How to Fill Out Texas TDI Form FIN310 Public Insurance Adjuster (w/Examples) + FAQs

Texas Form FIN310 is the Application for Individual Agent or Adjuster License that the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) requires from anyone seeking a Public Insurance Adjuster license under Chapter 4102 of the Texas Insurance Code. The form lives at the heart of your licensing journey, and a single wrong checkbox can stall your file for weeks or trigger a denial you must disclose for the rest of your career.

The application captures your personal data, residency, exam results, fingerprint receipt, background disclosures, and signed attestations. TDI processes more than 70,000 individual license applications each year, and the agency reports that roughly 1 in 5 paper FIN310 submissions comes back for correction because of missing fingerprints, unsigned attestations, or unanswered background questions on page 4.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

• 📝 How to fill out every box on the current FIN310 (Rev. 02/2024) without errors
• 🔎 How to disclose criminal history, regulatory actions, and judgments the right way
• 🧾 Three full named-filer walkthroughs covering resident, non-resident, and military spouse paths
• 💳 How to file by Sircon, NIPR, or paper mail and what each channel costs
• ⚠️ The 10 most common mistakes that get a Public Adjuster application rejected

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

FIN310 is the master individual licensing application that TDI uses for all individual license types, including the Public Insurance Adjuster license authorized by Texas Insurance Code §4102.051. A Public Insurance Adjuster represents the insured (not the insurance company) when negotiating first-party property claims, and Texas treats this license as distinct from the all-lines staff or independent adjuster license.

You must file FIN310 if you want to act for compensation on behalf of policyholders in claim negotiations within Texas. The statute reaches anyone who advertises, solicits, or contracts to adjust a loss for the insured, and unlicensed activity can trigger civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation under Texas Insurance Code §84.022.

The form covers both resident Texans and non-resident applicants relying on reciprocity. It also serves military spouses claiming expedited licensure under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55, which entitles qualified spouses to practice while a full application is pending.

A common misconception is that company adjusters or independent adjusters can settle claims for policyholders using their existing license. They cannot. Public adjusting is a separate authority, and using a staff adjuster license to negotiate for an insured is unauthorized practice that TDI’s Enforcement Division actively investigates.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything below before you open FIN310, because the form requires exact matches between your application data, your fingerprint receipt, and your exam record. Missing items are the leading cause of TDI’s request-for-information letters.

• Government-issued photo ID matching the legal name you will enter in Box 1; a name mismatch with your Social Security record triggers an automatic hold.
• Social Security Number, required by Texas Family Code §231.302 for child-support enforcement cross-checks.
• Pearson VUE exam score report for the Texas Public Insurance Adjuster exam, valid for 12 months from the test date per 28 TAC §19.1010.
• IdentoGO fingerprint receipt (FAST Pass) with the TDI service code; without it the file cannot be opened.
• $50 application fee under 28 TAC §19.802.
• $10,000 surety bond in the form prescribed by Texas Insurance Code §4102.104, naming the People of the State of Texas as obligee.
• Errors & Omissions (E&O) certificate if your sponsoring firm requires one, even though TDI does not.
• Court documents (judgment, plea, dismissal, expunction order) for any criminal disclosure on page 4.
• Designated Home State (DHS) license certificate if you are a non-resident whose home state does not license public adjusters.
• Form FIN506 Authorization for Criminal History Check, which you sign and submit with FIN310.
• Military spouse documents, including marriage certificate and service member orders, if filing under the TDI military spouse pathway.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

Download the current FIN310 directly from the TDI Agent and Adjuster Forms page. Always pull a fresh PDF for each filing, because TDI updates revision dates without re-numbering the form, and an outdated copy can be rejected.

Most applicants file electronically through Sircon for Individuals or the NIPR Attachments Warehouse, which guide you through equivalent fields and upload supporting documents. The paper FIN310 is still accepted by mail to the address printed on page 1, but processing for paper runs 15–20 business days versus 3–5 business days online, according to TDI’s licensing turnaround page.

The form’s revision date is printed in the bottom-left footer of every page; the current version is FIN310 (Rev. 02/2024). If your downloaded copy shows an older revision, discard it. TDI will reject submissions on superseded versions even when the data is correct.

A nuance many applicants miss: the fillable PDF must be opened in Adobe Acrobat, not a browser previewer. Browsers like Chrome flatten the form and strip the digital signature layer, which forces a paper-printed signature and adds days to processing.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out FIN310 Line by Line

The walkthrough below tracks the printed FIN310 from page 1 through the signature block on page 5. Each H3 corresponds to a numbered box or logical grouping. Sample answers appear in italics.

Box 1 — Full Legal Name

What it asks in plain English. Your complete legal name as it appears on your Social Security card.

How to answer it. Enter Last, First, Middle, and Suffix in the order printed. Use upper- and lower-case as on your ID, and do not abbreviate your middle name to an initial unless your ID does.

Example entry. Maria Elena Lopez writes Lopez, Maria, Elena with no suffix.

Nuance. If your legal name contains a hyphen, an apostrophe, or a tilde (e.g., Núñez-García), reproduce it exactly; TDI’s database is Unicode-aware and stripping accents creates a name mismatch.

Common mistake and consequence. Writing a nickname or married name not yet updated with the SSA causes a SSN/name mismatch and a 30-day correction window, after which the file is closed.

Misconception. Applicants assume their driver’s license name controls. It does not — the SSA record controls under TDI’s data-matching protocol.

Box 2 — Other Names Used

What it asks. Maiden names, prior married names, and aliases.

How to answer it. List every prior legal name with the date range you used it. Use additional sheets if you exceed three entries.

Example entry. Maria writes Lopez-Ramirez, 06/2010–08/2018.

Nuance. Stage names, business “doing business as” names, and online handles do not belong here; only legal names go in Box 2.

Common mistake and consequence. Omitting a maiden name used during a prior conviction is treated as a material misrepresentation under Texas Insurance Code §4005.101(b)(1) and is itself grounds for denial.

Misconception. Filers think a sealed or expunged record erases the duty to list the name. It does not — the name disclosure is separate from the record disclosure.

Box 3 — Date of Birth

What it asks. Your date of birth.

How to answer it. Enter MM/DD/YYYY with slashes, not dashes.

Example entry. 03/14/1985.

Nuance. If your foreign birth certificate uses DD/MM/YYYY, convert it to U.S. format for FIN310 and keep the original for proof.

Common mistake and consequence. Transposing month and day (e.g., 14/03/1985) routes your file to manual review and adds 7–10 business days.

Misconception. Applicants assume TDI uses date of birth only for identification. TDI also uses it to confirm the 18-year minimum age under Texas Insurance Code §4102.066.

Box 4 — Social Security Number

What it asks. Your nine-digit SSN.

How to answer it. Enter as 999-99-9999 with hyphens.

Example entry. 458-22-7193.

Nuance. ITINs are not accepted; only an SSN issued by the SSA is valid for licensing.

Common mistake and consequence. Listing a spouse’s SSN by accident triggers a child-support hold under §231.302 if that spouse has arrears.

Misconception. Filers think SSN is optional under federal privacy law. It is not — Texas’s child-support exception preempts the federal default.

Box 5 — Residence Address

What it asks. Your physical home address.

How to answer it. Enter street, apt/unit, city, state, and ZIP. P.O. boxes are not accepted here.

Example entry. 4421 Westheimer Rd, Apt 12, Houston, TX 77027.

Nuance. Non-residents enter their out-of-state home, not a Texas mail-drop. Misrepresenting Texas residency to claim resident status is a §4005.101 violation.

Common mistake and consequence. Using a UPS Store mailbox styled as “Suite” causes the address to fail USPS validation and your wall license is returned undelivered.

Misconception. Applicants assume changing addresses after licensure is automatic. It is not — you must file a change of address with TDI within 30 days under 28 TAC §19.902.

Box 6 — Mailing Address

What it asks. Where TDI should send mail.

How to answer it. If same as Box 5, check the box and skip; otherwise enter the alternate address.

Example entry. PO Box 1188, Houston, TX 77251.

Nuance. A mailing address may be a P.O. Box even though Box 5 cannot.

Common mistake and consequence. Leaving Box 6 blank when it differs from Box 5 sends your printed license to the wrong location and forces a $5 reissue fee.

Misconception. Filers think email replaces a mailing address. It does not — TDI still mails certain enforcement notices.

Box 7 — Business Address

What it asks. The address where you will conduct public adjusting.

How to answer it. Enter the street address of your firm or home office.

Example entry. Lone Star Public Adjusters LLC, 1500 Main St, Ste 200, Dallas, TX 75201.

Nuance. A virtual office is allowed only if you can receive process there.

Common mistake and consequence. Listing a client’s address creates a service-of-process problem and may void your bond.

Misconception. Applicants think the business address must be the same as residence. It does not.

Box 8 — Contact Information

What it asks. Phone and email.

How to answer it. Provide one direct phone and one monitored email.

Example entry. 713-555-0193; maria.lopez@lonestarpa.com.

Nuance. TDI sends most deficiency notices by email, so a shared inbox is risky.

Common mistake and consequence. Using a personal Gmail filtered as spam costs applicants the 30-day deficiency-cure window.

Misconception. Filers think TDI calls before mailing. It rarely does.

Box 9 — License Type Requested

What it asks. Which license you want.

How to answer it. Check “Public Insurance Adjuster” under the Adjuster grouping. Do not also check All Lines or Property and Casualty unless you intend to pay for those licenses too.

Example entry. ☒ Public Insurance Adjuster.

Nuance. A separate FIN310 (or a multi-line selection on the same form with multiple $50 fees) is required if you want both Public Adjuster and an All-Lines license.

Common mistake and consequence. Checking “All Lines” thinking it includes public adjusting causes the wrong exam record to be matched and a flat denial.

Misconception. Filers think “Adjuster” is a single license. Texas separates company/staff, independent, and public authorities.

Box 10 — Resident or Non-Resident Designation

What it asks. Whether you are applying as a Texas resident or a non-resident.

How to answer it. Check exactly one box. Non-residents must list their home state license number and Designated Home State if their home state does not license public adjusters.

Example entry. Carlos, a Florida resident, checks Non-Resident, lists Florida license W123456, and skips DHS because Florida licenses public adjusters.

Nuance. Applicants from a state that does not license public adjusters (e.g., Alabama) must designate Texas or another reciprocal state as DHS under 28 TAC §19.802(d).

Common mistake and consequence. Checking Resident while domiciled out of state is fraud and is a permanent disqualifier.

Misconception. Snowbirds think a Texas vacation home grants residency. It does not — domicile under Texas Election Code §1.015 controls.

Box 11 — Exam Information

What it asks. The date you passed the Texas Public Insurance Adjuster exam at Pearson VUE.

How to answer it. Enter the exam date and candidate ID.

Example entry. 01/22/2026, candidate ID TX-PUB-7741.

Nuance. Results expire after 12 months. Schedule your fingerprint before the exam to avoid losing the score window.

Common mistake and consequence. Listing the exam registration date instead of the pass date causes TDI’s electronic match to fail.

Misconception. Filers think they can substitute a designation like CPCU. They cannot — only the Texas-specific exam satisfies §4102.

Box 12 — Background Information (Questions 1–7)

What it asks. Seven yes/no questions on criminal history, administrative actions, judgments, and bankruptcy related to fiduciary breach.

How to answer it. Answer each with a clear Yes or No. Every Yes requires a written explanation and certified court records on a separate sheet.

Example entry. Janet answers Yes to Question 1 (a 2014 misdemeanor theft) and attaches the judgment, plea agreement, and a 200-word explanation.

Nuance. Deferred adjudication still counts as a Yes under Texas Insurance Code §4005.101(b)(5) even if the case was dismissed.

Common mistake and consequence. Marking No because the matter was sealed is a misrepresentation that triggers the Sanctions Guidelines and a likely 5-year bar.

Misconception. Applicants think traffic tickets count. Class C misdemeanors that are not crimes of moral turpitude do not, but DWI does.

Box 13 — Bond and Financial Responsibility

What it asks. Confirmation that you have a $10,000 surety bond on file.

How to answer it. Check the box and attach the original bond on the TDI-prescribed bond form.

Example entry. ☒ Bond attached, Surety Bond #SB-998877, Travelers Casualty.

Nuance. Cash deposits in lieu of bond are accepted but require a Texas Comptroller escrow agreement.

Common mistake and consequence. Submitting a copy instead of an original bond voids the filing.

Misconception. Filers think E&O insurance substitutes for the bond. It does not.

Box 14 — Signature and Attestation

What it asks. Your signed oath that the application is true and complete.

How to answer it. Sign in blue or black ink on paper, or apply a digital signature in Acrobat. Date the signature the same day you submit.

Example entry. /s/ Maria E. Lopez 02/15/2026.

Nuance. A signature dated more than 30 days before submission is stale.

Common mistake and consequence. Typing a name in a non-signature field instead of signing causes outright rejection under 28 TAC §19.802(b).

Misconception. Applicants think a notary is required. FIN310 is a self-attestation; no notary is needed.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Each table below tracks one named filer through FIN310 from Box 1 through the signature block.

Scenario 1 — Maria Lopez, Texas Resident, First-Time Applicant

Form Section	What Maria Enters
Box 1 — Legal Name	Lopez, Maria, Elena
Box 3 — DOB	03/14/1985
Box 5 — Residence	4421 Westheimer Rd, Apt 12, Houston, TX 77027
Box 9 — License Type	☒ Public Insurance Adjuster
Box 10 — Residency	☒ Resident
Box 11 — Exam	01/22/2026, Pearson VUE TX-PUB-7741
Box 12 — Background	All seven No answers
Box 13 — Bond	Travelers SB-998877, $10,000
Box 14 — Signature	/s/ Maria E. Lopez, 02/15/2026

Scenario 2 — Carlos Rivera, Florida Non-Resident, Reciprocity Path

Form Section	What Carlos Enters
Box 1 — Legal Name	Rivera, Carlos, Antonio
Box 3 — DOB	07/09/1979
Box 5 — Residence	218 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
Box 9 — License Type	☒ Public Insurance Adjuster
Box 10 — Residency	☒ Non-Resident, Home State FL, License W123456
Box 11 — Exam	Waived — reciprocity from FL
Box 12 — Background	Yes to Question 2 (FL administrative fine 2019), explanation attached
Box 13 — Bond	Hartford Bond HB-552210, $10,000
Box 14 — Signature	/s/ Carlos A. Rivera, 02/20/2026

Scenario 3 — Janet Brooks, Military Spouse with Prior Misdemeanor

Form Section	What Janet Enters
Box 1 — Legal Name	Brooks, Janet, Marie
Box 2 — Other Names	Anderson, Janet Marie, 2002–2014
Box 5 — Residence	310 Ranger Loop, Fort Cavazos, TX 76544
Box 9 — License Type	☒ Public Insurance Adjuster
Box 10 — Residency	☒ Resident — Military Spouse under Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 55
Box 11 — Exam	02/02/2026, Pearson VUE TX-PUB-8820
Box 12 — Background	Yes to Question 1 (2014 misdemeanor theft, dismissed after deferred adjudication)
Box 13 — Bond	Liberty Mutual LM-447712, $10,000
Box 14 — Signature	/s/ Janet M. Brooks, 02/22/2026

How to File the Completed Form

You may file FIN310 through three channels, each with different turnaround times, fees, and proof-of-filing artifacts. Online filing dominates because it captures attachments and routes the file to a license analyst within 24 hours.

Online via Sircon. Submit at Sircon for Individuals using the NAIC-issued login. The fee is $50 plus a Sircon convenience fee of about $5.60. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or ACH. Expected processing is 3–5 business days, and your proof of filing is the Sircon transaction confirmation PDF — save it.

Online via NIPR. File through the NIPR Attachments Warehouse with a $50 state fee plus a $5.60 NIPR fee. Processing matches Sircon at 3–5 business days. The NIPR confirmation email containing your transaction ID is your proof — print it.

Paper by mail. Mail the signed FIN310, FIN506, fingerprint receipt, exam score, bond, and a $50 check or money order payable to Texas Department of Insurance to Texas Department of Insurance, Agent and Adjuster Licensing Office, MC-AAL, P.O. Box 12030, Austin, TX 78711-2030. Processing runs 15–20 business days. Send via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt; the green card is your proof of filing.

A nuance: TDI does not accept fax or in-person delivery for FIN310 as of the 02/2024 revision. Walk-in submissions are returned unprocessed.

What Happens After You File

After submission, TDI’s Agent and Adjuster Licensing Office opens a case in the SBS database, matches your fingerprint receipt to the FBI/DPS background return, and confirms your exam result with Pearson VUE. If everything aligns, your license is issued electronically within 3–5 business days for online filers.

If a deficiency exists — most often a missing bond original or an unanswered Question 4 — TDI emails a deficiency letter giving you 30 days to cure under 28 TAC §19.802(c). Missing the cure window closes the file and forfeits the $50 fee.

If the file includes a Yes on Box 12, the application routes to the Licensing Review Section, which applies the Sanctions Guidelines. Review can add 30–90 days, and the analyst may issue a Statement of Charges proposing denial; you can request a hearing at the State Office of Administrative Hearings within 30 days.

Once issued, the license is valid for two years and renews under 28 TAC §19.901 with 24 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of ethics, before each renewal.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

These are the recurring errors TDI’s analysts cite as the leading causes of FIN310 rejection.

• Using an outdated revision of FIN310 — the file is rejected without review.
• Leaving Box 4 (SSN) blank — TDI cannot run the child-support cross-check and closes the file.
• Checking Resident while domiciled out of state — treated as fraud under §4005.101.
• Marking No to Question 1 with an undisclosed deferred adjudication — automatic 5-year bar.
• Submitting a copy of the surety bond instead of the original — bond is void on file.
• Forgetting to attach FIN506 — fingerprint check cannot proceed.
• Letting exam results age beyond 12 months — applicant must retake the Pearson VUE exam.
• Omitting a maiden name in Box 2 used during a prior conviction — material misrepresentation.
• Signing more than 30 days before submission — signature is stale and rejected.
• Using a P.O. Box in Box 5 (Residence) — fails address validation and stalls issuance.

Do’s and Don’ts

A few rules of the road keep your FIN310 moving and protect your career-long record.

Do’s

• Do download the form fresh from TDI every filing.
• Do answer Box 12 questions truthfully — discovery is automatic via FBI returns.
• Do keep an Acrobat-saved copy of your signed PDF for your records.
• Do file online through Sircon or NIPR for fastest turnaround.
• Do email TDI’s License Help Desk before guessing on a confusing field.
• Do attach the original $10,000 surety bond, not a scan or copy.

Don’ts

• Don’t list a UPS Store address as your residence — TDI flags commercial mail receivers.
• Don’t combine a public adjuster application with all-lines on one fee — you owe $50 per license.
• Don’t sign in pencil or red ink — only blue or black is accepted.
• Don’t leave page 4 background questions blank — blank equals Yes under TDI’s processing rule.
• Don’t submit while exam results are within two weeks of expiring — give yourself a buffer.
• Don’t use a nickname or shortened first name in Box 1 — the SSA name controls.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Most public adjuster applicants self-file, but a licensing consultant or attorney can save weeks for applicants with disclosure issues.

Pros of self-filing

• Lower cost — only the $50 state fee plus the small portal convenience fee.
• Faster start — you can submit the moment your fingerprint receipt arrives.
• Direct control — you read every word you sign.
• Direct communication — TDI emails the deficiency notice straight to you.
• Builds expertise — you will renew this license every two years.

Cons of self-filing

• Higher error risk on background disclosures.
• No one to translate the Sanctions Guidelines for you.
• You write your own explanation letters under stress.
• You handle hearings at SOAH alone.
• Deficiency letters can read as opaque to a first-time applicant.

Comparison: Sircon vs. NIPR vs. Paper

Filing Channel	Key Features
Sircon	$50 + $5.60, 3–5 business days, full attachment upload, transaction PDF as proof
NIPR	$50 + $5.60, 3–5 business days, integrates with national license database, email confirmation
Paper Mail	$50 check, 15–20 business days, certified mail receipt as proof, no upload portal

FAQs

Is the Public Insurance Adjuster license different from the All-Lines Adjuster license? Yes. The Public Adjuster license under Chapter 4102 represents the insured; the All-Lines license under Chapter 4101 represents the insurer. They are separate authorities with separate exams and fees.

Do I need a separate FIN310 for each license type? No. One FIN310 can request multiple license types, but you owe a separate $50 fee per license and must qualify (exam, bond) for each.

Is a notary required on Box 14? No. FIN310 is a self-attestation; only your signature and date are required, in blue or black ink or as a digital Acrobat signature.

Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 1? No to maiden if your SSA record shows the married name; Box 1 must match your current SSA record, and prior names go in Box 2.

Should I check “Resident” if I own a Texas vacation home? No. Residency tracks domicile under Texas Election Code §1.015, not property ownership; a vacation home alone does not establish residency.

Do I list a dismissed deferred adjudication in Box 12? Yes. Texas Insurance Code §4005.101(b)(5) treats deferred adjudication as a reportable disposition even when the case was later dismissed.

Is the $10,000 surety bond refundable if I withdraw my application? No. The bond stays in force per its terms; only your premium is between you and the surety, and TDI does not refund the $50 application fee.

Can I file FIN310 by fax? No. TDI eliminated fax filing for FIN310 with the 02/2024 revision; only Sircon, NIPR, or U.S. Mail are accepted.

Does my Pearson VUE score expire? Yes. Scores are valid for 12 months under 28 TAC §19.1010; if you wait longer than that to file FIN310, you must retake the exam.

Is a non-resident license cheaper than a resident license? No. Both cost $50 under 28 TAC §19.802, though non-residents may also pay a home-state countersignature fee in their own state.

Should I leave Question 5 blank if I have never had a regulatory action? No. Mark No; TDI’s processing rule treats blank answers as Yes and routes the file to manual review, adding weeks.

Is my license active the moment TDI emails issuance? Yes. Authority begins on the issuance date shown in the email and your SBS license record, not on the date the wall certificate arrives.

Can a military spouse practice while FIN310 is still pending? Yes. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55 allows qualified military spouses to practice for up to three years while the application processes, provided TDI confirms eligibility.

Do I need E&O insurance to be licensed? No. TDI does not require E&O for public adjusters, though many sponsoring firms and contracts do.

Is my Texas Public Adjuster license recognized in other states? No. Recognition depends on each state’s reciprocity rules; you must apply separately in any state where you intend to negotiate claims.