What Happens If You Don't Complete Your Texas Insurance CE on Time?

Missing your Texas insurance CE deadline is not just an inconvenience. It triggers a series of financial penalties and compliance consequences that can disrupt your ability to sell insurance and earn commissions. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)Agcehome.html Agent takes CE compliance seriously, and the penalties are designed to motivate timely completion. Here is exactly what happens when you fall behind, and how to recover.

How Much Is the Fine for Late Texas Insurance CE?

TDI imposes an automatic fine of $50 for every hour of CE you have not completed by your license expiration date. If you are short by 10 hours, that is a $500 fine. The maximum penalty is $500 per license. If you hold multiple licenses, fines are assessed per license, which can compound quickly. For licenses that expired before June 1, 2018, there is no cap on fines, so older lapses can carry even steeper penalties.

These fines are not negotiable. They are assessed automatically when TDI's system detects deficient hours at the time of your renewal deadline. You cannot renew your license until your CE is complete and all fines are paid in full.

What Is the 90-Day Grace Period?

After your license expires, TDI gives you 90 days to complete your remaining CE hours and pay the associated fines. During this period, your license is in a non-compliant status. While TDI does not explicitly state that you may not conduct insurance business during the grace period, operating with an expired license exposes you to regulatory risk and potential complaints from carriers and clients.

To make the most of the grace period, check your CE transcript on SirconInquiry LoginCETranscript.do ComplianceExpress immediately to see exactly how many hours you are short. Then complete the remaining courses through a TDI-approved provider as quickly as possible. Remember that providers need time to report completions, so plan for a buffer even within the grace period.

What Happens If Your Texas Insurance License Lapses?

If you do not complete your deficient CE hours and pay all fines within the 90-day window, your license is inactivated by TDI. An inactivated license means you cannot sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance in Texas. You must stop all insurance-related activities immediately.

To get relicensed after a lapse, you must apply for a new license through TDI, which requires completing all deficient CE hours and paying all outstanding fines. Depending on how long your license has been inactive, TDI may require additional steps. The reapplication process takes time and delays your ability to generate income, which is why proactive planning is so critical.

Does Surrendering Your License Remove CE Requirements?

No. According to TDI guidanceAgents Ce.html Tips, voluntarily surrendering your license does not eliminate your CE obligations, though it may pro-rate the number of hours you owe. If you are considering surrendering, contact TDI first to understand the financial implications.

How to Get Back on Track After Missing a Texas CE Deadline

1. Check your Sircon transcript to determine exactly how many hours you are deficient
2. Identify whether you need general hours, ethics hours, classroom equivalent hours, or specialty training
3. Enroll in TDI-approved courses immediately, prioritizing classroom equivalent formats to satisfy the 50/50 rule
4. Complete all courses and allow time for provider reporting (up to 30 days)
5. Pay any outstanding fines through TDI
6. Submit your renewal through the TDI portal, Sircon, or NIPR once your transcript is clean

How to Avoid Missing Your Deadline in the Future

The best strategy is prevention. Set calendar reminders at least 12 months before your license expires and begin completing courses early in your cycle. Many agents find it helpful to spread their 24 hours across the full two-year period rather than cramming at the end. Completing even a few hours per quarter keeps you on pace and reduces stress. Review your career developmentPre License What Type Of Insurance License Should I Get In Texas Resources options to find courses that build your skills while meeting your compliance obligations.

How Does Texas Compare to Other States on Late Penalties?

Texas's $50-per-hour fine structure is more predictable than some states. California, for example, charges a 50% penalty on the renewal fee for late completions, which can result in larger one-time charges. Missouri uses a $25-per-month late fee that accumulates for up to a year. Texas's 90-day grace period is more generous than states with no grace period, but the per-hour fine model means even a small deficit carries significant cost. Understanding these differences matters if you are a new agentPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources building a multi-state practice.

What Can Slow Down the Recovery Process in Texas?

• Provider reporting delays: Even after completing a course, it can take up to 30 days for credits to appear on your Sircon transcript.
• Multiple license types: If you hold more than one license, fines are assessed per license and each must be brought current separately.
• Missing specialty certifications: Annuity, LTC, Medicare, and flood training deficiencies are tracked separately and must be resolved in addition to general CE hours.
• Incomplete fine payments: TDI will not process your renewal until all fines are paid. Partial payments do not clear your status.

Do Not Wait — Protect Your Texas Insurance Career

Missing a CE deadline is costly and disruptive, but it is also entirely avoidable. The sooner you start, the easier it is. Aceable Insurance is building a modern, mobile-friendly Texas CE solution designed to help agents stay ahead of their deadlines. From career strategiesPre License Tips Becoming A Successful Insurance Agent Resources to compliance tracking, Aceable makes it simple to protect your license and your livelihood.