Insurance is regulated at state level, so a producer is licensed by each state they do business in rather than nationally. There is still a single identifier that makes checking straightforward.

The National Producer Number

The NPN is a unique identifier assigned to insurance producers and maintained through the National Insurance Producer Registry. It stays with the individual across states and across employers, which makes it a more reliable thing to ask for than a business card.

What to check

Licence status in your state, not just some state. A producer licensed elsewhere is not licensed to sell to you.
Lines of authority. Licences are granted by line — life, health, property, casualty. Annuities fall under the life line.
Appointments. Producers are appointed by the insurers whose products they sell, which tells you the range they can actually offer.
Disciplinary history, held by your state department of insurance.

Variable products need more

A variable annuity is a security. Selling one requires a securities registration in addition to the insurance licence, so that person will also have a CRD number and a FINRA BrokerCheck record. If you are being shown a variable product, both are worth checking.

Guarantees are the insurer’s

Annuity guarantees are backed by the issuing insurance company, not by a federal agency. Independent financial strength ratings are published for insurers, and that is a separate question from whether the producer is reputable.

This guide is general information, not financial, insurance, tax, or legal advice. Rules vary by state and by individual circumstance. Speak to a licensed professional about your own situation.

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