# How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Virginia

_Licensing_

Canonical: https://www.claimspages.com/learn/licensing/virginia/

Virginia does not require independent insurance adjusters to hold a state-issued license, making it a non-licensing state for most adjuster types. Public adjusters must be licensed through the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, which operates under the State Corporation Commission (SCC). Virginia's diverse geography — from hurricane-exposed coastal regions to mountain and valley areas prone to flooding and severe storms — creates varied claims opportunities. Its proximity to the Washington, D.C. market and significant military property further expand the demand for qualified claims professionals.



Virginia is a non-licensing state for independent insurance adjusters. The state does not require independent or staff adjusters to hold a state-issued license. However, Public Adjusters must obtain a license through the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, which is part of the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

Independent adjusters working in Virginia should still obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license from another state (commonly Florida or Texas) for the following reasons:

Most independent adjusting firms require a license for roster placementA DHS license provides access to non-resident licensing in states that require itCarriers and employers increasingly prefer licensed adjusters for claims assignments

No state exam is required for independent adjusters since Virginia does not issue that license type. Public adjuster applicants must meet the examination requirements established by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance.



Choose a Designated Home State for your license (Florida and Texas are most common)Complete that state's licensing requirements (pre-licensing course, exam, and application)Obtain your DHS licenseUse your DHS license to work in Virginia and apply for non-resident licenses in other statesIf pursuing public adjuster work, apply for a Virginia Public Adjuster license separately through the Bureau of Insurance

Independent adjusters have no Virginia CE requirements since the state does not issue the license. Public adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their license.

If you hold a DHS license, your CE requirements are determined by your home state. Both Florida and Texas require 24 CE hours every 2 years.



Virginia offers a diverse claims market with significant exposure to hurricanes and coastal storms in its eastern counties along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast, as well as inland risks from severe thunderstorms and flooding in the Shenandoah Valley and mountain regions. The state's proximity to Washington, D.C. and the large concentration of military installations and government property create additional claims opportunities. While independent adjusters don't need a Virginia license, a DHS license is effectively required by most employers in the industry.