What is the Cost of a Life Insurance License in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, obtaining a life insurance license is a methodical procedure that includes multiple steps and related expenses. With this license, people can help clients secure financial security for their families by selling life insurance products.

Exam fees, application fees, pre-licensing education (which was recently waived for life insurance), and continuing education to keep the license are among the expenses. In order to help prospective agents, we go into great detail about these expenses below, offer historical and prospective viewpoints, enumerate nearby insurance providers, and answer frequently asked questions.

 

Breakdown of Life Insurance License Costs:

To become a licensed life insurance agent in Mississippi, candidates must complete the following steps, each with specific fees (as of 2025):

1. Pre-Licensing Education: As of July 1, 2024, House Bill 819 eliminated the 20-hour pre-licensing education requirement for the Life line of authority. Previously, this course cost approximately $149 through providers like Kaplan Education Company. This change reduces upfront costs for new applicants.
2. Licensing Exam: The Mississippi life insurance licensing exam, administered by Pearson VUE, costs $52 per attempt. The exam consists of 70 questions, requires a 65% passing score, and takes two hours. Candidates should budget for potential retakes, though there’s no limit on attempts within two years.
3. License Application: After passing the exam, applicants submit their license application through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The application fee is $100, plus a $1 online processing fee, totaling $101.
4. Fingerprinting and Background Check: Mississippi requires a fingerprint-based background check, which typically costs $30–$50, depending on the vendor. This fee is paid to the Department of Public Safety or an approved provider.
5. Continuing Education (CE): To renew the license every two years, agents must complete 24 hours of CE (including 3 hours of ethics) if the license has been active for 19–24 months, or 12 hours for 13–18 months. CE courses cost $50–$150, depending on the provider and format (online or in-person). The renewal fee is $100, plus a $1 online fee.

Total Initial Cost: Approximately $183–$203 (exam, application, and fingerprinting). Ongoing costs for CE and renewal add $150–$251 every two years.

 

Past 5 Years’ Financial Details (2020–2025)

The costs for obtaining a life insurance license in Mississippi have remained relatively stable, with minor adjustments due to legislative changes and inflation. Below is a summary based on available data:

• 2020: Pre-licensing education: $149; exam: $50; application: $100; fingerprinting: $30–$50; CE: $50–$150; renewal: $100. Total initial cost: ~$329–$349.
• 2021: Costs unchanged from 2020. Pre-licensing is still required for life insurance.
• 2022: Exam fee increased to $52. Other costs remained consistent. Total initial cost: ~$331–$351.
• 2023: No significant changes. House Bill 1084 introduced CE exemptions for agents over 65 with 25 years of licensure, indirectly reducing costs for some. Total initial cost: ~$331–$351.
• 2024: House Bill 819 eliminated the pre-licensing education requirement for life insurance, reducing initial costs by $149. Total initial cost: ~$182–$202.

The primary cost reduction occurred in 2024 due to the pre-licensing waiver, making Mississippi more accessible for new agents.

 

Future License Cost Predictions:

Predicting future costs involves considering inflation, legislative trends, and administrative changes. Assuming a 2–3% annual inflation rate, we can estimate:

• 2026–2028: Exam fees may rise to $55–$60, application fees to $105–$110, and fingerprinting to $35–$55. CE and renewal costs could increase to $60–$175 and $105, respectively. Total initial cost: ~$195–$225.
• 2029–2030: Further increases may push total initial costs to $210–$240, with CE and renewal costs reaching $70–$200.

Legislative trends suggest Mississippi may continue to streamline licensing to attract agents, potentially offsetting inflation with further exemptions or subsidies. However, rising administrative costs could counterbalance these efforts.

 

Local Insurance Companies and Application Contacts:

Several reputable insurance companies operate in Mississippi, offering opportunities for licensed agents. Below are five prominent companies with contact details for licensing inquiries:

1. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
• Overview: Serving Mississippi since 1946, it provides life insurance for Farm Bureau members.
• Contact: 601-981-7422; P.O. Box 78, Jackson, MS 39205; www.sfbli.com.
• Licensing Contact: Email info@sfbli.com for agent opportunities.
2. Trey Cross Agency
• Overview: Established in 1982, it offers term, whole, and universal life policies. Partners with Liberty Mutual and Nationwide.
• Contact: 601-992-5656; 111 Park Circle Dr, Flowood, MS 39232.
• Licensing Contact: Contact Trey Cross at trey@treycrossagency.com.
3. Little & Associates Insurance
• Overview: Operating since 1984, it provides tailored life insurance solutions.
• Contact: 601-856-5656; 500 Steed Rd, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
• Licensing Contact: Email info@littleins.com.
4. We Insure
• Overview: Independent agency with over 30 providers, offering flexible life insurance options.
• Contact: 601-605-2700; 2550 Flowood Dr, Flowood, MS 39232.
• Licensing Contact: Amy Garland, amy.garland@weinsuregroup.com.
5. Palmer Insurance Agency
• Overview: Independent agency offering fixed, lifetime, and flexible premium policies.
• Contact: 601-545-2683; 2018 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
• Licensing Contact: Email info@palmerinsurance.com.

For licensing applications, contact the Mississippi Insurance Department:

• Phone: 601-359-3582
• Email: licensing@mid.ms.gov
• Address: P.O. Box 79, Jackson, MS 39205
• Website: www.mid.ms.gov

 

Related Questions:

1. How long does it take to get a life insurance license in Mississippi?
   The process takes 2–4 weeks, including exam preparation, testing, and application processing (3–5 business days).
2. What is the passing score for the Mississippi life insurance exam?
   A score of 65% is required to pass the 70-question exam.
3. Do I need a pre-licensing course for a life insurance license?
   No, as of July 1, 2024, the pre-licensing education requirement was eliminated for life insurance.
4. How often must I renew my Mississippi life insurance license?
   Licenses renew every two years on the last day of your birth month.
5. What are the CE requirements for license renewal?
   Complete 24 hours of CE (3 hours ethics) every two years for licenses active 19–24 months, or 12 hours for 13–18 months.
6. Can non-residents apply for a Mississippi life insurance license?
   Yes, non-residents can apply via NIPR, with fees and requirements similar to residents.
7. What happens if I fail the licensing exam?
   You can retake the exam unlimited times within two years without repeating pre-licensing (now waived).
8. Are there exemptions for CE requirements?
   Agents over 65 with 25 years of continuous licensure are exempt from CE requirements.
9. How do I schedule the licensing exam?
   Register with Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com or call 888-293-4222.
10. Can I sell other insurance products with a life insurance license?
    No, additional licenses are required for health, property, or casualty insurance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the total cost to become a life insurance agent in Mississippi?
   Initial costs range from $183–$203, covering the exam ($52), application ($101), and fingerprinting ($30–$50). Ongoing CE and renewal add $150–$251 every two years.
2. How long is the life insurance license valid?
   The license is valid for two years, expiring on the last day of your birth month. Renewal requires CE and a $101 fee.
3. Where can I find approved CE courses?
   Approved CE courses are available through providers like Kaplan, Sircon, or ExamFX. Check www.sircon.com for a list.

 

Conclusion:

Getting a life insurance license in Mississippi is a cost-effective and streamlined process, especially after the 2024 elimination of pre-licensing education requirements.

With initial costs of $183–$203 and biennial renewal expenses of $150–$251, the financial barrier is relatively low compared to other states. Over the past five years, costs have decreased due to legislative changes, making it an attractive career path.

Future costs may rise slightly due to inflation, but Mississippi’s commitment to simplifying licensing suggests affordability will persist.

Local insurance companies like Southern Farm Bureau and Trey Cross Agency offer robust opportunities for new agents, supported by the Mississippi Insurance Department’s efficient licensing process.

By understanding the costs, requirements, and resources, aspiring agents can confidently pursue a rewarding career in life insurance, providing financial security to Mississippi families.