Is Your License Data Compliant?

If you’re an insurance agent or run an agency in Ohio, keeping your license records up to date is essential. Ohio law requires you to update your address, including email addresses, phone numbers, or any name changes, within 30 days of making those changes. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial to stay compliant with state regulations and avoid unnecessary headaches.

Why is this so important? Keeping your contact information current ensures that you receive all important communications from the Ohio Department of Insurance. This includes everything from renewal notices to important regulatory updates that could have an impact on your business. Missing out on these could lead to lapses in your license or missing critical deadlines, which could have serious implications for your agency. Plus, it’s just good business practice to make sure your clients and the state can always reach you when needed.

Updating your information is pretty straightforward. You can easily make these changes online through the Ohio Department of Insurance’s (ODI) website. License holders should update their address and personal contact information through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). It only takes a few minutes and is one less thing to worry about. So, if you’ve recently moved, changed your email, got a new phone number, or even changed your name, take a moment to update your records. It’s a simple step that keeps everything running smoothly and keeps you on the right side of the law.

Agents, Agencies Required to Update Contact Information

Insurance agents and agencies are reminded that Ohio law requires license holders to update their Ohio license record with any address (including email addresses), phone number, or name change within 30 days of the change occurring.

License holders should update their address and personal contact information through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Name changes must be made directly with the Ohio Department of Insurance. Since state departments of insurance primarily communicate through email, license holders are urged to review and update their email addresses at least annually.

First-Time License / New License / Reinstatement / Add Line of Authority: A first-time applicant is an applicant for an insurance license that has never held a license before in the state and must meet that state’s license requirements. Note: Several states also require those who failed to renew within the renewal period to submit a new license application.

License Renewal: Renewal is the continuation of the license or appointment beyond the original date of expiration. Renewals vary from annually to every four years, and most resident individual renewals have a continuing education requirement that must be met prior to the state accepting the license renewal request.

Change Contact Information: Actively licensed individuals may use the contact change request tool to submit requests to update physical addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. For business entity changes, view the list of participating states and their business rules on the Contact Change Information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember that OIA is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact OIA on any updates to your email, addresses, phone numbers, or business contact information. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Legal Disclaimer: This material is intended to provide you with general background and insight. The material does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice regarding any particular facts, circumstances, or issues. This material is not intended to serve as a substitute for legal counsel, and we advise you to contact legal counsel for specific analysis, drafting, and advice. NOTICE: The Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (OIA) provides this information with the express understanding that 1) no attorney-client relationship exists, 2) neither OIA nor its attorneys are engaged in providing legal advice, and 3) that the information is of a general character. You should not rely on this information when dealing with personal or professional legal matters; rather, seek legal advice from retained legal counsel.

Agents, Agencies Required to Update Contact Info
April 28, 2023
Ohio Department of Insurance

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