Can a Felon Get an Insurance License in Rhode Island? The Process Explained

Yes, it's possible—but not automatic. Rhode Island's Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Insurance evaluates each application with a felony conviction on a case-by-case basis.

Licensing Requirements (All Applicants)

• Pre-licensing education (20–40 hrs per line: Life, Health, Property, Casualty, etc.)
• Pass state exam (Prometric)
• Fingerprint/background check (FBI + RI)
• Application + fees via DBR online portal

Felony Conviction Disclosure & Review

• Mandatory disclosure: All felonies (and some misdemeanors) on application
• DBR considers:
  • Nature/severity of offense (financial crimes, fraud, violence weighed heavily)
  • Time elapsed since conviction/completion of sentence
  • Evidence of rehabilitation (counseling, education, employment, community service)
  • Pattern vs. isolated incident
  • Relevance to insurance duties (fiduciary trust, client funds)
• No automatic bar — but financial crimes (embezzlement, insurance fraud) are near-disqualifying

Rehabilitation Documentation

• Certificate of rehabilitation / expungement (if available)
• Character references (employers, clergy, counselors, parole officers)
• Proof of stable employment, housing, community ties
• Personal statement: accountability, insight, change

Possible Outcomes

• Full license granted
• Conditional license: Restrictions (e.g., no handling premium funds, supervision)
• Denial: Appealable to Superior Court (30 days)

Practical Steps

1. Obtain your criminal record (RI State Police BCI)
2. Consult a RI insurance licensing attorney before applying
3. Gather rehabilitation evidence
4. Apply honestly — non-disclosure = automatic denial
5. Prepare for interview with DBR investigator

Key Statutes

• RIGL §27-2.1-10 (licensing qualifications)
• RIGL §5-81-1 et seq. (insurance producers)
• DBR Regulation 230-RICR-20-10-1 (Producer Licensing)

This is informational, not legal advice. Contact RI DBR Insurance Division: (401) 462-9520.