Surplus Lines Licensing

Surplus lines insurance is any insurance in North Carolina that covers resident risks (located or to be performed in North Carolina) that may be placed with an eligible surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurance does not include reinsurance; commercial aircraft, wet marine and transportation, life, accident, or health insurance; or annuities.

You must hold an individual surplus lines license to place insurance directly with an eligible surplus lines insurer. If a resident, you must first hold property agent licenses before you can obtain a surplus lines license.  You must also pass the NC exam for Surplus Lines.   Resident individual surplus lines agents must be members of the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association, in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 58-21-40. Non-residents must hold the surplus lines license in their resident state to apply for a North Carolina non-resident surplus lines license and must be members of the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association effective 1/1/2017 as required by House Bill (HB) 262.

Surplus lines renewal FAQ's

Surplus lines requirements

Surplus Lines Association

Surplus Lines Licensable vs. Non-Licensable Activities 

This page was last modified on 09/08/2023