How to Fill Out New York DFS Public Adjuster License (w/Examples) + FAQs

The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) Public Adjuster License Application is the online form every individual or business entity must submit through the NY LINX portal to legally negotiate first-party property insurance claims on behalf of policyholders inside New York State. The application is authorized by New York Insurance Law § 2108 and 11 NYCRR Part 25 (Regulation 10), and a single missed field, missing certificate, or unfiled bond can stall your file in the Albany licensing queue for weeks.

Filing it correctly matters because public adjusting without a license in New York is a misdemeanor under § 2102 of the Insurance Law, and DFS reports that a meaningful share of public adjuster applications get returned for missing fingerprint receipts, an incomplete $1,000 surety bond, or fewer than five Certificates of Character. According to the NYS DFS Licensing Bureau instructions, nearly every rejection traces back to a fixable paperwork error — not a substantive disqualification.

Here is what this guide covers:

  • 📝 The exact NIPR/NY LINX fields you must complete, line by line, with sample entries
  • 🧾 The eight supporting documents DFS expects uploaded with your application
  • 💵 Every fee, deadline, and renewal date tied to the public adjuster license
  • 👥 Three full walkthroughs (resident newcomer, out-of-state non-resident, and business entity)
  • ⚠️ The ten most common mistakes that get a New York public adjuster file rejected

What the New York Public Adjuster License Is and Who Must File

A New York public adjuster (PA) license, governed by Insurance Law § 2108, is the credential that lets a person or firm act on behalf of an insured — never the insurance company — to investigate, value, and negotiate first-party property loss claims. The license is issued by the DFS Licensing Bureau in Albany and is distinct from the Independent Adjuster (IA) license, which is for adjusters working on behalf of insurers.

Anyone who solicits, negotiates, or effects the settlement of a property claim for a policyholder in New York must hold this license, including residents of other states who handle even a single New York loss. Sub-licensees of a corporate or partnership PA must also be individually qualified. The DFS instructions for the Adjuster (IA or PA) Applicant treat “resident” as a person with either a home or business address in New York, and “non-resident” as someone with neither.

The penalties matter. Acting as a public adjuster without a license violates § 2102, exposing the unlicensed actor to misdemeanor charges, civil penalties under § 109, and unenforceable contracts with the very insureds they claim to represent. The license also unlocks the ability to charge a contingent fee, which 11 NYCRR § 25.6 caps at 12.5% on most catastrophe-related claims and 12.5% on standard losses, with stricter caps after declared disasters.

A common misconception is that a property restoration contractor or a paralegal can “help” an insured negotiate a claim without a PA license. They cannot. Once the work crosses into evaluating coverage, scoping the loss for settlement, or dealing with the carrier’s adjuster on behalf of the insured, the activity becomes regulated public adjusting, and DFS has issued OGC opinions reinforcing that point.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

The DFS application is uploaded online, but the supporting documents must be ready as PDFs before you open the form. Missing a single attachment is the single biggest reason files sit pending in the Licensing Bureau queue.

Here is the pre-filing checklist required by the DFS adjuster application instructions:

  • NYS-approved 40-hour pre-licensing course certificate or valid school code. Without it, DFS cannot confirm you completed the Regulation 10 education floor and your file is held.
  • PSI exam pass record within the last 24 months. PSI Exams reports the score directly to DFS, but you should keep your score report as proof.
  • $1,000 surety bond, with Acknowledgements and Power of Attorney. Required by § 2108(l); without a properly executed bond, no license can be issued at all.
  • Five (5) original Certificates of Character. Each signer must have known you for at least five years and cannot be related by blood or marriage.
  • IdentoGO pre-enrollment confirmation page. New York residents must be electronically fingerprinted; non-residents pre-enroll and submit a card. Schedule through IdentoGO NY.
  • Government-issued photo ID and Social Security Number. DFS cross-checks identity through state and federal records.
  • Statement of Employer (only if waiving pre-licensing course). Required only for candidates with one year of qualifying insurance work in the prior three years.
  • Entity formation proof (business entities only). A filed NY Department of State certificate of incorporation, LLC articles, partnership agreement, or county clerk DBA filing.

You will also need credit card or e-check details for the $100 license fee, plus the NIPR transaction fee. If you are a non-resident, expect to also gather a current home-state license certification (a “letter of clearance”) issued within the prior 90 days. Without these in hand, do not open the application.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

There is no PDF “Form DFS-PA” you fill in by hand — New York moved adjuster licensing fully online. Individual and trade-name applicants apply through NY LINX (the DFS portal), while many out-of-state filers use the NIPR Uniform Individual Application. Both paths feed the same Licensing Bureau review queue.

Begin at the DFS Insurance Adjuster Licensing page, then click into the application path that matches your situation. Resident individuals create a NY.gov ID, link it to the DFS portal, and select “Public Adjuster — Individual.” Non-residents typically log in to NIPR LicenseHub and choose “Non-Resident Individual License.”

Business entities (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) follow a parallel “Entity” track inside NY LINX, naming a Designated Responsible Licensed Producer (DRLP) and listing each sub-licensee. The DFS instructions for entity adjuster applicants require a separate sub-licensee record for every officer or partner who will transact public adjusting in New York.

The application’s revision date is printed at the top of the online portal screen and on every PDF receipt; cite the version you saw on the day you applied. A misconception is that you can “save and email” the application — you cannot. The system only commits a complete record once payment posts and every required upload appears on the document checklist.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the New York Public Adjuster License Application Line by Line

The online application is broken into eight logical sections. Use one browser tab for the application and another for your scanned PDFs, because you will be uploading throughout. Every screen has a “Save and Continue” button — use it after every page.

Section 1: Applicant Type and License Class

This first screen asks what kind of license you want and whether you are a resident, non-resident, individual, individual with a trade name (TBA), or business entity. In plain English: are you a New Yorker, an out-of-state filer, or a company?

To answer it, choose Public Adjuster as the line of authority, then pick Resident Individual, Non-Resident Individual, TBA, or Business Entity. If you have a DBA, select TBA and you will be prompted for the assumed name on a later page.

For example, Marcus Reilly, a Buffalo applicant with no trade name, selects Resident Individual — Public Adjuster. Lakshmi Iyer, a Florida-licensed PA wanting to handle a single New York hailstorm claim, picks Non-Resident Individual — Public Adjuster.

A nuance: If you live in New Jersey but rent office space in Manhattan, you are a resident under DFS rules because the DFS instructions deem anyone with “either a resident or business address in NYS” a resident. Many filers misclassify here and get fingerprinting flagged.

A common mistake on this section is selecting Independent Adjuster by accident. The consequence is wasted fees, since the IA license does not authorize you to represent insureds and you must restart the application as a PA.

A misconception is that you can hold both PA and IA licenses simultaneously to “cover all bases.” Under § 2108(b)(2), the same person cannot act as both a public adjuster and an independent adjuster on the same claim, and DFS scrutinizes dual licensees closely.

Section 2: Personal Information (Name, DOB, SSN, Contact)

This section asks who you are. It pulls full legal name, prior names, date of birth, Social Security Number, residence address, business address, email, and phone.

To answer, enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, with no nicknames. Enter dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Use a permanent email you control — DFS will route every status notice there.

For example, Marcus Reilly writes Reilly, Marcus James, DOB 07/12/1989, SSN 123-45-6789, residence 240 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222.

A nuance: If you have a P.O. Box, DFS still requires a physical residence address; the P.O. Box can go in the mailing-address field. Non-residents enter their home-state address as the residence address.

A common mistake is using a maiden name on the form but a married name on the surety bond. The consequence is automatic mismatch flagging and a request for resubmission. A misconception is that a typo in SSN can be fixed later by phone — DFS will void the application and require a new submission.

Section 3: Residency and Trade Name Disclosure

This screen confirms residency status and asks for any trade name (DBA), assumed business name, or fictitious name you operate under.

To answer it, check Resident or Non-Resident, then list any DBA exactly as filed with the NY Department of State or county clerk. Upload the filing receipt as a PDF in the same step.

For example, Marcus Reilly operates as Reilly Public Adjusting and uploads his Erie County Clerk DBA filing dated 03/04/2026.

A nuance is that DFS recommends you reserve the trade name through licensing@dfs.ny.gov before filing it with the county, because some names are restricted in the insurance industry.

A common mistake is omitting a DBA you actually use on a website or contract. The consequence is a violation of 11 NYCRR § 25.5 advertising rules, which can result in fines or non-renewal. A misconception is that an LLC name on the Department of State filing automatically registers as a DBA — it does not, and the DBA must be separately disclosed.

Section 4: Pre-Licensing Education and Exam (Items 1–3)

This section asks whether you completed the 40-hour pre-licensing course and passed the New York PA exam through PSI.

To answer, enter your valid school code (issued by your approved provider) or upload your certificate of completion, plus your PSI exam confirmation. The pre-licensing requirement is fixed at 40 hours by 11 NYCRR § 25.2.

For example, Marcus Reilly enters school code NY-PA-40-2026-114 and notes his PSI exam pass on 04/22/2026.

A nuance is the waiver path: if you have at least one year of qualifying insurance work in the past three years, you can upload a Statement of Employer instead of the course certificate, signed by an officer of your employer.

A common mistake is uploading an expired course certificate (older than 24 months from exam date). The consequence is a hold until you re-take the course. A misconception is that an out-of-state pre-licensing course satisfies New York; only a DFS-approved provider on the active list will count.

Section 5: $1,000 Surety Bond and Power of Attorney (Item 4)

This screen requires upload of the executed $1,000 public adjuster surety bond, along with the surety company’s Acknowledgement and Power of Attorney. The legal basis is § 2108(l).

To answer, obtain the bond from a New York-admitted surety, ensure it is made payable to the State of New York, and verify the form is approved as to form by the Attorney General. Upload all three pages as a single PDF.

For example, Marcus Reilly uploads a bond from Old Republic Surety with effective date 05/15/2026 and his name spelled exactly as on the application.

A nuance is that for a corporate license, a single bond covers all sub-licensees; but employees who are individually licensed need their own bonds, per the DFS OGC Opinion 06-07-15.

A common mistake is buying a $1,000 bond with the wrong obligee (e.g., a different state). The consequence is automatic rejection of the bond by the Licensing Bureau. A misconception is that a “letter of credit” or cash deposit can substitute — only a surety bond from an admitted carrier qualifies.

Section 6: Fingerprinting (Item 5)

This section asks for proof of fingerprinting through IdentoGO, the state’s vendor.

To answer, residents schedule an electronic fingerprint appointment, attend with photo ID, then upload the pre-enrollment confirmation page to the application. Non-residents pre-enroll, request a fingerprint card from licensing@dfs.ny.gov, and mail the rolled card with the fee.

For example, Marcus Reilly (resident) uploads an IdentoGO confirmation showing service code NY931A0 and an appointment on 05/02/2026.

A nuance is that fingerprint results are good only for the active application; if your file lapses, DFS may require new prints.

A common mistake is uploading the appointment scheduling email instead of the official IdentoGO pre-enrollment confirmation. The consequence is a 1–2 week delay. A misconception is that a sheriff-rolled card is acceptable for New York residents — it is not, and DFS will return cards from any applicant with a NY address.

Section 7: Five Certificates of Character (Item 6)

This section requires five separate Certificates of Character vouching for your honesty, competence, and good character.

To answer, give the official template to five individuals (not relatives) who have known you for at least five years; they sign under penalty of perjury. Scan each signed original and upload all five as a single combined PDF.

For example, Marcus Reilly gathers signed certificates from his pastor, two former employers, a college professor, and a long-time neighbor, none related by blood or marriage.

A nuance is that signatures may be from out-of-state references — geography does not matter, but the five-year personal-knowledge requirement does.

A common mistake is using only four certificates, or including one signed by a relative. The consequence is automatic rejection and a request for replacements. A misconception is that letters of recommendation count — they do not; the certificate must be on the DFS form and use the prescribed perjury attestation.

Section 8: Background Disclosure Questions (1A–1J)

This is the screen most applicants fear: the “yes/no” background disclosure questions about prior crimes, license actions, civil judgments, and bankruptcies. These are required by Insurance Law § 2110.

To answer, click Yes or No for each question, then for every Yes, upload a written statement plus certified court or agency documents. Disclose everything, even sealed cases — DFS prefers honesty over a clean record.

For example, David Chen checks Yes to question 1B (a 2017 misdemeanor for disorderly conduct) and uploads the certificate of disposition plus a one-page explanation.

A nuance is that youthful offender adjudications and ACDs (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) often do not need disclosure, but DFS still recommends disclosing and letting them decide.

A common mistake is checking No to a sealed arrest then having it surface during the IdentoGO check. The consequence is a denial under § 2110(a)(4) for material misrepresentation, far worse than the underlying conviction. A misconception is that DFS auto-denies any Yes answer; in practice, the Bureau weighs recency, severity, and rehabilitation.

Section 9: Entity-Only Fields and Sub-Licensee List (Item 8)

If you are filing a business entity application, this section adds entity formation, EIN, DRLP designation, and a sub-licensee list.

To answer, upload your Department of State entity filing receipt, enter the FEIN, and list every individual who will exercise PA authority on behalf of the entity. Each sub-licensee must already hold or be applying for an individual NY PA license.

For example, Reilly Public Adjusting LLC lists Marcus Reilly as DRLP and Janelle Park (already individually licensed) as a sub-licensee.

A nuance is that DRLPs must hold an active New York license in the same line of authority — for a PA entity, the DRLP must be an individually licensed New York public adjuster.

A common mistake is listing employees who are not officers or members; only qualifying members can be sub-licensees per the DFS instructions. The consequence is sub-licensee removal and a delay. A misconception is that the entity bond covers individually licensed employees — it does not, per OGC Opinion 06-07-15.

Section 10: Attestation, Signature, and Payment

The final screen asks you to attest under penalty of perjury that all answers are true, sign electronically, and pay the fee.

To answer, type your full legal name in the e-signature field, check the attestation box, and choose credit card, e-check, or paper check for the $100 fee (or $50 if your initial license period is one year or less).

For example, Marcus Reilly signs Marcus J. Reilly, dates 05/27/2026, and pays the $100 by credit card; his license is issued for the full two-year period.

A nuance is that paper-check applicants stay in Pending status until the check clears at the Licensing Bureau, One Commerce Plaza, Floor 20, Albany NY 12257.

A common mistake is signing a different name than the legal name entered in Section 2. The consequence is the file being kicked back as defective. A misconception is that you can edit answers after submission — once paid, edits require a new amendment request and may trigger re-review.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

The three most common public adjuster filers in New York are: a resident newcomer, a non-resident with an out-of-state license, and a business entity. Here is what each enters in the major sections of the NY LINX application.

Scenario 1: Marcus Reilly — Buffalo Resident, First-Time Applicant

Form Section What Marcus Enters
License Class Resident Individual — Public Adjuster
Legal Name and DOB Reilly, Marcus James — 07/12/1989
Residence Address 240 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Trade Name (DBA) Reilly Public Adjusting (Erie County Clerk filed 03/04/2026)
Pre-Licensing Education School code NY-PA-40-2026-114, completed 04/10/2026
Exam PSI pass 04/22/2026
Surety Bond Old Republic Surety, $1,000, effective 05/15/2026
Fingerprinting IdentoGO confirmation NY931A0, 05/02/2026
Certificates of Character 5 signed PDFs uploaded as one combined file
Background Questions 1A–1J All No
Fee Paid $100 by credit card on 05/27/2026

Scenario 2: Lakshmi Iyer — Florida-Licensed Non-Resident

Form Section What Lakshmi Enters
License Class Non-Resident Individual — Public Adjuster
Legal Name and DOB Iyer, Lakshmi — 11/30/1982
Home-State License FL Public Adjuster #W123456, active since 2014
Residence Address 1455 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Letter of Clearance Florida DFS license certification dated 05/01/2026
Surety Bond Travelers Casualty, $1,000, NY obligee, effective 05/20/2026
Fingerprinting Mailed FBI card to DFS Albany after pre-enrolling with IdentoGO
Certificates of Character 5 signed PDFs from Florida references
Background Questions 1A–1J All No
Fee Paid $100 by e-check

Scenario 3: Reilly Public Adjusting LLC — Business Entity

Form Section What the Entity Enters
License Class Resident Business Entity — Public Adjuster
Entity Name and FEIN Reilly Public Adjusting LLC — FEIN 88-1234567
DOS Filing Articles of Organization filed 02/15/2026 with NY DOS
Principal Office 240 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
DRLP Marcus J. Reilly (NY PA license active)
Sub-Licensees Janelle Park (NY PA license active)
Surety Bond Old Republic Surety, $1,000, entity-named, covering DRLP and sub-licensees
Fingerprinting Each sub-licensee submits individual IdentoGO pre-enrollment
Certificates of Character 5 per natural-person sub-licensee
Fee Paid $100 by credit card

How to File the Completed Application

New York DFS gives you essentially two filing channels: the NY LINX online portal and the NIPR Uniform Individual Application. Paper filings are not accepted for new individual licenses, although paper checks for the $100 fee are still allowed.

Online via NY LINX (residents and entities). Sign in with your NY.gov ID, complete each section, upload PDFs as you go, and pay $100 by credit card or e-check. Expect a decision in 5–15 business days if the file is clean. Save the confirmation receipt PDF; that is your proof of filing.

Online via NIPR (non-residents). Use NIPR LicenseHub. The fee is the $100 DFS license fee plus a small NIPR transaction fee (typically about $5.60). Processing usually mirrors the LINX timeline. Save the NIPR transaction confirmation as proof.

Paper check (any channel). If paying by paper check, mail to Department of Financial Services, Attn: Licensing Bureau, One Commerce Plaza, Floor 20, Albany, NY 12257, per the DFS adjuster page. Status stays Pending until the check clears, often adding 7–14 days. A returned check triggers a $20 fee.

In-person filing. DFS does not accept walk-in license applications, but you may hand-deliver a paper check or fingerprint card to the Albany office during business hours. There is no walk-up application desk; everything goes through the portal.

What Happens After You File

Once submitted, your application enters the Licensing Bureau review queue. Status updates appear in the LINX dashboard or NIPR transaction history.

A clean public adjuster file typically issues within 5–15 business days. If anything is missing — a single Certificate of Character, the bond Power of Attorney, or a Yes disclosure without supporting documents — you receive a Deficiency Notice by email with a 30-day cure window. Cure deadlines under 11 NYCRR § 25.1 are strict; missing the window means restarting and re-paying.

Once approved, your license appears on the DFS public license search, with a license number, effective date, and expiration date of 12/31 of the next even-numbered year. New licenses issued mid-cycle still expire on that fixed date — meaning a license issued in November 2026 expires 12/31/2026 if you paid the half fee, or 12/31/2028 if you paid the full $100 fee.

After issuance, you must keep your bond active, renew on time, and complete any continuing education required at renewal. If you move or change your business name, you must notify DFS within 30 days under § 2103(g).

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

The Albany Licensing Bureau sees the same errors repeatedly. Avoiding these will keep your file moving.

  • Mismatched names on application and bond. Causes automatic deficiency notice and re-upload demand.
  • Uploading only four Certificates of Character. Triggers rejection until a fifth original arrives.
  • Using a relative for a Certificate of Character. Voids that certificate and forces a replacement.
  • Bond made payable to the wrong obligee. Rejected; must be re-issued payable to the State of New York.
  • Pre-licensing certificate older than 24 months from exam date. Forces a re-take of the course.
  • Selecting Independent Adjuster instead of Public Adjuster. Issues the wrong license; fees not refunded.
  • Skipping disclosure of a sealed arrest. Triggers a § 2110 misrepresentation denial, which is far worse than the original incident.
  • Using a P.O. Box as residence address. Application held until physical address is provided.
  • Listing non-officer employees as entity sub-licensees. Sub-licensees removed; entity license delayed.
  • Forgetting to upload the IdentoGO pre-enrollment receipt. Adds 1–2 weeks of processing delay.
  • Paying by paper check without mailing the check. File stays Pending indefinitely.
  • Letting the surety bond effective date precede DOS entity filing date. Bond is invalid until entity exists.

Do’s and Don’ts

A short rule list keeps your file in the green lane.

  • Do scan all uploads as searchable PDFs so DFS can read them quickly.
  • Do use the same legal name on application, bond, fingerprint receipt, and Certificates of Character.
  • Do disclose every prior incident, even sealed or expunged matters, with explanation.
  • Do verify your pre-licensing course is on the DFS-approved list before paying tuition.
  • Do keep digital copies of every Certificate of Character original.
  • Do schedule fingerprinting before you start the application to avoid rework.
  • Don’t rely on a relative or business partner for a Certificate of Character.
  • Don’t wait until the last day of the licensing window — paper check clearance can add two weeks.
  • Don’t sign the application in a name different from your legal SSN-filed name.
  • Don’t assume out-of-state pre-licensing education will be accepted by DFS.
  • Don’t allow your $1,000 surety bond to lapse mid-license-period.
  • Don’t start advertising public adjusting services before your license number is issued.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. Using a Service

Most applicants can file directly through NY LINX without a paid service, but a compliance vendor sometimes earns its fee.

Pros of filing on your own:

  • You save the $200–$500 vendor fee charged by compliance services.
  • You learn the DFS portal firsthand, which helps every renewal cycle.
  • You control the timeline; no waiting on a vendor’s queue.
  • You can upload a Yes disclosure with your own narrative voice.
  • You receive deficiency notices directly and can cure them faster.

Cons of filing on your own:

  • You absorb every error yourself; a wrong field can cost weeks.
  • You must research the § 2108 and Part 25 requirements yourself.
  • You must coordinate the bond, IdentoGO, and Certificates of Character independently.
  • You are unlikely to spot subtle disclosure-question pitfalls without help.
  • You miss out on the vendor’s template forms (bond, certificates) that come pre-formatted to NY specs.

FAQs

Do I need a $1,000 bond if I am only a sub-licensee under a corporate license?

No. Under § 2108(l) and OGC Opinion 06-07-15, the entity bond covers all sub-licensees. Independently licensed employees still need their own bonds.

Can I waive the 40-hour pre-licensing course in New York?

Yes. A signed Statement of Employer documenting at least one year of qualifying insurance work in the prior three years substitutes for the 40-hour course under the DFS adjuster instructions.

What do I write in Section 2 if I have a hyphenated last name?

Yes, use the full hyphenated last name exactly as printed on your Social Security card. Mismatch with the SSA database triggers an automatic processing hold inside the LINX system.

Do I check Yes on Question 1B for an old DUI that was expunged?

Yes. DFS asks you to disclose all prior matters, even sealed or expunged ones; non-disclosure under § 2110 is treated as material misrepresentation and is far worse than the underlying offense.

Can I list a P.O. Box as my residence address in Section 3?

No. DFS requires a physical residence address. The P.O. Box can go in the mailing-address field, but the residence field needs an actual street.

Does my Florida public adjuster license waive the New York exam?

No. New York does not have public-adjuster license reciprocity with Florida; non-residents must still pass the PSI New York exam unless an explicit reciprocity exists for their home state.

Are five Certificates of Character really required?

Yes, exactly five originals are required by the DFS instructions, and each signer must have known you for five years and not be related by blood or marriage.

How long does the New York public adjuster license last?

Yes, licenses run up to two years. All adjuster licenses expire 12/31 of even-numbered years, with new full-period licenses costing $100 and partial-period licenses costing $50.

Can I list a non-officer employee as a sub-licensee in Section 9?

No. Only qualifying members — officers, directors, partners — can be sub-licensees under § 2108. Listing rank-and-file employees triggers their removal and a file delay.

What happens if my surety bond lapses mid-term?

No license stays valid without an active bond. DFS may suspend or revoke the license under § 2108(l) until a replacement bond is filed and approved.

Do I need to fingerprint again at renewal?

No. Fingerprints are required at original licensing only; renewals do not repeat the IdentoGO step unless the prior application lapsed and a new original application is required.

Can I act as both a public and an independent adjuster on the same claim?

No. § 2108(b)(2) bars the same individual from acting as both PA and IA on the same loss; doing so is grounds for license revocation.

What is the maximum fee a public adjuster can charge in New York?

Yes, 11 NYCRR § 25.6 caps the contingent fee at 12.5% of the recovered claim, with stricter caps applying to losses arising from a declared catastrophe.

Do I write Yes in Section 8 if I had a civil lawsuit but no judgment?

Yes, if the question asks about pending or past civil actions involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or insurance, you must disclose even if it settled with no finding. Attach the complaint and disposition.