# DRLP > Designated Responsible Licensed Producer: the licensed person an agency names on its business entity license as responsible for its compliance with state law. Also called Designated Responsible Licensed Producer, designated responsible producer, designated responsible licensed person A DRLP, or designated responsible licensed producer, is the individually licensed producer an insurance agency names on its business entity license as the person responsible for the agency's compliance with that state's insurance laws. The agency holds the license. The DRLP is the individual the state looks to for the agency's compliance. The requirement comes from the NAIC Producer Licensing Model Act. Under Section 6(B), a state should not approve a business entity license until the entity has paid its fees and "designated a licensed producer responsible for the business entity's compliance with the insurance laws, rules and regulations of this state" ([NAIC State Licensing Handbook, chapter 12](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Chapter%2012.pdf)). Michigan's version of that test is [MCL 500.1205(2)(b)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-500-1205). The name varies: Washington says designated responsible licensed person, Virginia says designated licensed producer, and the NAIC handbook uses designated responsible producer. ## What the DRLP is personally responsible for The model act gives one line: responsibility for the entity's compliance with the state's insurance law. Some states spell out how far that reaches. * Iowa's rule requires the agency to designate an officer, owner, partner, or member holding an Iowa producer license "as the person who will have full responsibility for the conduct of all business transactions of the business entity or of producers affiliated with the business entity" ([Iowa Admin. Code 191—10.18(2)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.10.18.pdf)). * Wyoming says its DRLPs "will be held legally responsible for all actions of the firm in the State of Wyoming" ([Wyoming DOI, agency licensing](https://doi.wyo.gov/licensing/agencies)). * Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner says the DRLP is responsible for making sure the agency license complies with Washington law ([OIC, DRLP](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/producers-adjusters/licensing/get-licensed/designated-responsible-licensed-person-drlp)). * NIPR describes the DRLP as the contact for state inquiries such as audits ([NIPR, manage or renew a license](https://nipr.com/licensing-center/manage-or-renew-a-license)). Washington also lists what to look for when choosing one: a signer on the bank accounts, access to the books and records, influence over the financial records, the ability to negotiate carrier contracts, and supervisory authority. That list is a fair test in any state. A DRLP who can't see the books or approve a contract has the accountability without the means to act on it, so the role belongs with someone who runs the agency's compliance day to day. The DRLP's own license matters as much as their judgment. In several of the states below, the agency license depends on the DRLP holding an active individual license, so a lapsed renewal on one person's license can put the agency's license at risk. ## Which states require one, and how they differ We checked the rules for the states below against each state's own site or statute on September 22, 2026\. This is a sample to show how far the rules differ. It is not a 50-state list. Our [state licensing guides](/state) cover business entity rules state by state in their agency sections. ### Who can serve | State | What the state calls it | Who qualifies | | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [Washington](/state/washington#for-agencies-non-residents) | Designated responsible licensed person | A licensee who must also be affiliated with the agency's license. | | [West Virginia](/state/west-virginia#for-agencies-non-residents) | DRLP | Any West Virginia-licensed producer. Need not be an officer or director. More than one is allowed. | | [North Dakota](/state/north-dakota#for-agencies-non-residents) | DRLP | Any North Dakota-licensed producer. Need not be an officer or director. The agency can hold a line of authority only if one of its DRLPs holds it. | | [Massachusetts](/state/massachusetts#for-agencies-non-residents) | DRLP | Need not be an owner, partner, officer, or director. More than one is allowed, and every DRLP is listed as an affiliated member. | | [Wyoming](/state/wyoming#for-agencies-non-residents) | DRLP | Up to five per firm. The firm can write any line, whatever lines its DRLP holds. | | [Iowa](/state/iowa#for-agencies-non-residents) | Designated responsible producer | Exactly one, and it must be an officer, owner, partner, or member. | | [Texas](/state/texas#for-agencies-non-residents) | DRLP | At least one officer or active partner holding the matching Texas general lines license. | | [Virginia](/state/virginia#for-agencies-non-residents) | Designated licensed producer (DLP) | An employee, officer, or director. Virginia accepts members of an LLC and partners of a partnership. | | [New York](/state/new-york#for-agencies-non-residents) | Sublicensee | At least one officer, director, partner, member, or manager who meets every qualification for the license the entity is applying for. | | [Michigan](/state/michigan#for-agencies-non-residents) | DRLP | An individual licensed producer, under MCL 500.1205(2)(b). | States also split on lines of authority. North Dakota won't let the agency hold a line unless a DRLP holds it. Wyoming lets the firm write any line regardless. The NAIC handbook says the model act doesn't require a second DRLP for a second line: a DRLP with only a life line can serve an agency whose affiliated producers sell property and casualty. Massachusetts takes a middle path and requires at least one affiliated member licensed for each line the agency offers, who need not be the DRLP. Sources for the table: [OIC Washington](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/producers-adjusters/licensing/make-changes-your-license/adding-and-removing-business-entity-affiliations), [West Virginia OIC](https://www.wvinsurance.gov/Divisions/Agent-Licensing/Agent-Licensing-Forms/DRLP-Information), [North Dakota Insurance Department](https://www.insurance.nd.gov/addremove-designated-responsible-licensed-producer), [Massachusetts DOI](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/addingdeleting-a-designated-responsible-licensed-producer-to-a-business-entity-producer-license), [Wyoming DOI](https://doi.wyo.gov/licensing/agencies), [Iowa rule 191—10.18](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.10.18.pdf) and [Iowa Insurance Division FAQ](https://iid.iowa.gov/regulated-entities/insurance-related/producer-business-entities), [TDI](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/general-life-apply.html), [Virginia Bureau of Insurance](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/regulated-industries/bureau-of-insurance/licensed-agent/applying-for-a-agency-virginia-insurance-license/), [New York DFS](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps%5Fand%5Flicensing/agents%5Fand%5Fbrokers/original%5Fentity%5Fapplication), [MCL 500.1205](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-500-1205). ## How to change a DRLP Each state decides how it takes the change. Many accept it electronically through NIPR. Others want a form, an email, or their own portal. In a state that takes DRLP changes through NIPR, the agency identifies itself by NPN, license number, or FEIN, then uses the License Update transaction. It adds the new DRLP by NPN and last name, for one state or every state where the agency is licensed, and removes the old one separately for each license class in each state. After an attestation, the change goes to the state. It shows as pending until the state confirms it has updated its records ([NIPR, assign a DRLP](https://nipr.com/help/help-articles/assign-a-designated-responsible-licensed-producer-drlp)). The new DRLP needs the same or an equivalent license type as the agency, so an adjuster entity needs a DRLP with an individual adjuster license. Add the replacement before removing the outgoing DRLP. Idaho's instructions say this directly ([Idaho DOI, how to change a DRLP](https://doi.idaho.gov/how-to-change-a-drlp/)), and it keeps the license from sitting without one in between. States that handle it their own way: * **Massachusetts.** NIPR's DRLP update doesn't work for Massachusetts. The agency files a new Business Entity Initial Application through NIPR, selects only the lines it already holds, adds or removes the DRLP in the members section, and pays the application fee ([Massachusetts DOI](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/addingdeleting-a-designated-responsible-licensed-producer-to-a-business-entity-producer-license)). * **Michigan.** Changes go through DIFS's Insurance Licensing Online Services (ILOS). The proposed DRLP gets a request and has to create or log in to their own ILOS account and accept it ([DIFS, ILOS FAQ](https://www.michigan.gov/difs/industry/licensing-ins/ilos/faq-layout)). * **West Virginia.** A written notice by fax, mail, or email with the agency's name and FEIN and the name and NPN of the producer being added or removed. There is no form and no fee ([West Virginia OIC](https://www.wvinsurance.gov/Divisions/Agent-Licensing/Agent-Licensing-Forms/DRLP-Information)). * **Iowa.** The Insurance Division's change request form ([Iowa Insurance Division](https://iid.iowa.gov/regulated-entities/insurance-related/producer-business-entities)). * **Wisconsin.** NIPR's contact change request, within 30 days of the change ([Wisconsin OCI, license changes](https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Agents/UpdateLicenseInformation.aspx)). * **Washington.** On the agency's renewal application, or by contacting the OIC between renewals ([OIC, DRLP](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/producers-adjusters/licensing/get-licensed/designated-responsible-licensed-person-drlp)). To confirm who a state has on record, Michigan shows the DRLP in its Insurance Agency Locator under the agency's individual associations ([DIFS locator FAQ](https://www.michigan.gov/difs/difs-locator-faq)), and Iowa points to the NAIC's State Based Systems lookup. ## What happens to the agency when the DRLP leaves A DRLP who leaves, or whose own license lapses, puts the agency license on a clock. The model act doesn't set one. The NAIC handbook recommends that a state tell the agency its license will go inactive unless a new DRLP is named and approved within a reasonable number of days. States that set a number differ widely: | State | Trigger, deadline, and consequence | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Iowa | If the DRLP's license terminates or lapses for any reason, the agency has 10 days to supply a substitute. If it doesn't, the Division terminates the agency license immediately, and the agency has to apply again and pay the fee. | | Washington | If the DRLP's license becomes inactive, which Washington says includes leaving the agency or dying, the agency has 30 days to name another DRLP or the agency license is canceled. The agency license also can't be renewed without an actively licensed DRLP. | | Wisconsin | The DRLP designation expires automatically when the DRLP's license lapses. The agency has 30 days to name a new DRLP, or to re-designate the same person once their license is active again. Missing that can lead to regulatory action, including forfeitures. OCI's warning email comes from [sbs@naic.org](mailto:sbs@naic.org), not an OCI address. | | Idaho | An agency license inactivated for loss of its DRLP isn't reactivated by adding a new DRLP through NIPR. The agency has to contact the department. | | Wyoming | DRLPs must keep their licenses active for the firm to keep offering coverage in Wyoming. | Sources: [Iowa rule 191—10.18](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.10.18.pdf), [OIC Washington](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/producers-adjusters/licensing/get-licensed/designated-responsible-licensed-person-drlp), [Wisconsin OCI, business entity license](https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Agents/BusinessEntityLicense.aspx), [Idaho DOI](https://doi.idaho.gov/how-to-change-a-drlp/), [Wyoming DOI](https://doi.wyo.gov/licensing/agencies), [NAIC handbook, chapter 12](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Chapter%2012.pdf). If your DRLP has already left, start by filing the replacement in each state where they were named, using that state's channel above. The deadlines are short, and in Iowa the count starts when the DRLP's license terminates or lapses. Two habits reduce the exposure. Where a state allows more than one DRLP, name a second. Massachusetts notes this keeps the entity license from going inactive if one DRLP's license lapses. Iowa allows only one, so an Iowa agency needs a named successor ready instead. And track the DRLP's own renewal date as closely as the agency's, because in Washington, Iowa, and Wisconsin a lapse on that one license starts the agency's replacement deadline. InsureTrek records the DRLP for each state beside the agency license it covers, and you assign one when you apply for a new state ([agency licenses](/blog/agency-licenses)). When the designation changes, InsureTrek updates the DRLP with the state for you ([ownership and DRLPs](/blog/ownership-and-drlps)), and offboarding a DRLP warns you before it takes effect ([uplines and downlines](/blog/uplines-and-downlines)). ## Sources All checked September 22, 2026. * [NAIC State Licensing Handbook, chapter 12: Business Entities](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Chapter%2012.pdf) * [Michigan Compiled Laws § 500.1205](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-500-1205) * [Michigan DIFS, Insurance Licensing Online Services FAQ](https://www.michigan.gov/difs/industry/licensing-ins/ilos/faq-layout) and [DIFS locator FAQ](https://www.michigan.gov/difs/difs-locator-faq) * [Washington OIC, designated responsible licensed person (DRLP)](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/producers-adjusters/licensing/get-licensed/designated-responsible-licensed-person-drlp) and [adding and removing business-entity affiliations](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/producers-adjusters/licensing/make-changes-your-license/adding-and-removing-business-entity-affiliations) * [West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, DRLP information](https://www.wvinsurance.gov/Divisions/Agent-Licensing/Agent-Licensing-Forms/DRLP-Information) * [Iowa Administrative Code 191—10.18](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.10.18.pdf) and [Iowa Insurance Division, producer business entities](https://iid.iowa.gov/regulated-entities/insurance-related/producer-business-entities) * [Wisconsin OCI, business entity license](https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Agents/BusinessEntityLicense.aspx) and [license changes and requests](https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Agents/UpdateLicenseInformation.aspx) * [Wyoming Department of Insurance, agency licensing](https://doi.wyo.gov/licensing/agencies) * [North Dakota Insurance Department, add or remove a DRLP](https://www.insurance.nd.gov/addremove-designated-responsible-licensed-producer) * [Massachusetts Division of Insurance, manage your business entity license](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/addingdeleting-a-designated-responsible-licensed-producer-to-a-business-entity-producer-license) * [Idaho Department of Insurance, how to change a DRLP](https://doi.idaho.gov/how-to-change-a-drlp/) * [Texas Department of Insurance, general lines license application](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/general-life-apply.html) * [Virginia Bureau of Insurance, applying for an agency license](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/regulated-industries/bureau-of-insurance/licensed-agent/applying-for-a-agency-virginia-insurance-license/) * [New York DFS, entity license application](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps%5Fand%5Flicensing/agents%5Fand%5Fbrokers/original%5Fentity%5Fapplication) * [NIPR, assign a designated responsible licensed producer](https://nipr.com/help/help-articles/assign-a-designated-responsible-licensed-producer-drlp) [All glossary terms](/glossary) ## See how InsureTrek tracks all of this automatically. 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