The California Public Insurance Adjuster (PA) License Application is the package of forms filed with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Producer Licensing Bureau that lets a person or firm legally represent insureds for a fee when negotiating first-party property claims in California. The core individual filing today is the online application through Sircon – New Adjuster Licenses or the paper Form CDI-180, supported by a $20,000 surety bond on Form LIC 94A, Live Scan fingerprints on Form LIC 442-39A, and proof of pre-licensing education and exam results from PSI.
A small mistake on the background questions or the bond form can stop your file cold. The CDI reports an average application processing time of two to three weeks, but a single missing signature on the LIC 94A bond or a “Yes” answer to a background question without a complete written explanation can extend that to several months under California Insurance Code §§ 15006–15058 and 18 U.S.C. § 1033.
- 📝 How to complete every box on the individual application (CDI-180) and the business entity application (LIC CDI-181).
- 💵 The exact filing fees ($188 individual, $264 business entity, $39 branch office) and the $20,000 bond rules.
- 🖐️ Live Scan fingerprint steps using Form LIC 442-39A and the $59 CDI / $68.95 PSI fee.
- ⚖️ How to answer the nine Background Questions without triggering a §1033 denial.
- 🧭 Three real applicant walkthroughs: a first-time resident, a Florida non-resident, and an applicant with a prior misdemeanor.
What the California Public Insurance Adjuster License Is and Who Must File
A California Public Insurance Adjuster license is the state-issued credential that authorizes a person or business to negotiate and settle first-party insurance claims on behalf of the insured, in exchange for a fee or commission. The authority comes from the Public Insurance Adjusters Act, California Insurance Code §§ 15000–15062, which makes it a civil and potentially criminal violation to act as a PA without a license under § 15006. Civil penalties reach $10,000 per violation, or $25,000 if the violation is willful.
Three categories of filers use this application. Individual residents file the CDI-180 (or apply via Sircon), individual non-residents apply through NIPR or Sircon, and business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships) file the LIC CDI-181. An apprentice PA can train under a licensed PA for up to 12 months while gaining the experience needed to sit for the full license exam.
The agency that receives every filing is the CDI Producer Licensing Bureau at 320 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814. The Insurance Commissioner has discretion to deny any application where the applicant lacks the experience, character, or trustworthiness required by § 15007, and federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 bars anyone convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust from engaging in the business of insurance without written §1033 consent from the Commissioner.
A common misconception is that “claims adjusters” and “public insurance adjusters” are the same license. They are not. A company or independent adjuster works for the insurer; a public adjuster works only for the policyholder. Filing the wrong application wastes the $188 fee, because filing fees are non-refundable under § 1751.5.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gathering every supporting document before you open the Sircon application prevents a partial submission that loses your fee. The CDI does not refund the $188 application fee even if you abandon the file mid-stream, per § 1751.5. Below is the pre-filing checklist every applicant should run through.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or U.S. passport). The name on your ID must match the name you type into the application exactly; a mismatch triggers an SSA name-check hold.
- Social Security Number. Required by § 1666.5 for tax-compliance cross-checks; a missing or wrong SSN stops processing.
- Residential address and mailing address for the past five years. Required on Section 2 of the CDI-180; gaps trigger a Bureau letter requesting an amended application.
- Employment history for the past five years, including months, employers, and addresses. Used to verify the two years (4,000 hours) of insurance adjusting experience.
- Proof of 20 hours of pre-licensing education from a CDI-approved provider. Without the certificate of completion, you cannot sit for the PSI exam.
- PSI exam pass result. Schedule via PSI Examination Scheduling Service; the result is valid for 12 months from the test date.
- Live Scan receipt (BCIA 8016 / LIC 442-39A). The CDI receives prints electronically from Accurate Biometrics; without a receipt number, the Bureau cannot match prints to the file.
- $20,000 Bond of Public Insurance Adjuster (LIC 94A), signed in wet ink by both the principal and an admitted surety. A photocopied signature is grounds for rejection.
- Action Notice and certified court documents for any “Yes” answer to Background Questions 1–9, including misdemeanors and dismissed cases.
- Payment method. Sircon accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or ACH; paper filers pay by check made out to “California Department of Insurance.”
A practical tip: scan every document to PDF before logging into Sircon. The portal times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and any uploaded file larger than 4 MB is rejected without warning.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The CDI offers three official channels for obtaining and submitting the PA license application. The fastest and most reliable is the online portal at Sircon – New Adjuster Licenses, which is the CDI’s preferred submission method. The portal pre-populates your NAIC Producer Database record and time-stamps the filing the moment payment clears.
The second channel is the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). NIPR is most useful for non-resident applicants because it pulls the resident license data from the producer’s home state automatically. The third channel is paper. Resident individuals download Form CDI-180, and business entities download Form LIC CDI-181; both are mailed to the Producer Licensing Bureau in Sacramento.
Always confirm you are on the current revision of the form before printing. The CDI publishes a revision date in the bottom-left footer of each form (e.g., LIC 94A (Rev. 09/2023)). Submitting a superseded revision is one of the top three reasons applications are returned, per CDI Bureau staff. Bookmark the Insurance Adjuster Licensing Information page and check it before every filing.
A common misconception is that applicants can email a scanned application to the Bureau. The CDI does not accept emailed applications; the only digital channel is Sircon or NIPR. Emailed filings are deleted unread and do not stop the clock on any deadline.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the California Public Adjuster Application Line by Line
The line-by-line walkthrough below uses the paper CDI-180 for clarity, because every field on Sircon mirrors a paper box. Print a blank copy and follow along. Each field gets its own H3 with the plain-English meaning, the format, an example entry, an edge case, the most common mistake, and the misconception that traps filers.
Section 1, Box 1 — Type of License Requested
This box asks whether you want a Public Insurance Adjuster license or an Apprentice Public Insurance Adjuster license. Mark only one box; marking both forces the Bureau to reject the application as ambiguous. Maria Lopez, who has two years of adjusting experience and a passing PSI score, checks the Public Insurance Adjuster box.
If you have less than two years of experience but a sponsoring licensed PA, choose Apprentice. The apprentice license requires an employer-completed LIC 0100A Authorization to be uploaded with your file. Apprentices may adjust claims only in California and only under the direct supervision of the sponsoring PA, per § 15007.5.
The most common mistake on Box 1 is checking Public without two years of qualifying experience. The Bureau returns the file with a notice to refile as an apprentice, and the $188 fee is forfeited. A widespread misconception is that adjuster trainee work at a company adjuster firm counts toward PA experience; only insurance adjusting hours count, not policy-issuance or underwriting hours.
Section 1, Box 2 — Full Legal Name
Box 2 asks for your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. Write the name in all caps, last name first, then first name, then middle name (e.g., LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA). Do not include nicknames, initials, or suffixes that are not on your Social Security record.
The edge case here is a recent name change after marriage or divorce. If your SSA record is not yet updated, use the old name and attach a separate sheet explaining the pending change with a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court order. The CDI cross-checks against SSA records; a mismatch creates a permanent hold flagged “SSA-NM.”
The most common mistake is entering a DBA or business name instead of the personal legal name in Box 2. Individual applications must be in the individual’s name, not the firm’s name. The misconception that “my insurance business name goes here” causes the application to be rerouted to the business entity desk, adding two to three weeks.
Section 1, Box 3 — Social Security Number
Box 3 requires the nine-digit Social Security Number issued by the Social Security Administration. Write it in XXX-XX-XXXX format (e.g., 123-45-6789). The number is masked on the public license record but is used internally for tax and child-support compliance under Family Code § 17520.
An edge case is an applicant with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) but no SSN. ITINs are not accepted for PA licensure; the applicant must obtain a valid SSN first. The CDI does not waive this requirement, even for lawful permanent residents who are exempt from SSA enumeration in other contexts.
The most common mistake is transposing two digits when typing the SSN into Sircon. The portal does not validate the number against SSA, so a typo passes the form but creates a Tax-ID mismatch later. The misconception that “any tax ID works” causes a denial under § 1666.5.
Section 1, Box 4 — Date of Birth
Box 4 asks for your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. Maria Lopez, born March 14, 1985, writes 03/14/1985. You must be at least 18 years old to be licensed under § 15007(a).
An edge case involves applicants who use a Hispanic two-surname or hyphenated birth-record format. Use the date exactly as printed on the U.S.-issued ID, even if the foreign birth certificate differs. The Bureau matches against ID, not foreign records.
The most common mistake is writing the date in DD/MM/YYYY European format. The Bureau reads it as written; an entry of 14/03/1985 triggers an “invalid date” return. The misconception that “the database will figure it out” is wrong; CDI staff transcribe by hand.
Section 1, Box 5 — Residence Address (Five-Year History)
Box 5 asks for your current residential address and every prior address for the past five years, with month-and-year date ranges. List addresses in reverse chronological order. Maria Lopez writes 1245 Oak St, Apt 3B, Sacramento, CA 95814, 06/2022–Present; then her prior address with dates.
The edge case is a P.O. Box. The CDI requires a physical residence address in Box 5; the P.O. Box goes only in the separate mailing-address line. Filers who put a P.O. Box in Box 5 get the application returned.
The most common mistake is leaving a gap of more than 30 days between two addresses. The Bureau treats unexplained gaps as residency fraud signals and issues a written request for a sworn statement. A misconception is that “short-term stays don’t count”; even a three-month sublet must be listed.
Section 1, Box 6 — Business Address and Phone
Box 6 asks for the address where you will actually conduct PA business, plus a business phone and email. If you work from home, the home address is acceptable, but the Bureau cross-references it with Box 5. Carlos Mendoza writes 900 K St, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95814 and (916) 555-0112.
The edge case is a virtual office or co-working space. CDI accepts a virtual address only if the applicant can show a written occupancy agreement; otherwise the Bureau treats the address as a “mail drop” and requires a true location. The address must be in California for resident applicants.
The most common mistake is using the surety bond company’s address as the business address. The Bureau flags that as a “third-party drop” and asks for proof of right-to-occupy. The misconception that “any California address works” causes the file to be held.
Section 2 — Background Questions 1 Through 9
Section 2 contains nine “Yes/No” Background Questions covering felonies, misdemeanors, administrative actions, license denials, unpaid judgments, bankruptcies, child-support arrears, military discharges, and current investigations. Answer each question; a blank box is treated as a “Yes” and triggers a 30-day deficiency notice.
For every “Yes,” attach a typed Action Notice statement, certified court documents, and proof of compliance (probation completion, payment in full, etc.). Janet Park, who has a 2014 misdemeanor DUI, answers Yes to Question 2 and attaches the court minute order, proof of probation completion, and a one-page personal statement. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1033, any felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust requires a written §1033 consent from the Commissioner before the license can issue.
The most common mistake on Section 2 is answering No to a question covering a sealed or expunged record. California treats expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 as still “convicted” for licensing purposes; an undisclosed expunged case discovered through Live Scan is treated as material misrepresentation under § 1668.5 and is grounds for outright denial. The misconception that “expungement erases the duty to disclose” is the single most common reason for denial of an otherwise qualified PA applicant.
Section 3 — Experience and Education
Section 3 asks the applicant to document two years (4,000 compensated hours) of insurance adjusting experience or qualifying education. Attach a typed Experience Statement listing each employer, dates, job duties, and hours per week, plus a signed verification from each prior employer. Pre-licensing education is 20 hours from a CDI-approved provider, documented by the provider’s certificate of completion.
The edge case is military or out-of-state adjusting experience. CDI accepts out-of-state hours so long as the employer can verify them in writing; military claims work counts if the duties match California’s definition of adjusting under § 14021. Marcus Reed, a 25-year State Farm independent adjuster with 50,000 logged hours, attaches a letter on State Farm letterhead and his 20-hour prelicensing certificate.
The most common mistake is counting “ride-along” or unpaid training hours toward the 4,000. Only compensated hours count, per O*NET’s CDI summary. The misconception that “claims customer service” counts as adjusting is the second most common reason apprentice candidates are pushed back to apprentice status.
Section 4 — Examination
Box-by-box, Section 4 asks for the date you passed (or intend to take) the PSI Public Insurance Adjuster examination, the score, and the examination confirmation number. Schedule the exam through PSI Examination Scheduling Service by phone or online. The exam fee at PSI is approximately $68.95 and includes a fingerprint option for the same visit.
The edge case is a non-resident applicant. Non-residents are exempt from the PSI exam if they hold an active PA license in their home state, per CDI Application Procedures – Individual Non-Residents. Attach a Letter of Certification from the home-state insurance department.
The most common mistake is submitting an exam result older than 12 months. PSI scores expire one year after the test date. The misconception that “passing once is forever” causes applicants to refile and pay the exam fee twice.
Section 5 — Fingerprint and Live Scan
Section 5 requires submission of fingerprints by Live Scan for resident applicants using Form LIC 442-39A. Take the form to any Accurate Biometrics or PSI site. The Live Scan fee at a CDI test center is $59 and at a PSI center is $68.95.
The edge case is a non-resident applicant outside California. Non-residents use an FD-258 paper fingerprint card with the BCIA 8016 Live Scan Request, mailed directly to CDI. Out-of-state PSI sites accept the FD-258 process for California applicants.
The most common mistake on Section 5 is forgetting to keep the Live Scan receipt’s ATI number. Without that number, the Bureau cannot match incoming prints to your file, and the file sits in “Awaiting Prints” status until you call to fix it. The misconception that “the test center sends everything automatically” leads to four-to-six-week delays.
Section 6 — Bond of Public Insurance Adjuster (LIC 94A)
Section 6 requires a $20,000 surety bond on Form LIC 94A, issued by a California-admitted surety in the exact name on Box 2. Both the principal (you) and the surety’s attorney-in-fact must sign in wet ink. Upload the scanned signed bond and mail the original to the Bureau.
The edge case is a name with a punctuation mark or hyphen. The bond name must match Box 2 character-for-character; a hyphen mismatch voids the bond as filed. Carlos Mendoza-Ruiz must appear identically in both places.
The most common mistake is letting the bond effective date precede the application date by more than 30 days. CDI rejects “stale” bonds. The misconception that “any $20,000 bond works” is incorrect; the bond must be on the LIC 94A form, not a generic surety form.
Section 7 — Signature, Date, and Attestation
Section 7 is the applicant’s sworn attestation that all answers are true under penalty of perjury per § 1666.5. Sign in wet ink (paper) or use the Sircon e-signature checkbox. Date the form MM/DD/YYYY.
The edge case is a power-of-attorney signature. CDI does not accept POA signatures on the applicant attestation; only the applicant personally may sign. A guardian signature is accepted only for a minor co-applicant on a business entity filing, which is rare.
The most common mistake is leaving the date blank. An unsigned or undated application is returned without being opened. The misconception that “Sircon dates it for you” is wrong on paper filings; on paper, you must date it yourself.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Maria Lopez, First-Time California Resident Individual Applicant
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 Type | Public Insurance Adjuster (checked) |
| Box 2 Legal Name | LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA |
| Box 3 SSN | 123-45-6789 |
| Box 4 DOB | 03/14/1985 |
| Box 5 Residence | 1245 Oak St, Apt 3B, Sacramento, CA 95814, 06/2022–Present |
| Box 6 Business | 900 K St, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 555-0112 |
| Section 2 Background | All No, no attachments |
| Section 3 Experience | Independent adjuster at Crawford & Co., 09/2022–Present, 4,200 hours |
| Section 4 Exam | PSI exam passed 04/12/2026, score 84, confirmation #PSI-CA-998877 |
| Section 5 Live Scan | ATI #A1B2C3D4 from Accurate Biometrics, Sacramento, 04/15/2026 |
| Section 6 Bond | LIC 94A from Travelers Casualty & Surety, effective 05/01/2026 |
| Section 7 Signature | Maria E. Lopez, 05/02/2026 |
Scenario 2 — Carlos Mendoza, Florida Non-Resident Applying by NIPR
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Non-Resident Individual Public Insurance Adjuster, filed via NIPR |
| Home State License | Florida PA License #W123456, active since 2018 |
| Box 2 Legal Name | MENDOZA-RUIZ, CARLOS |
| Box 3 SSN | 987-65-4321 |
| Box 5 Residence | 1500 Brickell Ave, Apt 902, Miami, FL 33129 |
| Box 6 Business | Same as residence |
| Section 4 Exam | Exempt — Non-Resident; attached Florida Letter of Certification |
| Section 5 Live Scan | FD-258 card mailed with BCIA 8016 from PSI Miami |
| Section 6 Bond | LIC 94A from RLI Insurance Co., $20,000, effective 05/05/2026 |
| Section 7 Signature | Carlos Mendoza-Ruiz, 05/06/2026 |
Scenario 3 — Janet Park, Resident Applicant with a 2014 DUI Misdemeanor
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 Type | Public Insurance Adjuster (checked) |
| Box 2 Legal Name | PARK, JANET HYE-JIN |
| Section 2 Q2 (Misdemeanor) | Yes — attached Action Notice, certified Orange County minute order, proof of probation completion 07/2016 |
| §1033 Consent | Not required (misdemeanor DUI is not a “dishonesty” felony) |
| Section 3 Experience | Apprentice PA at Park & Park Public Adjusters, 4,100 logged hours |
| Section 4 Exam | PSI passed 04/22/2026, score 78 |
| Section 5 Live Scan | ATI #Z9Y8X7W6, 04/25/2026 |
| Section 6 Bond | LIC 94A from Old Republic Surety, $20,000 |
| Section 7 Signature | Janet H. Park, 05/10/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
You may file the California PA license application through three channels: Sircon, NIPR, or paper mail. Each channel has its own fee structure, processing time, and proof-of-filing. Pick one channel and submit only once; duplicate filings create competing records and slow the file.
Sircon (preferred): Log in at www.sircon.com, choose New Adjuster Licenses, upload all PDFs (CDI-180 not needed – Sircon builds the equivalent), pay the $188 individual or $264 business entity fee by credit card or ACH, and download the Transaction Confirmation Receipt. Average processing time is two to three weeks. Keep the receipt PDF as proof of timely filing.
NIPR: Best for non-residents. Go to nipr.com, select California – Non-Resident Adjuster Licensing, complete the online form, and pay the $188 fee plus NIPR’s $5.60 transaction fee. NIPR delivers the file electronically to CDI within 24 hours. Save the NIPR confirmation email.
Paper mail: Print CDI-180 or LIC CDI-181, enclose a check payable to California Department of Insurance, and mail to California Department of Insurance, Producer Licensing Bureau, 320 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone (800) 967-9331. Use certified mail with return receipt requested as proof of filing; paper processing runs four to six weeks.
A branch office license costs an extra $39 on Form LIC 31A-13 for each additional California office. The Live Scan fee ($59 CDI / $68.95 PSI) is paid directly to the test center, not to CDI.
What Happens After You File
After CDI receives a complete file, the Producer Licensing Bureau date-stamps it and assigns a File Number. The Bureau then runs the Live Scan results through the California Department of Justice and the FBI, cross-checks SSA, and runs the NAIC Regulatory Information Retrieval System (RIRS) for prior administrative actions. Average completion time is two to three weeks for clean files.
If a deficiency is found, the Bureau mails a Deficiency Notice with a 30-day cure deadline. Failure to cure terminates the file and forfeits the $188 fee under § 1751.5. If a background concern arises, the Bureau may refer the file to the CDI Legal Division and issue a Statement of Issues under the Administrative Procedure Act.
When approved, CDI mails a wallet-size license certificate and posts the license to the License Status Inquiry page. The license term is two years. You must complete 24 hours of continuing education (3 hours ethics, 1 hour anti-fraud) before each renewal under § 15059.1(a).
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Leaving a Background Question blank. The Bureau treats a blank as a “Yes” and issues a 30-day deficiency notice that, if missed, terminates the file.
- Mismatched name between Box 2 and the LIC 94A bond. The bond is voided as filed and the application is returned.
- Submitting an expunged-conviction “No” answer. California still treats expunged convictions as convictions for licensing, and undisclosed records cause denial for material misrepresentation.
- Using a P.O. Box in Box 5. The residence box must be a physical address, or the Bureau returns the file.
- Submitting a PSI score older than 12 months. Scores expire after one year and you must re-test.
- Forgetting the Live Scan ATI number. Without it, prints cannot be matched and the file sits in “Awaiting Prints” status.
- Counting unpaid training hours toward the 4,000-hour experience requirement. Only compensated hours qualify, so the applicant is bumped down to apprentice status.
- Filing duplicate applications through both Sircon and paper. Duplicate filings create competing records and delay processing by weeks.
- Sending the bond on a generic surety form. The Bureau requires Form LIC 94A specifically; any other bond form is rejected.
- Using the wrong revision of the form. Outdated revisions are returned, costing weeks of delay.
- Missing the surety’s wet-ink signature. A photocopied surety signature is not enforceable, and the bond is rejected.
- Paying with a personal check that bounces. A returned check terminates the file and triggers a $25 bad-check fee under § 1751.5.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do scan every supporting document to PDF before logging into Sircon to avoid the 30-minute portal timeout.
- Do use the exact legal name on your Social Security card across every form to prevent an SSA name-check hold.
- Do keep a copy of the Sircon Transaction Confirmation Receipt as proof of filing under any deadline dispute.
- Do call the Bureau at (800) 967-9331 once the file is two weeks old to confirm status before any deficiency notice is mailed.
- Do schedule your Live Scan and PSI exam on the same day at the same PSI center to save a trip and to keep the dates close together.
- Do disclose every prior conviction, even sealed or expunged, because Live Scan returns the full record to CDI.
- Don’t answer “No” to any Background Question without re-reading the question; many cover administrative actions, not just criminal ones.
- Don’t count unpaid internship hours toward the 4,000-hour experience requirement.
- Don’t submit the bond before the surety’s attorney-in-fact wet-ink signs it.
- Don’t use a virtual office address without a written occupancy agreement to back it up.
- Don’t assume non-residents are exempt from the bond — they are not; the LIC 94A is required for every applicant.
- Don’t wait until the last day of the two-year license term to renew, because CE certificates take up to 30 days to post.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Pros of Filing on Your Own | Cons of Filing on Your Own |
|---|---|
| Lower total cost — only the $188 CDI fee, no preparer charges. | High risk of a single-error rejection that forfeits the $188 fee. |
| Direct control over how every Background Question is worded in your Action Notice. | No legal review of §1033 issues that may need consent before filing. |
| Faster start — no waiting for a preparer’s calendar. | No second pair of eyes on the bond name match. |
| Sircon’s online wizard guides each step with built-in field validation. | Sircon does not flag substantive legal issues, only formatting. |
| You learn the licensing process, which helps with future renewals. | A wrong answer can become a permanent disciplinary record under § 1668.5. |
| Pros of Filing With Help | Cons of Filing With Help |
|---|---|
| An insurance-licensing attorney can pre-clear §1033 issues before filing. | Adds $500–$2,500 in legal or compliance fees. |
| Preparers catch bond and name mismatches before submission. | Some preparers do not handle background-issue files. |
| Faster turnaround on complex non-resident and business entity files. | You still must sign and attest personally; the preparer cannot sign for you. |
| Helpful for applicants whose first language is not English. | You lose direct contact with the Bureau if questions arise. |
| Useful for firms onboarding multiple adjusters at once. | A poor preparer can introduce errors you cannot see until after denial. |
FAQs
Do I need to take the PSI exam if I already hold a Florida public adjuster license?
No. California is reciprocal for non-resident PAs, so an applicant with an active home-state PA license is exempt from the PSI exam and from the 20-hour pre-licensing education.
Can I apply with a misdemeanor DUI on my record?
Yes. A misdemeanor DUI usually does not trigger 18 U.S.C. § 1033 because it is not a crime of dishonesty, but you must still disclose it with an Action Notice and certified court records.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 2?
Yes — use whichever name is currently on your Social Security card; mismatched names cause an SSA hold that delays the file for weeks.
Is a P.O. Box acceptable in Box 5 (Residence Address)?
No. The residence box requires a physical street address; a P.O. Box can appear only in the separate mailing-address field, or the Bureau returns the application.
Does an expunged conviction need to be disclosed?
Yes. California treats convictions expunged under Penal Code § 1203.4 as convictions for licensing purposes, and undisclosed expungements are grounds for denial.
How much is the application fee?
No single number covers all filers — individual residents pay $188, business entities pay $264, and each branch office adds $39 per § 1751.5.
How long does CDI take to issue the license?
Yes, there is a typical window — clean files are processed in about two to three weeks, but background or bond issues can extend that to several months.
Do I need a $20,000 bond if I’m a non-resident?
Yes. Every PA applicant, resident or non-resident, must file a $20,000 bond on Form LIC 94A from a California-admitted surety.
Can I count claims customer service hours toward the 4,000-hour experience requirement?
No. Only compensated adjusting hours count, not customer service, underwriting, or policy-issuance hours.
Is fingerprinting required if I am already licensed in another state?
Yes. California still requires Live Scan or an FD-258 card for non-resident applicants, although out-of-state applicants may use the PSI fingerprint card option.
Can my employer sign the application for me?
No. The applicant must personally sign Section 7 under penalty of perjury; power-of-attorney signatures are not accepted.
How often do I need to renew the license and complete continuing education?
Yes, every two years — 24 hours of CE including 3 hours of ethics and 1 hour of anti-fraud training, per § 15059.1(a), is required before each renewal.
What happens if my Live Scan ATI number is lost?
No record will match without it, so you must return to the Live Scan site for a reprint and a new ATI number before CDI can complete the background check.
Are filing fees refundable if I withdraw my application?
No. Under § 1751.5, filing fees are not refundable, whether or not the application is acted upon.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California CDI Continuing Education Course Approval + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CDI Producer License Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CDI Surplus Lines Broker License Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CDI Insurance Adjuster License (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CDI Property Broker-Agent License (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CDI Casualty Broker-Agent License (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Washington OIC Surplus Line Broker License + FAQs