How to Get a Texas Surplus Lines License (2026)

A surplus lines license lets you place coverage with non-admitted (E&S) insurers when the standard market won't write the risk. In Texas it's an add-on to your existing Property & Casualty license, earned by passing the InsTX-Surp60 exam. Here's exactly what's required.

At a glance

• Prerequisite: active Texas General Lines P&C (or MGA) license — surplus lines is an add-on, not a first license.
• Exam: InsTX-Surp60 — 60 questions, 60 minutes, passing score 70 (scaled), $29, at Pearson VUE. Exam-only, no pre-licensing hours.
• Application: $50, apply within one year of passing; fingerprinting via IdentoGO.
• License term: 2 years. No separate CE (carried on the underlying license).
• Ongoing: 4.85% premium tax to the Comptroller, SLTX stamping filings, and recordkeeping.

What the exam covers

The InsTX-Surp60 exam blends general insurance principles and contract law with a heavy Texas surplus lines law section — eligible non-admitted insurers, the diligent-effort requirement, the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas, premium tax, required policyholder disclosures, and producer duties under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 981. Our course is built around exactly those topics.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need another license before I can get a Texas surplus lines license?

Yes. Texas requires you to already hold an active General Lines Property & Casualty agent license (or a Managing General Agent license) before you can add surplus lines authority. If that underlying license lapses, the surplus lines license is automatically cancelled.

Is there a separate surplus lines exam in Texas?

Yes — Texas is one of the few states with a dedicated surplus lines exam (InsTX-Surp60): 60 questions, 60 minutes, a $29 fee, and a passing score of 70 (scaled). Most other states simply grant surplus lines authority to licensed P&C agents on application, with no separate exam.

What is surplus lines (E&S) insurance?

Surplus lines, or excess and surplus (E&S), is coverage placed with non-admitted insurers for risks the standard admitted market won't write. Because the insurer is non-admitted, these policies are not backed by the state guaranty association — a key disclosure you must give the insured.

How much is the surplus lines premium tax in Texas?

4.85% of gross premiums, reported and paid to the Texas Comptroller (Texas Insurance Code Chapter 225). A separate stamping fee, set by the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas, also applies.

How many declinations do I need before placing surplus lines coverage?

The statute (§981.004) requires a 'diligent effort' to place the risk in the admitted market — it doesn't fix a number. In practice, the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas convention is to document three admitted-carrier declinations. Exempt commercial purchasers can waive the diligent-effort requirement with the proper written disclosure.

Is continuing education required for the surplus lines license?

No separate CE is required for the surplus lines license itself — your CE is carried on the underlying General Lines P&C or MGA license.

Elite Training Academy provides exam-preparation materials. Texas requires no state-approved pre-licensing education for the surplus lines license; this course is optional study support. Verify current fees and requirements at tdi.texas.gov.