How do I become a surplus lines broker?
The answer depends on your state. Pick yours to see it.
Surplus lines broker is a separate license issued by the California Department of Insurance. You must actively hold, or apply simultaneously for, both the property broker-agent and casualty broker-agent licenses, but no separate qualifying exam is required. As of the current fee schedule, the filing fee is $646 for a two-year term if you transact only on behalf of a surplus line broker business entity, and $1,296 otherwise, and you apply through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
Sources: California CDI: Licensing fees and schedule of fees and charges.
Georgia requires a surplus lines broker to hold a Georgia agent license with Property and Casualty, pass the Surplus Lines Broker exam (a 1.5-hour Pearson VUE exam; a CPCU designation waives it), and post a $50,000 bond (form GID-114). The license fee is $600 plus a $20 processing fee, and you apply at sircon.com/georgia.
Sources: Pearson VUE: Georgia Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook (Oct 2026, #121100).