Does New Jersey require an adjuster license?
New Jersey does not license company (staff) or independent adjusters who work for insurers. Only public adjusters, who represent policyholders, must be licensed by DOBI under the Public Adjusters' Licensing Act (N.J.S.A. 17:22B-1 et seq.).
What to do if you want to adjust claims from New Jersey
Because New Jersey does not issue its own adjuster license, residents who want to work as independent or catastrophe adjusters in other states usually earn a designated home state (DHS) license from a state such as Texas or Florida. Many licensing states then issue nonresident licenses based on that DHS license.
Nonresident adjusters, reciprocity and DHS
Designated home state license: New Jersey does not issue an adjuster license that can serve as a Designated Home State. NJ residents who want to adjust in licensing states typically obtain a DHS license from another state (e.g., TX, FL, IN, NC) that accepts out-of-state DHS applicants; Rhode Island's NIPR rules list NJ among states without independent adjuster licensing.
See every state's rules side by side on the adjuster license reciprocity map.
Emergency and catastrophe adjusters
No emergency/catastrophe adjuster license found; because company and independent adjusters are not licensed, out-of-state carrier-side adjusters need no NJ license to work NJ catastrophes. Public adjusters must hold an NJ public adjuster license.
Public adjusters in New Jersey
Separate Public Adjuster license required (N.J.S.A. 17:22B). Exam required (scheduled through PSI; remote or in-person). Performance/surety bond of at least $10,000 (N.J.S.A. 17:22B-12), Live Scan fingerprints, two passport photos. Fee $70 ($50 license + $20 processing); renewal $50. Licenses are biennial, expiring the last day of the birth month. 15 hours of CE required to renew. Solicitation is prohibited between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the 24 hours after a loss.
Insurance adjuster salary in New Jersey
| Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators | New Jersey | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Mean annual wage | $94,120 | $80,470 |
| Median annual wage | $95,690 | $78,000 |
| 10th to 90th percentile | $61,780 to $129,720 | $48,850 to $117,040 |
| Employment | 9,650 | 324,230 |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an insurance adjuster in New Jersey?
No license is required for company or independent adjusters in New Jersey. New Jersey does not license company (staff) or independent adjusters who work for insurers. Only public adjusters, who represent policyholders, must be licensed by DOBI under the Public Adjusters' Licensing Act (N.J.S.A. 17:22B-1 et seq.).
How much do insurance adjusters make in New Jersey?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, claims adjusters, examiners and investigators in New Jersey earned a mean of $94,120 a year in May 2025, with a median of $95,690. The national mean was $80,470. Independent catastrophe adjusters are paid by fee schedule and can earn more or less than this.
Official New Jersey resources
Regulator: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI), Licensing Services Bureau
Sources
- nj.gov/dobi/inslic.htm
- nj.gov/dobi/insliced/app5.pdf
- nj.gov/dobi/insliced/fmpabond.htm
- nj.gov/dobi/pressreleases/pr200911.html
- nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/new-jersey-non-resident-adjuster-licensing-in
- nipr.com/licensing-center/state-information/new-jersey
- nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/rhode-island-non-resident-adjuster-licensing-
Adjuster license requirements in other states
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