How Carrier Appointments Work for North Carolina Insurance Agents

Earning your North Carolina insurance license is a major milestone — but it's not the final step before you can start selling. You also need at least one carrier appointment, which is the formal agreement between you and an insurance company that authorizes you to represent their products. Here's a clear breakdown of how the process works in North Carolina, regulated by the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI)Agent And Adjuster Licensing Licensees.

What Exactly Is a Carrier Appointment?

A carrier appointment is an insurance company's official authorization for you to sell their policies. In North Carolina, the carrier initiates the process — not you. Once you've secured a position with a carrier or agency, the company submits the appointment through NIPRNipr.com. Without a confirmed appointment, you cannot legally solicit, negotiate, or sell policies for that company.

Steps to Getting Appointed in North Carolina

1. Pass your licensing exam. North Carolina exams are administered by Pearson VUEEn Nc Insurance.html Us. You need a 70% score to pass.
2. Complete fingerprinting and background check. North Carolina requires electronic fingerprinting as part of the application process.
3. Receive your license. Submit your application through NIPR and allow up to 60 days for processing by the NCDOI.
4. Connect with carriers or agencies. Choose between a captive or independent pathPre License Property And Casualty Vs Life And Health Vs All Lines Resources.
5. Carrier files the appointment. The insurance company submits the appointment electronically.

North Carolina Appointment Snapshot

Detail	North Carolina Requirement
Who initiates the appointment?	The insurance carrier
Filing method	Electronically through NIPR
Can you sell before being appointed?	No — appointment must be confirmed first
Renewal cycle	Annually (invoices available Feb–Mar)
Licensing authority	North Carolina Department of Insurance
Exam provider	Pearson VUE

Captive vs. Independent: What Affects Your Appointments?

Your career path directly impacts how appointments work. Captive agents represent a single carrier, so the appointing company typically handles everything from onboarding to training. Independent agents work with multiple carriers — offering clients more choice — but must secure each appointment individually. Many independent agents work with a Field Marketing Organization (FMO) or Managing General Agent (MGA) to simplify the process and gain access to top carriers quickly.