirement.
Some states also require a certain amount of experience before you can apply. This can depend on your license type. You need two years of experience in the insurance adjusting field to become a California public adjuster. However, there’s no experience requirement for independent adjusters.
Step 2: Register your business
Next, you’ll need to register your business with the state. Individuals and business entities may have a different application process, but they typically have similar requirements.
Step 3: Purchase a surety bond
An insurance adjuster surety bond protects states and individual insurance claimants from illegal and unethical business practices.
The required bond coverage ranges from $1,000–$50,000 depending on your state.
| Coverage Amount | States |
|---|---|
| $1,000 | Ohio, New York |
| $2,000 | California (independent) |
| $5,000 | Georgia, Montana |
| $10,000 | Indiana, New Jersey, Texas, Mexico, Hawaii, Minnesota |
| $20,000 | Pennsylvania, Illinois, California (public), Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, North Carolina, Delaware, New Hampshire, Washington D.C. |
| $25,000 | Oklahoma |
| $50,000 | Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia |
You can purchase your insurance adjuster bond 24/7 through our online portal. These bonds are set at a fixed rate and don’t require a credit check.
Step 4: Pass the state exam
Every state requires a unique insurance adjuster exam with state-specific information. However, you may be exempt if you have a reciprocal license from another qualifying state.
You’ll need to pass the exam before you can apply for a license, typically with a score of 70%.
Step 5: Submit a background check
Then, you’ll need to submit fingerprints and complete an FBI background check. These are typically conducted through Live Scan, or a similar company.
Step 6: Apply online
In most states, you’ll apply for your adjuster license online via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or Sircon.
You can track your application status in the online portal, then print your license once it is approved.
How to Renew Your Insurance Adjuster License
Most adjuster licenses expire on December 31, either annually or biennially. The expiration could also be based on your birth date.
You’ll need to first renew your surety bond and then pay any renewal fees. Most states don’t accept late renewals.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Public Claims Adjuster License?
You can expect to pay at least $230 to get a public claims adjuster license. This typically includes the following fees:
| Fee Type | Average Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $50–$100 |
| Surety Bond Premium | $100-$500 |
| License Fee | $30–$400 |
| Fingerprinting Fee | $50–$100 |
| Additional Fee for Branch Offices | Varies by state |
How Do I Get My Adjuster Bond?
Watch the quick video below for an overview of insurance adjuster bonds: what they are, how they work, and how to get one.
Do I Need a Nonresident or a Resident Adjuster License?
You usually need to hold an active license in your home state before applying for a nonresident license in a different state.
As a nonresident, you may be exempt from exam or education requirements at your state agency’s discretion. This could require a waiver form or certificate of good standing from your home state.
Do Most States Offer License Reciprocity?
Some states offer license reciprocity, but it’s typically limited to certain states with similar license requirements.
Check your state agency’s website for a list of eligible states. Even if you qualify, you may still need to pay nonresident license fees and provide a separate surety bond.
Some states, like New Jersey, don’t offer reciprocal licensing, regardless of your home state.
Do I Need to Complete Prelicensing or CE Hours?
Most states require continuing education (CE) for adjuster license renewals, and some also require prelicensing education.
Course lengths can vary from a few hours to multiple days. States like Florida, Pennsylvania and Colorado mandate 24 hours of CE. Georgia requires a 40-hour prelicensing course. Others, like Indiana, don’t require any pre- or post-licensing education.
Do Employees of a Public Adjuster Need to Be Licensed?
Most states require employees of public adjusters to also be licensed if they help solicit clients, investigate insurance claims or negotiate settlements with insurers.
However, Ohio has a separate public adjuster agent license.
How Hard is the Claims Adjuster Exam?
While insurance claims adjuster licensing exams can be difficult, each state typically publishes a guide with formatting information and a list of topics. Many third parties also provide practice courses and tests to help you prepare.
Exams are typically multiple choice and administered in-person or proctored online. Most states allow you to retake the exam as many times as you need.
How Do I Update My License Information?
You can typically update contact information, including name, address and email, online via NIPR or Sircon.
If you’re a nonresident and move to a different state, you’ll need to apply for a resident license in your new home state. Notify your state’s agency that your designated home state has changed.
How Much Do Insurance Adjusters Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, insurance adjusters in the United States have a median salary of about $75,000.
An adjuster’s income depends on disaster volume, state licensing and experience. Independent adjusters who settle catastrophic (CAT) claims can make $100,000–$200,000+ annually when there are major natural disasters.
Last Updated: February 27, 2026
