What This License Is
A Texas Personal Lines license lets you sell property and casualty coverage to individuals and families — homeowners, renters, personal auto, and similar non-commercial risks in Texas. It is issued by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
Licensing runs through the same process as every Texas producer line — the difference is the focused Personal Lines exam.
Exam Options & Format
The Personal Lines exam is Personal Lines P&C Agent (InsTX-PersPC55; Spanish available): 110 total (100 scored + 10 pretest) questions, 2 hr, $39 per attempt. Passing standard: Set by TDI with Pearson VUE; not published.
Texas also offers the combined exam (General Lines — Property & Casualty (InsTX-PC06): 145 total (130 scored) questions, 2 hr 30 min, $49), which licenses both lines in one sitting. If there is any chance you will sell commercial products later, the combined exam is usually the better value.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 and have a Social Security Number (or FEIN for business entities). A criminal history involving fraud or dishonesty can lead to denial; TDI reviews each application individually. Answer all background questions on the application truthfully.
Pre-Licensing Education
Texas does not require pre-licensing education for a permanent P&C license. Most candidates take a prep course anyway because the exam expects fluency in policy forms and Texas-specific code.
The 40-hour pre-licensing requirement only applies if you are pursuing a 90-day temporary license under an agency or carrier sponsor.
What It Costs
Required state fees come in around $130–$155 total. Here is the breakdown:
Passing Score
You need 70% to pass, with the result on screen immediately. Texas does not limit retakes, but each attempt costs another exam fee. Aim for a consistent 80% on practice exams before scheduling the real one.
Keeping Your License Active
Important CE details: 3 hours must be ethics/consumer protection. At least 50% (12 hours) must be classroom or classroom-equivalent. No carry-over, no repeating a course in the same cycle. P&C producers who sell flood insurance must complete one-time NFIP training. The 20-year continuous-license CE exemption is available via TDI form FIN517 (does not waive specialty training).
Texas requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years, with 3 hours in ethics/consumer protection and at least 12 hours in classroom or classroom-equivalent format. Renewal is tied to your birth month.
If you sell flood insurance, you must complete a one-time National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) training course before selling. Those hours count toward your CE total.
The 20-year continuous-licensure CE exemption (TDI form FIN517) is available for long-tenured producers, though it does not waive specialty training requirements.
Quick Reference
Official Links
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