Does North Dakota require an adjuster license?
North Dakota does not license private, staff or independent adjusters who represent insurers ('Independent or staff adjusters representing an insurance company do not require licensing in North Dakota'). Since July 1, 2019, public adjusters who represent policyholders must be licensed under N.D.C.C. ch. 26.1-26.8.
What to do if you want to adjust claims from North Dakota
Because North Dakota 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: North Dakota does not issue a company/independent adjuster license, so it offers no DHS license. ND residents typically obtain a DHS license from another state (e.g., TX, FL, IN, NC); Rhode Island's NIPR rules list ND among jurisdictions 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 carrier-side adjusters are not licensed, out-of-state company and independent adjusters need no ND license. N.D.C.C. 26.1-26.8-16 bars public adjusters from charging 10% or more of a settlement from a catastrophic disaster.
Public adjusters in North Dakota
Separate Public Adjuster license (individual and business entity) since July 1, 2019. PSI exam: 100 items, 120 minutes, 70% to pass, $58 fee. $20,000 surety bond (N.D.C.C. 26.1-26.8-11) for residents and nonresidents. Residents are fingerprinted. License fee $100; biennial renewal $25. CE: 24 credits including 3 ethics, reported biennially; nonresidents are exempt if they meet home-state CE and their state reciprocates. Willfully acting without a license is a class C felony.
Insurance adjuster salary in North Dakota
| Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators | North Dakota | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Mean annual wage | $69,540 | $80,470 |
| Median annual wage | $65,460 | $78,000 |
| 10th to 90th percentile | $47,960 to $97,470 | $48,850 to $117,040 |
| Employment | 750 | 324,230 |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an insurance adjuster in North Dakota?
No license is required for company or independent adjusters in North Dakota. North Dakota does not license private, staff or independent adjusters who represent insurers ('Independent or staff adjusters representing an insurance company do not require licensing in North Dakota'). Since July 1, 2019, public adjusters who represent policyholders must be licensed under N.D.C.C. ch. 26.1-26.8.
How much do insurance adjusters make in North Dakota?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, claims adjusters, examiners and investigators in North Dakota earned a mean of $69,540 a year in May 2025, with a median of $65,460. The national mean was $80,470. Independent catastrophe adjusters are paid by fee schedule and can earn more or less than this.
Official North Dakota resources
Regulator: North Dakota Insurance Department, Producer Licensing
Sources
- insurance.nd.gov/producers/other-licenses/public-adjuster
- insurance.nd.gov/producers/producer-faq
- insurance.nd.gov/producers/fee-information
- ndlegis.gov/cencode/t26-1c26-8.pdf
- insurance.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Producers/Resident/Apply%20for%20a%20License/PS
- nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/north-dakota-non-resident-adjuster-licensing-
- nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/rhode-island-non-resident-adjuster-licensing-
Adjuster license requirements in other states
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