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Kentucky Life Insurance — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Business entity agent license — Life

Business entity life agent licence with designated individually licensed agents.

Licensing authority: Department of Insurance · Application information

Late business entity renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Deadline
Commissioner may accept renewal request and fees within 60 days after expiration with required penalty and no interruption.
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident business entity not eligible for reciprocal issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Eligibility
Nonresident business entity not eligible under KRS 304.9-140; meet KRS 304.9-130 resident-equivalent requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident reciprocal business entity life licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Home licence
Entity currently holds corresponding resident licence and life authority in good standing; reciprocal home-state treatment and continued home-state licensure required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Biennial business entity life licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Renewal
Submit renewal request and fees by March 31 of next biennium matching issuance-year parity; retain properly licensed designations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Resident business entity initial life licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Business entity relicensure following first revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Eligibility
Wait at least one year after revocation and requalify under applicable Code provisions; a second revocation bars all subsequent licences.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Business entity life licensure for a financial institution
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Financial institution
Institution must be authorized by law to engage in insurance agency activities and comply with applicable licensing provisions and statutory consumer-disclosure, information-use and anti-tying requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Business entity agent license — Limited line credit

Business entity limited credit insurance authority includes credit life and mortgage life insurance.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Initial credit business agent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident reciprocal credit business licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Home licence
Current corresponding resident authority in good standing in reciprocal home state; continue to maintain home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Reissuance of credit business authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Reissuance
Reapply with applicable application documentation and fees; all current line-specific qualifications continue. A prior revocation requires the waiting period and requalification under KRS 304.9-450(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Renewal of credit business authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Renewal
Follow KRS 304.9-260 individual birth-month or business-entity March 31 biennial renewal, as applicable; pay required fees and submit required documentation. Variable individual authority follows applicable individual CE; exempt limited lines follow KRS 304.9-295(3)(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Agent license — Limited line credit

Limited credit insurance authority includes credit life and mortgage life insurance.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Initial credit agent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable background documentation and fees.
Scope
Limited line credit includes credit life and mortgage life; no limited-credit examination or prelicensing is required under 806 KAR 9:025 Sections 1(1)(a) and 2(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident reciprocal credit licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable background documentation and fees.
Home licence
Current corresponding resident authority in good standing in reciprocal home state; continue to maintain home-state authority.
Scope
Limited line credit includes credit life and mortgage life; no limited-credit examination or prelicensing is required under 806 KAR 9:025 Sections 1(1)(a) and 2(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Reissuance of credit authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable background documentation and fees.
Reissuance
Reapply with applicable application documentation and fees; all current line-specific qualifications continue. A prior revocation requires the waiting period and requalification under KRS 304.9-450(2).
Scope
Limited line credit includes credit life and mortgage life; no limited-credit examination or prelicensing is required under 806 KAR 9:025 Sections 1(1)(a) and 2(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Renewal of credit authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable background documentation and fees.
Renewal
Follow KRS 304.9-260 individual birth-month or business-entity March 31 biennial renewal, as applicable; pay required fees and submit required documentation. Variable individual authority follows applicable individual CE; exempt limited lines follow KRS 304.9-295(3)(a).
Scope
Limited line credit includes credit life and mortgage life; no limited-credit examination or prelicensing is required under 806 KAR 9:025 Sections 1(1)(a) and 2(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Insurance agent license — Life

Individual agent license for the life line of authority, covering insurance on human lives including endowment benefits and annuities.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Reissuance within twelve months after CE termination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Within 12 months of termination, satisfy delinquent CE, submit a new application with Section 2(1) attachments, and applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Continuation of existing life authority under commissioner conditions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Order
An existing licence may be continued subject to conditions in the commissioner order under KRS 304.9-465. These provisions do not establish another examination; underlying renewal requirements and the order continue to apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Initial life licensure subject to commissioner conditions
Life examination
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Commissioner order
An initial licence may have commissioner-imposed conditions under KRS 304.9-465(1); otherwise the ordinary initial life examination requirements apply.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
20 hours of approved life prelicensing; completion is valid for one year unless exempt (806 KAR 9:025 Section 1).
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.
KRS 304.9 170(6): Kentucky consultant to life agent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Kentucky consultant licensed in the same line currently or within preceding 12 months; no exemption if prior licence revoked, suspended or continuation refused for reasons other than financial-responsibility failure under KRS 304.9-330. The consultant licence is an applicant condition.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing and examination exempt under KRS 304.9-170(6).
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

KRS 304.9 170(7): relicensure after Department employment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Same life authority surrendered to accept Department employment; apply within 12 months after termination of that employment.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing and examination are exempt under KRS 304.9-170(7): relicensure after Department employment
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Biennial renewal of individual life authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Course assessment
KRS 304.9-295(6)(d) requires passing any written examination a chosen CE course uses; such unnamed course assessments are applicant conditions, not registered licensing-exam leaves.
Renewal
Submit renewal request and applicable fee by last day of birth month in next applicable birth-year parity biennium. Complete required 24 hours CE, including 3 ethics hours, by compliance deadline and submit proof within statutory period. Nonresidents comply with home-state CE and keep home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Initial individual life licensure by examination
Life examination
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
20 hours of approved life prelicensing; completion is valid for one year unless exempt (806 KAR 9:025 Section 1).
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.
Initial licensure with designation or insurance degree prelicensing exemption
Life examination
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing alone is exempt for CLU, CIC, CEBS, ChFC, CFP, FLMI, LUTCF, or an insurance degree from an accredited college or university under KRS 304.9-107. The life examination remains required.
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.
KRS 304.9 170(1): lapsed individual license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Pay renewal fee within 12 months of its due date, with penalty of double unpaid renewal fee; same lines of authority reissued. Satisfy applicable CE and application requirements.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing and examination are exempt under KRS 304.9-170(1): lapsed individual license renewal
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Commissioner may accept renewal request and fees within 60 days after expiration without interruption, with applicable penalty. Required CE must have been completed by expiration and its proof received within 60 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

KRS 304.9 170(5): transfer of resident life authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Resident producer authority held in another state within the last 12 months; move to Kentucky and apply within 90 days of establishing legal residence for the same line previously held. Applies except as otherwise established by administrative regulation.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing and examination are exempt under KRS 304.9-170(5): transfer of resident life authority
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident reciprocal licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit uniform application or home-state application, fees, and no disqualifying ground under KRS 304.9-440.
Home licence
Current resident life authority in good standing in a home state granting Kentucky residents nonresident licences on the same basis; maintain that home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

KRS 304.9 170(4): previously licensed in the same line in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Currently licensed for the same life line elsewhere, or application received within 90 days of cancellation with official certification or NAIC database evidence of good standing at cancellation.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing and examination are exempt under KRS 304.9-170(4): previously licensed in the same line in another state
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

  • KRS 304.9-170

    KRS 304.9-170, operative introductory sentence

  • KRS 304.9-170

    KRS 304.9-170(4): previously licensed in the same line in another state

Withdraw CE exemption and restore active selling authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation
Complete CE for immediately preceding biennium, provide completion certification and a signed written statement withdrawing the affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

KRS 304.9 170(2): recent Kentucky licence reissuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Similar Kentucky life licence other than temporary held in the preceding 12 months. No exemption after suspension or revocation for reasons other than failure to meet CE.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
Prelicensing and examination are exempt under KRS 304.9-170(2): recent Kentucky licence reissuance
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Requalification after CE delinquency of twelve months or longer
Life examination
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
Delinquency remains unsatisfied for 12 months or longer; all licensing requirements apply unless another statutory exemption independently applies.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
20 hours of approved life prelicensing; completion is valid for one year unless exempt (806 KAR 9:025 Section 1).
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.
Renewal procedure relief for military service, disability or other extenuating circumstance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Waiver
Written request for waiver of renewal procedures for military service, long-term medical disability or another extenuating circumstance. May also request waiver of any examination requirement, fine or sanction imposed for failure to comply. Unspecified examination requirements are conditions; no specific examination is identified in this renewal-relief clause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Maintain life licence solely for renewals or deferred commissions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Activity
Maintain existing licence solely to receive renewals or deferred commissions; file supporting CE-exemption affidavit. Selling, soliciting and negotiating remain restricted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Requalification following first revocation
Life examination
Age
At least 18 years old (KRS 304.9-105(1)(a)).
Annuities
Before selling, soliciting or negotiating annuities, complete four hours of approved initial annuity training or document substantially similar training elsewhere (806 KAR 9:025 Section 5(2)(c)).
Application
Submit Form 8301, applicable attachments and fees. Kentucky home-state applicants submit a Kentucky AOC background check before examination scheduling (806 KAR 9:025 Section 2(1)-(2)).
Character
Trustworthy, reliable and of good reputation; no disqualifying act under KRS 304.9-440. The commissioner may require additional submissions and verification.
Eligibility
At least one year after first revocation and applicant again qualifies under the Code. A second revocation permanently bars eligibility. The KRS 304.9-170(2) recent-licence exemption does not apply to disciplinary revocation.
Financial responsibility
Maintain one statutory alternative: errors-and-omissions coverage of at least $20,000 per occurrence/$100,000 aggregate, $20,000 insurer surety bond, or qualifying exclusive-insurer responsibility agreement (KRS 304.9-105(1)(f)).
Prelicensing
20 hours of approved life prelicensing; completion is valid for one year unless exempt (806 KAR 9:025 Section 1).
Residency
Designate Kentucky as home state and maintain that eligibility under KRS 304.9-120, or qualify as a nonresident not eligible for reciprocal issuance under KRS 304.9-140.

Business entity agent license — Preneed funeral limited line

Business entity limited life or annuity authority solely to fund preneed funerals, face amount at most $25,000.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Initial preneed business agent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000; submit Section 3 documentation under 806 KAR 9:370.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-04-06.

Nonresident reciprocal preneed business licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Home licence
Current corresponding resident authority in good standing in reciprocal home state; continue to maintain home-state authority.
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000; submit Section 3 documentation under 806 KAR 9:370.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Reissuance of preneed business authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Reissuance
Reapply with applicable application documentation and fees; all current line-specific qualifications continue. A prior revocation requires the waiting period and requalification under KRS 304.9-450(2).
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000; submit Section 3 documentation under 806 KAR 9:370.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Renewal of preneed business authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Renewal
Follow KRS 304.9-260 individual birth-month or business-entity March 31 biennial renewal, as applicable; pay required fees and submit required documentation. Variable individual authority follows applicable individual CE; exempt limited lines follow KRS 304.9-295(3)(a).
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000; submit Section 3 documentation under 806 KAR 9:370.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

preneed funeral agent license

Individual limited life or annuity authority solely to fund preneed funerals, face amount at most $25,000.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Initial preneed agent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301 with attachments, AOC background report and fees under 806 KAR 9:370 Section 3; no prelicensing training or examination.
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-04-06.

Nonresident reciprocal preneed licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301 with attachments, AOC background report and fees under 806 KAR 9:370 Section 3; no prelicensing training or examination.
Home licence
Current corresponding resident authority in good standing in reciprocal home state; continue to maintain home-state authority.
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Reissuance of preneed authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301 with attachments, AOC background report and fees under 806 KAR 9:370 Section 3; no prelicensing training or examination.
Reissuance
Reapply with applicable application documentation and fees; all current line-specific qualifications continue. A prior revocation requires the waiting period and requalification under KRS 304.9-450(2).
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Renewal of preneed authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301 with attachments, AOC background report and fees under 806 KAR 9:370 Section 3; no prelicensing training or examination.
Renewal
Follow KRS 304.9-260 individual birth-month or business-entity March 31 biennial renewal, as applicable; pay required fees and submit required documentation. Variable individual authority follows applicable individual CE; exempt limited lines follow KRS 304.9-295(3)(a).
Scope
Only life/annuity funding for preneed funeral arrangements, face amount at most $25,000.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Temporary agent license

Temporary license to service an insurance business for at most 180 days, limited to the replaced agent's insurance kinds and insurers.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Temporary life agent: Member or employee of licensed business entity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commissioner-prescribed application and fee under KRS 304.9-300(3).
Eligibility
Death or disability of the sole individual designated in the business entity licence/application.
Restrictions
Only replaced agent lines and previously represented insurers; no additional insurer or kind. Commissioner may require suitable licensed-agent/insurer sponsor, limit authority or revoke; licence ends upon disposal of business. No insurance sold on own or related lives and no sole controlled-business production.
Term
At most 180 days; commissioner must deem temporary licence necessary to service the business.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2010-07-15.

Temporary life agent: Designee of agent entering active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commissioner-prescribed application and fee under KRS 304.9-300(3).
Eligibility
Designation by a licensed agent entering active United States Armed Forces service.
Restrictions
Only replaced agent lines and previously represented insurers; no additional insurer or kind. Commissioner may require suitable licensed-agent/insurer sponsor, limit authority or revoke; licence ends upon disposal of business. No insurance sold on own or related lives and no sole controlled-business production.
Term
At most 180 days; commissioner must deem temporary licence necessary to service the business.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2010-07-15.

Temporary life agent: Other public interest circumstance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commissioner-prescribed application and fee under KRS 304.9-300(3).
Eligibility
Commissioner determines public interest best served by issuance.
Restrictions
Only replaced agent lines and previously represented insurers; no additional insurer or kind. Commissioner may require suitable licensed-agent/insurer sponsor, limit authority or revoke; licence ends upon disposal of business. No insurance sold on own or related lives and no sole controlled-business production.
Term
At most 180 days; commissioner must deem temporary licence necessary to service the business.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2010-07-15.

Temporary life agent: Surviving spouse or court appointed personal representative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commissioner-prescribed application and fee under KRS 304.9-300(3).
Eligibility
Licensed agent died or became mentally or physically disabled; time to sell the business, allow recovery or train/license replacement personnel.
Restrictions
Only replaced agent lines and previously represented insurers; no additional insurer or kind. Commissioner may require suitable licensed-agent/insurer sponsor, limit authority or revoke; licence ends upon disposal of business. No insurance sold on own or related lives and no sole controlled-business production.
Term
At most 180 days; commissioner must deem temporary licence necessary to service the business.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2010-07-15.

Business entity agent license — Variable life and variable annuity products

Business entity variable life and variable annuity authority with appropriately licensed designated agents.

Licensing authority: Department of Insurance · Application information

Initial variable business agent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident reciprocal variable business licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Home licence
Current corresponding resident authority in good standing in reciprocal home state; continue to maintain home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Reissuance of variable business authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Reissuance
Reapply with applicable application documentation and fees; all current line-specific qualifications continue. A prior revocation requires the waiting period and requalification under KRS 304.9-450(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Renewal of variable business authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Form 8301-BE and fees; designated responsible producer must meet Department appointment requirements (FAQ question 15).
Designations
Each officer, director and member acting as agent must be individually licensed. Disclose officers/directors and designate a licensed agent responsible for compliance; designated agents must hold applicable life authority.
Renewal
Follow KRS 304.9-260 individual birth-month or business-entity March 31 biennial renewal, as applicable; pay required fees and submit required documentation. Variable individual authority follows applicable individual CE; exempt limited lines follow KRS 304.9-295(3)(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

variable life and variable annuity products

Additional variable life and variable annuity authority; a resident individual must hold active life authority.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Insurance · Application information

Initial variable agent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit individual agent application and applicable attachments and fees; no variable-line prelicensing or licensing examination is required.
Prerequisite
Resident individual must already hold active life authority (KRS 304.9-030(3)); this held licence is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Nonresident reciprocal variable licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit individual agent application and applicable attachments and fees; no variable-line prelicensing or licensing examination is required.
Home licence
Current corresponding resident authority in good standing in reciprocal home state; continue to maintain home-state authority.
Prerequisite
Resident individual must already hold active life authority (KRS 304.9-030(3)); this held licence is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Reissuance of variable authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit individual agent application and applicable attachments and fees; no variable-line prelicensing or licensing examination is required.
Prerequisite
Resident individual must already hold active life authority (KRS 304.9-030(3)); this held licence is an applicant condition.
Reissuance
Reapply with applicable application documentation and fees; all current line-specific qualifications continue. A prior revocation requires the waiting period and requalification under KRS 304.9-450(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Renewal of variable authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit individual agent application and applicable attachments and fees; no variable-line prelicensing or licensing examination is required.
Prerequisite
Resident individual must already hold active life authority (KRS 304.9-030(3)); this held licence is an applicant condition.
Renewal
Follow KRS 304.9-260 individual birth-month or business-entity March 31 biennial renewal, as applicable; pay required fees and submit required documentation. Variable individual authority follows applicable individual CE; exempt limited lines follow KRS 304.9-295(3)(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-15.

Life examination

Provider
Kentucky Department of Insurance
Format
Computerized written examination
Passing score
70% correct
Examination outline
  • Introduction to Life Insurance (4%)
    • Insurance
    • Principle of Life Insurance
    • Elements of a Contract
    • Important Contractual Concepts
    • The Mortality Rate
  • The Need For Life Insurance (4%)
    • Obligations at Death
    • Methods of Estate Building
    • Living Benefits of Life Insurance
    • Advantages as Property
    • Human and Moral Values
    • Needs Approach Versus Human Life Value Approach
  • Permanent Life Insurance (6%)
    • Introduction
    • Permanent Life Insurance
    • Permanent Life Insurance Policies
  • Term Life Insurance and Other Plans (4%)
    • Term Insurance Products
    • Uses For Term Insurance
    • Family Plans
    • Juvenile Insurance
    • Industrial Life Insurance
  • Annuities (6%)
    • Purpose of Annuities
    • How Annuities Work
    • Immediate and Deferred Annuities
    • Deferred Annuity Death Benefits
    • Annuity Premium Amounts
    • Variable Annuities
    • Annuity Settlement Options
    • Two-Tiered Annuities
    • Tax Sheltered Annuities
    • Retirement Income Annuities
    • Equity-Indexed Annuities
    • Market-Value Adjusted Annuities
  • Policy Provisions (6%)
    • Policy Conditions
    • Insuring, Consideration, and Execution Clauses
    • Ten-Day Free Look
    • Policy Ownership
    • The Policyowner’s Rights
    • Beneficiaries
    • Uniform Simultaneous Death Act
    • Common Disaster Provision
    • Spendthrift Clause
    • Incontestable Clause
    • Misstatement of Age Clause
    • Suicide Clause
    • Grace Period
    • Reinstatement Clause
    • Applicant Control or Ownership Clause
    • Privilege of Change Clause
    • Automatic Premium Loan Provision
    • Policy Assignment
    • Policy Exclusions
  • Riders (4%)
    • Riders Defined
    • Waiver of Premium
    • Disability Income Rider
    • Accidental Death Rider
    • Payor Rider
    • Guaranteed Insurability Rider
    • Accelerated Benefits Rider
    • Life Settlements
    • Term Riders
    • Cost of Living Rider
    • Exchange Privilege Rider
    • Return of Premium Rider
  • Premiums (4%)
    • The Purpose of Premiums
    • Modes of Premium Payments
    • Modified Premium Plan
    • Graded Premium Plan
    • Paying Premiums from Policy Values
    • Minimum Deposit Insurance
    • Reserves
    • Cost Comparison Methods
    • Interest-Adjusted Cost Indexes
  • Dividends (4%)
    • Policy Dividend Sources
    • Dividend Options
    • Conclusion
  • Nonforfeiture and Settlement Options (6%)
    • Nonforfeiture Values and Options
    • Lapsed and Reinstated Policies
    • Settlement Options
    • Using Cash Values
  • Policy Loans (4%)
    • The Basic Concept
    • Advantages of Policy Loans
    • Deferring Policy Loans
    • Collateral for Policy Loans
    • Irrevocable Beneficiaries and Policy Loans
    • Interest on Policy Loans
    • Nonpayment of Policy Loans
    • Loans and Nonforfeiture Options
    • Outstanding Loans and Death Claims
    • Business Uses of Policy Loans
  • The Application (6%)
    • Three Parties to an Application
    • Application Defined
    • Signing the Application
    • Correcting Applications
    • Incomplete or Incorrect Applications
    • Representations and Warranties
    • Conditional Receipt
    • Binding Receipt
    • Temporary Insurance Agreement
    • Policy Effective Date
    • Backdating Policies
  • Underwriting (6%)
    • The Nature of Underwriting
    • Definitions
    • Methods of Risk Management
    • Using Life Insurance to Transfer Risk
    • Elements of Risk Selection
    • Medical Information Bureau
    • Fair Credit Reporting Act
    • Standard and Substandard (Special Class) Risks
    • Rating Methods
    • Exclusions
    • Insurable Interest
    • Consent
  • Claims (2%)
    • Life Insurance Claims
    • Payment of Claims
    • Payments Less than Face Amount
    • Agent’s Responsibilities upon Insured’s Death
  • Group Life Insurance (4%)
    • Types of Groups
    • Setting up Group Life
    • Certificate of Insurance
    • Group Policy Types
    • Avoiding Adverse Selection
    • Contributory Versus Noncontributory
    • Probationary Period
    • Eligibility Period
    • Group Life Versus Individual Life
    • Conversion Privilege
    • Dependents and Group Life
  • Business Insurance (4%)
    • Business Uses of Life Insurance
    • Selling the Business Interest
    • Keeping the Business Interest
    • Key Employee Insurance
    • Deferred Compensation
    • Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
    • Split-Dollar Insurance
    • Executive Bonus Plan
  • Retirement Plans (4%)
    • Qualified and Nonqualified Retirement Plans
    • Vesting
    • Individual Retirement Accounts and Annuities
    • Roth IRAs
    • SIMPLE Retirement Plans
    • Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plans
    • Keogh Plans
    • Tax-Deferred Annuity Arrangements [403(b) Arrangements]
    • Plan Distributions
    • Incidental Limitations
    • Taxation of Plan Benefits
    • Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
  • Tax Treatment of Life Insurance (4%)
    • Individual Life Insurance
    • Group Life Insurance
    • Doctrine of Economic Benefit
    • Federal Estate Tax
    • Charitable Uses of Life Insurance
    • Gifts of Life Insurance
    • Section 1035 Policy Exchanges
    • Business Insurance
  • Life Insurance Companies (4%)
    • Stock and Mutual Companies
    • Domestic, Foreign, and Alien Companies
    • Authorized (Admitted), Unauthorized (Nonadmitted) Companies
    • Reinsurance and Retention Limits
    • Marketing Systems
    • Fraternal Benefit Societies
    • Risk Retention Groups and Purchasing Groups
    • Miscellaneous Insurance Organizations
    • Private Versus Government Insurance
  • Legal and Professional Aspects (4%)
    • Control of the Insurance Business
    • Insurance Commissioners and Insurance Laws
    • Duties of the Insurance Commissioner
    • Complaints
    • National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
    • Agents
    • Examination and Licensing of Agents
    • Brokers and Agents
    • The Powers of Agency
    • Solicitors
    • Consultants
    • Controlled Business
    • Commissions
    • Commission Splitting
    • Ethics
    • Delivering the Policy
    • Exposure to Errors and Omissions Liability
  • Government Programs (4%)
    • Social Security Overview
    • Social Security Taxes
    • Insured Status
    • Primary Insurance Amount
    • Normal Retirement Age
    • Dual Benefit Liability
    • Retirement Benefits
    • Survivor Benefits
    • Disability Benefits
    • Maximum Family Benefit
    • Retirement Earning Limit
    • Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
  • Kentucky Insurance Laws and Regulations 2007 (6%)
    • KRS 304.12-110
    • KRS 304.14-150
    • KRS 304.2-120
    • KRS 304.9-295
    • KRS 304.9-425(5)
    • KRS 304.9-440
Examination sources