As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve seen firsthand just how much the adjuster licensing landscape has evolved this year. In our recent RegEd webinar, Michael Pouliot, our EVP of Sales, and I walked through the most impactful regulatory changes and discussed what compliance professionals should be preparing for as we head into 2026. From emerging state requirements to new best practices for navigating multi-state adjuster licensing, here’s my perspective on what you need to know.
The Growing Complexity of Adjuster Licensing
Managing adjuster licensing has never been more challenging. According to RegEd’s recent industry survey, the top pain points for compliance teams include navigating differing state regulations, lack of uniformity, and reciprocity gaps. Unlike producer licensing, which benefits from greater standardization, adjuster licensing varies widely by state. Some states don’t license adjusters at all, while others impose unique requirements for workers’ compensation or continuing education. Adding to the complexity, adjusters today often hold licenses in 10 or more states – sometimes across all 33 states that require licensing.
2025 in Review: Key Regulatory Changes
Iowa’s Landmark Licensing Requirement
The biggest headline of 2025 was Iowa’s decision to require adjuster licensing – a change that moved from bill introduction to law in just 20 days. Effective July 1, Iowa introduced seven new license types, including independent and staff adjusters, appraisers, and umpires. For business entities, licenses for public adjusters and independent adjuster firms became available, though some remain optional.
The rollout was fast and intense. During the initial 90-day modified application process, Iowa received over 11,000 applications, creating a backlog that persists today. While applicants who filed before October 1 can continue working while their licenses are pending, those applying after that date cannot handle claims until licensed. Iowa also clarified several unique rules:
- The state cannot be used as a Designated Home State (DHS).
- Non-residents may avoid retaking exams by completing an exemption attestation form.
- Fingerprinting is required for first-time resident applicants.
- Mailing addresses listed on applications are public, raising privacy concerns for remote workers. Iowa allows updates via NIPR to substitute a business address or PO Box.
This change underscores how even small regulatory shifts – such as exam vendor updates or CE adjustments – can ripple across compliance processes.
Other State-Level Updates
Several other states made noteworthy changes:
- North Carolina now requires non-resident adjusters from California, Hawaii, and New York to pass the NC exam unless they provide proof of a reciprocal state exam.
- Arkansas reversed its stance on CE, now accepting credits from reciprocal states to eliminate duplicate requirements.
- Continuing education remains a hot topic, with states like Rhode Island and Louisiana introducing new mandates for ethics hours and legislative updates.
Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in 2026
Alaska Embraces Reciprocity
Starting January 1, Alaska will reciprocate with DHS licenses – a major shift from its previous stance. This means no more state exams or fingerprinting for DHS applicants. Alaska will also drop its physical business address requirement, acknowledging the realities of remote work. These changes will streamline licensing and reduce administrative burdens for compliance teams.
Iowa Renewal Process
As Iowa moves beyond its initial rollout, renewals will follow a biennial cycle based on the last day of the birth month. Residents must complete 24 CE hours, including two ethics, while non-residents remain exempt. Iowa will also require bond renewal notifications for independent adjusters.
New Mexico Tightens DHS Rules
Effective April 2026, New Mexico will enforce DHS reciprocity restrictions. DHS from states without CE requirements – such as Arizona, Connecticut, and New York – will not be accepted. Compliance teams should review their populations now to avoid renewal disruptions.
Additional Anticipated Changes
- Florida is considering legislation to simplify resident license transfers, allowing individuals to maintain their prior resident license during the transition.
- Maine plans to migrate to the SBS platform by Q3 2026.
- Oregon is evaluating fee increases for the first time in two decades.
- South Carolina may introduce CE and fingerprinting requirements for adjusters, pending legislative approval.
Continuing Education and Compliance Reminders
With CE requirements expanding, compliance teams must stay vigilant. Rhode Island now mandates CE for residents and DHS licensees, while Louisiana requires two hours dedicated to legislative updates. Louisiana is also working on a public-facing CE transcript portal, expected by Q1 2026, which will simplify verification.
Affiliation renewals for independent adjusting firms remain due annually by the end of February. Failure to pay these fees can result in entity license cancellations, so early action is critical.
Best Practices for 2026
The complexity of adjuster licensing isn’t going away. To stay ahead:
- Automate regulatory updates to avoid compliance gaps.
- Integrate CE tracking with licensing systems for seamless renewals.
- Use RegEd’s SRI Compliance Resource and new Fast Facts maps for quick reference on reciprocity, CE rules, and licensing eligibility.
- Consider managed services for outsourcing licensing administration, especially for firms without centralized compliance teams.
Final Thoughts
Adjuster licensing is never boring – you never know what you’re going to get. With states introducing new requirements and moving toward greater uniformity, 2026 promises more change.
As Michael Pouliot noted, “Without a system to manage these rules, the process becomes burdensome and risky.” RegEd’s Xchange platform and managed services aim to simplify this chaos by automating renewals, tracking CE, and integrating with claims systems to ensure compliance throughout the life cycle of a claim.
Leveraging technology and expert resources will be essential for compliance professionals navigating this evolving landscape. To learn more about how RegEd can help, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our adjuster licensing experts.
About the Author
Kaitlyn Small, Manager of Regulatory Compliance at RegEd
Kaitlyn joined RegEd in 2013 and has held roles in the Registration and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Departments. In her current role as Manager of Regulatory Compliance, Kaitlyn assists the Registration and Licensing teams with licensing transactions and regulatory issues. She monitors state regulation and process changes and communicates with State Divisions of Insurance on issues that arise during the licensing process. By working closely with and supporting the Registration and Licensing department over the last 12 years, Kaitlyn has gained deep knowledge of the licensing processes across multiple license types, the complexities of state requirements and the nuances of adjuster licensing. Kaitlyn is also very active in industry organizations, particularly the Securities and Insurance Licensing Association (SILA). She has served as a Steering Committee member on the SILA Adjuster Licensing Subgroup (SALS) since 2019, and was appointed Chair of the SALS Steering Committee in 2024. She has held a SILA Associate Designation since 2020, and received the Robert Kennedy Appreciation Award at the SILA 2022 National Education Conference.
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