Licensing and Other Changes for New York and Connecticut Agents

Changes in agent-licensing procedures mean New Yorkers can now print and renew their licenses online and Connecticut agents will now only be able to file licensing documentation electronically.

In New York, agents, brokers and other licensees of the New York State Insurance Department can print copies of licenses by accessing a self-service feature on the department’s website. The department issues approximately 125,000 new and renewal licenses a year, and generally issues issues within 48 hours after applications are received and screened by the Department.

Under the new system, New York regulators will notify applicants by e-mail that when their licenses are issued and available to be accessed electronically. Producers can also look up their licenses to see if a renewal has been issued.

In Connecticut, beginning in August, regulators will only accept applications submitted online — a move the state says should be more efficient. Agents in the state already were printing their licenses electronically. “We will be able to process applications with greater speed and we want to make sure that licensees are notified well in advance of the August 1 switch,” Commissioner Thomas Leonardi said.

DMV Fees Increased

It’s not the only switch in store for cash-strapped Connecticut. The Nutmeg State has increased a number of fees and charges at its Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Among the fees are an $8 increase — up to $72 — for renewing licenses, a $25 fee for failing to renew on time, and similar increases for registration renewals and other transactions.

In addition, new regulations mean bigger penalties for commercial drivers who text while behind the wheel.

The changes, which went into effect July 1, come as part of a budget balancing measure in the state.

Topics New York Agencies Connecticut