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Advisory Solutions

2026 Annual Renewal Process

By September 3, 2025No Comments

As we approach year-end, it’s time to prepare for the 2026 Annual Renewal process.  Below are the important dates and steps to make sure everything runs smoothly. Please review carefully to avoid delays.

Renewal Timeline:

Here are the key dates for the 2025 renewal period:

  • September 29: Renewal Packets Sent
    Renewal packets will be emailed to ESI reps the week of September 29. Please review your packet promptly and return payment to ESI Licensing by the deadline. (More details to follow.)

  • October 30: Renewal Deadline
    Renewal payments must be received by this date. Payments not submitted on time may result in your ESI affiliation not being renewed.

  • December 1: Termination Notices Sent
    Any reps who have not renewed by October 30 will receive a 30-day termination notice. Termination from ESI will take effect on December 31, 2025 if renewal is not completed.

  • December 15: Last Day for Termination Requests
    CRD shuts down for 2025 during the last week of December. Termination requests must be submitted by December 15 to allow for processing. Requests received after CRD closes will not take effect until January 2, 2026. Please note: any renewal fees already paid will not be refunded.

  • December 31: Final Termination Date
    RRs who do not renew by this date will be terminated from ESI.

  • January 21, 2026: Final Renewal Invoices Sent
    Final invoices will be emailed to Office Managers.

Important notes for 2025 renewals

Here are some key items to keep in mind for the 2026 renewal period:

  • Packets will be the same format as previous years’. The only information that will be included is the invoice, payment options, and option for partial or full termination. All other information to review is on the Star Compliance website where the rep goes to complete their Annual Certification.
  • Reps should log in to existing FinPro accounts to ensure accuracy of the information they attest to on Star Compliance.finra.org (Questions/assistance with FinPro site & log in can be directed to FINRA Gateway at 240-386-4040, 8am-8pm Mon-Fri).
  • Reps that become registered with ESI between September 15, 2025 and year-end will be required to pay the applicable renewal fees for 2026, in addition to their registration fees, at the time of registration. ESI Licensing is available to assist the Office Manager to determine the total amount due for these scenarios.
  • Mode of payment must be included with the rep’s renewal. Failure to pay fees by the renewal deadline (October 30th) may result in the RR’s termination for failure to renew.
  • If paying via check, scan and email the packet back WITH a copy of the check to ESI Licensing directly at ESI_Licensing@nationallife.com. Reps do not need to send the original packet, but MUST send the original check to ESI Licensing at the home office. (Checks should clearly indicate the name of the rep to apply payment to).
  • Reps that request to have their renewal fees deducted from their commissions must have sufficient commissions available. Pending business will not be included in commissions. After selecting that payment option, packets can be scanned and emailed back to ESI Licensing directly at ESI_Licensing@nationallife.com Original does not need to be mailed. If the rep does not have sufficient commissions available, another method of payment must be used to cover the fees.
  • Reps that would like to pay via credit/debit card online may do so on the NL Website in the Agent Payment Center. A copy of the receipt/email confirmation that they receive after paying must accompany the renewal packet when it is emailed back to ESI_Licensing@nationallife.com. Packets with the online payment method selected but without payment confirmation/receipt included will be deemed incomplete.
  • If considering terminating one or more state securities registrations, reps must remember they are required to be securities registered in each of their securities customers resident states. In addition, they are required to be variable insurance licensed AND securities registered in each state in which they solicit insurance products.

 

Tips for a successful renewal packet

To avoid any confusion or delays, please be sure that all renewal packets are complete.

  • Return all pages to ESI as well as a mode of payment.
  • Ensure rep’s name is provided on any checks submitted for payment.
  • Please forward packets to ESI Licensing, with payment, as you receive them back. Do not wait until all are collected at the very end to send together. This helps ensure timely processing of renewals, and also helps ensure reps’ commissions are debited in a timely manner, if that is the mode of payment they choose.

Questions may be directed to ESI Licensing ESI_Licensing@nationallife.com.