---
title: How do I check if a life insurance agent is licensed
url: https://coverfolk.com/answers/check-agent-license
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# How do I check if a life insurance agent is licensed?

Updated October 8, 20264 sourcesCoverfolk team[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Check with your state insurance department. Most have a free license lookup on their website, or you can call them.

Every state licenses its own agents. The NAIC says to confirm both the agent and the company are licensed in your state.

Start with your state insurance department website. Look for a tool called agent lookup or license search. Indiana and California both offer one.

Have the agent's full name ready. Agents also have a National Producer Number, called an NPN. It is a unique ID kept in a national database.

Check the company too. The NAIC Consumer Insurance Search lets you look up insurance companies and their reports.

Look for complaints. Your state insurance department can tell you about complaints against an agent or company.

* Ask the agent for their full name and NPN
* Search your state insurance department site
* Make sure the license covers life insurance
* Look up the insurance company too
* Check for complaints

## More questions

### What if the agent is not licensed?

Do not buy. Report it to your state insurance department.

### Can I just call instead?

Yes. The NAIC says you can call your state insurance department to check a license.

### Can an agent licensed in another state sell to me?

They need a license in your state too. Check your state's lookup.

## Words to know

[Agent](/glossary)
:   A licensed person who sells insurance for one or more companies. Agents are paid commission.

## Sources

1. [NAIC: How to choose an insurance agent](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer_insight_how_choose_insurance_agent.htm)
2. [Indiana Department of Insurance: Life insurance](https://www.in.gov/idoi/consumer-services/types-of-insurance/life-insurance)
3. [NIPR: Look up a license](https://nipr.com/help/look-up-a-license)
4. [California Department of Insurance: Life insurance guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/07-life/life-ins-guide.cfm)