Information regarding various types of agent and broker licenses issued by NYS Insurance Department and the procedures to be followed when applying.

A life, accident & health or property and casualty agent represents companies for which he/she has been appointed. A life or property and casualty broker represents the insured and can place business with any company authorized in New York State which will accept it. Some companies will only accept business from their own agents.

Both agent and broker licenses are issued to individuals, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies. Individuals and sublicensees must be at least 18 years of age.

Corporate, partnership, limited liability company and assumed or trade names must have prior approval from this Department since duplicate or misleading names cannot be licensed. These names should be approved before submitting an application. Requests for name approval must be submitted by letter or e-mail to the Insurance Department. Please include in your request the name and address of the prospective sublicensee and the type of license for which you are applying. Approval or disapproval will be forwarded in writing with additional instructions.