Texas vs New York Adjuster License Reciprocity: 2026 Guide

No Reciprocity: Full New York Licensing Required

New York does not maintain reciprocal recognition with Texas for adjuster licenses. Holding a Texas All-Lines Adjuster license—including Designated Home State (DHS) licenses—provides no exemptions from New York’s independent licensing requirements.

New York’s adjuster licensing framework is administered by the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) and operates under Article 21 of the New York Insurance Law. The state requires all adjusters, regardless of prior licensing in other jurisdictions, to pass the New York Independent Insurance Adjuster Examination (Series 17-70) and meet New York-specific qualification standards.

Critical DHS limitation: Unlike reciprocal states that recognize Texas DHS licenses as equivalent to resident licenses, New York does not participate in the NAIC uniform licensing framework for adjusters. The DHS designation carries no weight in New York’s licensing process. Texas-licensed adjusters are treated identically to unlicensed applicants.

Non-resident restriction: New York requires adjusters to hold an active home state license (if their home state licenses adjusters) before applying for a New York non-resident license. If you are a resident of a non-licensing state and hold only a Texas DHS license, you may face additional scrutiny or documentation requirements demonstrating your qualification to act as an adjuster.

Steps to Apply for New York Adjuster License

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
New York requires applicants to be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate trustworthiness and competence. If you reside in a state that licenses adjusters, you must hold an active license in your home state. Texas DHS license holders should verify eligibility status with New York DFS before proceeding.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education (If Required)
New York does not mandate pre-licensing coursework for independent adjuster applicants. However, candidates are strongly advised to complete exam preparation courses covering New York Insurance Law (Article 21, Article 34), New York insurance regulations (11 NYCRR), and claims handling standards specific to New York requirements. Self-study using New York DFS-published examination content outlines is common.

Step 3: Pass New York Series 17-70 Examination
Register for the New York Independent Insurance Adjuster Examination (Series 17-70) through Prometric at prometric.com. Examination specifications:

• 100 multiple-choice questions
• 2.5-hour time limit
• Passing score: 70%
• Exam fee: $75.00 (non-refundable)

The Series 17-70 examination covers New York-specific insurance statutes, regulatory requirements, claims procedures, and ethical standards. Texas examination content and study materials will not adequately prepare candidates for New York-specific content. Focus on New York Insurance Law Articles 21, 23, 34, and 51, as well as 11 NYCRR Part 216 (Claims Practices).

Step 4: Submit Fingerprints & Background Check
After passing the examination, schedule fingerprinting through an approved IdentoGO location (formerly MorphoTrust). New York requires FBI criminal background checks for all insurance license applicants. Fingerprint results are transmitted electronically to New York DFS. Fee: approximately $100.00 – $110.00 (includes FBI and state processing fees).

Step 5: Complete License Application
Submit the New York Independent Adjuster License Application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) portal or directly via New York’s online licensing system (NILS). Required documentation includes:

• Completed license application (Form IA-1)
• Examination pass notice (Series 17-70)
• Fingerprint clearance confirmation
• Proof of home state license (if applicable)
• Application fee: $200.00 (biennial license term)

Step 6: Processing & Issuance
New York DFS processes applications within 6-10 weeks following receipt of fingerprint clearance and all required documentation. Applications with out-of-state addresses or DHS licenses may require additional processing time for verification. Monitor application status through the NIPR portal or New York NILS system.

Continuing Education Requirements

New York requires continuing education for adjuster license renewal:

• 15 hours of CE every two years (lower than most states)
• Minimum 3 hours of Ethics (New York Insurance Law and regulatory focus)
• CE must be completed through New York DFS-approved providers

Texas CE credits do not transfer to New York. Adjusters maintaining both Texas and New York licenses must complete separate CE requirements for each jurisdiction. New York’s biennial renewal deadline is tied to the licensee’s birth month.

Company Licensing Alternative

Many Texas adjusters working New York claims operate under company licensing arrangements rather than obtaining individual New York licenses. Independent adjusting firms licensed in New York can employ out-of-state adjusters as company adjusters, provided:

• The adjusting firm holds a New York Public Adjuster Company License or Independent Adjuster Company License
• The out-of-state adjuster is properly appointed and supervised by the licensed company
• The company assumes compliance responsibility for the adjuster’s activities

This arrangement allows Texas adjusters to handle New York claims without obtaining individual New York licenses. However, adjusters working under company licensing receive lower per-claim compensation compared to independently licensed adjusters and have limited ability to contract directly with insurers or third-party administrators.