Do You Need Fingerprints for a New York Insurance License?
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Quick Answers:
- Yes — New York requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO at a New York State Authorized enrollment center for most license types.
- You must submit your license application within 10 days of your fingerprinting appointment or your prints will be discarded.
- Use the correct DFS service code when scheduling — using the wrong code means starting over and paying again.
Fingerprinting is a required step in the New York insurance licensing process for most applicants. The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS)Fingerprinting_procedure Apps_and_licensing uses fingerprints to conduct state and federal criminal background checks through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI. Here's what you need to know to get it done right the first time.
Who Needs to Be Fingerprinted in New York?
Most first-time individual applicants for a New York resident insurance license are required to submit fingerprints. This includes applicants for Agent, Broker, and Public Adjuster licenses. If you're relicensing within two years of your expiration date, you may not need to be re-fingerprinted — check with DFS to confirm your specific situation.
Non-resident applicants also have fingerprinting requirements depending on their license type and home state. The NIPR state requirements pageLicensing Center State Requirements New York Non Resident Licensing Individuals Nipr.com for New York outlines exactly which non-resident license types require fingerprints.
How Do You Schedule Fingerprinting for a New York Insurance License?
DFS uses IdentoGO for all live scan fingerprinting services. Only New York State Authorized IdentoGO Centers may be used — not every IdentoGO location qualifies. When scheduling your appointment, you'll need the correct service code for your specific license type. The insurance industry ORI is NY921270Z, and you'll need to enter your NAIC number in the designated field on the fingerprint card.
You can locate an authorized enrollment center and schedule your appointment through the IdentoGO websiteUenroll.identogo.com. If you're unsure which service code to use, contact DFS at (800) 342-3736 before your appointment. Using the wrong service code means your prints can't be used, and you'll have to start the process over — including paying the fee again.
What Happens at Your Fingerprinting Appointment?
At your appointment, your fingerprints will be digitally scanned and transmitted to the appropriate agencies for your background check. You'll receive two receipts showing your name, fingerprinting location, date, time, fee paid, and reason for fingerprinting. Keep both — you must submit one receipt with your DFS license application, and you should retain the other for your records.
If the image quality of your scanned prints is poor, IdentoGO or DFS will contact you to schedule a re-scan. There's no additional cost for re-scanning within one year of your original submission.
When Should You Get Fingerprinted?
Timing matters. DFS will discard any scanned fingerprints if they don't receive a related license application within 10 days. This means you should coordinate your fingerprinting with your application submission. The most efficient approach is to complete your fingerprinting after passing your exam and submit your application promptly afterward.
For a complete overview of the entire process from education through application, our licensing guidePre License How To Get An Insurance License Resources walks you through every step.
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If you’re eager to learn how to not only get licensed but also thrive in your insurance career, check out our Tips for Becoming a Successful Insurance Agent.
What Can Slow Down the Licensing Process in New York?
- Scheduling fingerprinting before passing the exam — your prints will expire before your application arrives
- Using the wrong IdentoGO service code requiring you to re-do the entire process
- Visiting a non-authorized IdentoGO location
- Waiting more than 10 days between fingerprinting and submitting your application
- Poor print quality requiring a re-scan appointment
How Does New York's Fingerprinting Compare to Other States?
Many states require fingerprinting as part of insurance licensing, but the specifics vary. Florida requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO as well, and North Carolina requires fingerprints submitted within 30 days of applying. Pennsylvania uses IdentoGO with a different service code. Some states, like Oklahoma, handle background checks differently. New York's 10-day coordination requirement between fingerprinting and application submission is stricter than most states, so planning ahead is essential.
If you're considering eventually working across state lines, understanding how multi-state licensingPre License Insurance Licensing Questions Resources works — including varying fingerprinting requirements — will help you plan your career expansion strategically.
Get Licensed in New York with Confidence
Fingerprinting is just one piece of the New York licensing process, and it doesn't have to be a stumbling block. With the right preparation and timing, you can move through education, examination, fingerprinting, and application smoothly. Aceable Insurance offers exam prep resourcesPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources and state-approved courses designed to get you from start to licensed as efficiently as possible. Start your journey today.
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