Form 31 – Full Reinstatement Application

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province/State: British Columbia

What is a Form 31 – Full Reinstatement Application?

Form 31 is a licensing application used to restore your authority to practice after a licence has been cancelled, lapsed, or expired for longer than the short-term grace period. In British Columbia, regulators require a full reinstatement when the gap in licensing is significant or when your prior licence status ended for reasons that need review. This form collects your personal details, licensing history, qualifications, disclosures, and the documents needed to confirm that you are fit to be licensed again.

Who typically uses this form?

You typically use this form if you are an individual who held a regulated licence and want to return to practice. That includes professionals like life and accident and sickness agents, property and casualty brokers, adjusters, or other insurance-related licensees. It is also used by designated individuals who oversee a firm’s licensed activities and now need their own licence reinstated. In some cases, an agency or firm uses this form to support your reinstatement through the sponsor declaration.

Why would you need this form?

Because practising in a regulated field without a current licence is not allowed. If your licence has been inactive beyond the short-term reinstatement window, or if it was cancelled for non-compliance, discipline, or voluntary surrender, a full review is required before you can be licensed again. The form ensures you still meet competence, conduct, and good character standards. It also allows the regulator to confirm current employment, supervision, and mandatory insurance, if applicable.

Typical usage scenarios

• Your licence expired and was not renewed within the short-term window. You stepped away from the industry for a year and now want to return.
• You voluntarily surrendered your licence to move into a non-licensed role. You now want to reinstate because you are rejoining a licensed firm.
• Your licence was cancelled for non-payment of fees or failure to meet continuing education. You have now completed the requirements and want back in.
• You were suspended due to a disciplinary matter. The suspension period ended and you are eligible for reinstatement, subject to conditions.
• You changed your legal name, moved provinces, or changed sponsors, and the lapse requires a full reassessment.

The form is structured to test readiness and honesty. It will ask about your recent work, compliance with learning requirements, your professional liability insurance (if required in your class), and any legal, financial, or regulatory events since you last held a licence. You also authorize background checks. Your sponsor confirms that they will supervise you and that you will work under their policies. These checks protect the public and keep the licensing register accurate.

When Would You Use a Form 31 – Full Reinstatement Application?

You use this form when a quick reinstatement is no longer available. If your licence has been inactive for more than the short-term window, you need a full review. For example, your licence expired last year when you left to study. You are now joining a brokerage and need to be licensed again. The regulator will not turn on your licence based on an email. They need a current application, updated disclosures, and proof you still meet entry standards.

You also use this form when the reason for your loss of licence calls for a fitness review. That includes cancellations or suspensions, whether from discipline or from compliance failures. If your continuing education record was incomplete or your professional liability insurance lapsed, the regulator needs confirmation that the gap is fixed and your competency is current. A full reinstatement lets them impose conditions if needed, such as completing courses before you start selling again.

New arrivals from another province often file this form when they previously held a licence here, left for several years, and now want to return. Your previous record exists, but it is out of date. The regulator will not treat you as a brand-new applicant if your prior licensing history is relevant, but they still need a comprehensive review. A full reinstatement application is the correct channel.

If you are a designated individual for an agency, you file this form when your own personal licence has lapsed, or if you step back into the designated role after time away. The regulator will want to confirm that you have the required experience, that your continuing education is current, and that the agency has proper oversight in place.

If you are an adjuster returning after a contract assignment abroad, or a life agent coming back from parental leave, the same rule applies. Once you move past the short-term reinstatement period, you need to complete the full form and attach all supporting documents. The agency sponsoring you confirms your appointment. Your errors and omissions policy number and dates confirm that clients will be covered if something goes wrong.

In short, you use Form 31 when your licensing status has been inactive long enough that the regulator must reopen your file and evaluate you as if you are re-entering the profession. It is not just a renewal. It is a fresh assessment of your competence, integrity, and supervision.

Legal Characteristics of the Form 31 – Full Reinstatement Application

Form 31 is a formal regulatory application supported by declarations. When you sign it, you certify that the information is true, complete, and current. This certification is legally significant. Providing false or misleading information can lead to refusal, conditions, suspension, or further discipline. It can also be an offence. Your signature often includes your consent to the collection of personal information and to background checks, such as criminal, credit, or regulatory status checks, as allowed by law.

The form is not a contract between you and your sponsor. It is an application to a regulator. However, parts of it have binding effect. Your declarations are binding statements. Your sponsor’s declaration is a binding representation that they will supervise you and that they meet the oversight requirements. The regulator relies on these statements. If they are false, both you and the sponsor can face regulatory consequences.

What ensures enforceability?

Enforceability flows from statute and regulation that establish licensing requirements, investigative powers, and offences for misconduct. The regulator uses the information in the form to make a licensing decision. Approval may be conditional. Conditions can include supervision, course completion, restricted lines of authority, or reporting obligations. If you breach a condition, you can be disciplined. Your consent on the form also allows the regulator to share and verify information as needed to process your application and to keep the public registry updated.

General legal considerations include fitness, honesty, competence, and public protection. Fitness covers criminal history, civil judgments, bankruptcies, regulatory discipline, and other events that may affect trustworthiness. Competence covers education, examinations, and continuing education. Public protection is ensured through supervision, professional liability insurance, and transparent disclosures on the public register. The form addresses each area so the regulator can assess risk and impose safeguards where appropriate.

Finally, Form 31 is time-sensitive. Facts change. If anything material changes after you sign but before approval, you must update your application. Failure to do so can be treated as a misrepresentation. Keep copies of what you submit. If you are uncertain about a disclosure, err on the side of telling the full story and attaching documents. Omission creates more risk than an honest disclosure with context.

How to Fill Out a Form 31 – Full Reinstatement Application

Before you start, gather your documents

• Government-issued photo ID.
• Proof of legal name change, if applicable.
• Proof of current errors and omissions insurance, if required in your class.
• Continuing education records since you last held a licence.
• Details of any bankruptcies, proposals, or judgments.
• Details of any criminal charges or convictions.
• Details of any regulatory actions, terminations, or client complaints.
• Sponsor information, including licence number and contact.
• Payment method for fees.

1) Identify the application type

• Select Full Reinstatement. Do not select renewal or short-term reinstatement.
• Indicate your licence class (for example, life agent, general insurance salesperson, broker, adjuster) and any restricted or additional authorities.
• If you previously held more than one class, specify each class you seek to reinstate.

2) Provide your personal information

• Enter your legal name exactly as shown on your ID. If your name has changed since you last held a licence, attach proof.
• Include your date of birth, last four digits of your identifier if requested, and contact details. Use a reliable email as most decisions arrive by email.
• Provide your residential address. This is required even if you prefer a mailing address for correspondence.
• If you have used other names professionally, list them for cross-referencing.

3) Confirm your licensing history

• Provide your previous licence number, class, and the dates or year you last held a licence in British Columbia.
• Explain why your licence ended. For example, expired while on leave, surrendered when you left the industry, cancelled for non-payment, or suspended.
• If you have been licensed in other jurisdictions during the gap, list them and attach letters of status if available. This helps confirm continuous conduct and proficiency.

4) Describe your employment since your licence lapsed

• List employers and roles, including non-licensed work. Provide dates and brief duties. Gaps longer than a few months should be explained.
• If you were self-employed, state the nature of your work and whether it involved regulated activities.
• This section helps the regulator assess recency of practice and the relevance of your experience.

5) Meet continuing education requirements

• Declare your continuing education hours, topics, and dates completed since your last BC licence. Attach certificates or transcripts.
• If you had a gap from the industry, you may need to complete refresher hours before approval. Do not guess. Provide concrete records.
• If a specific course or exam is required for your class or for returning after a long absence, attach proof of completion or booking.

6) Confirm professional liability insurance (if applicable)

• Provide your errors and omissions insurer, policy number, coverage limit, and policy period. Attach the certificate of insurance.
• Ensure the policy names you personally if required, or confirms you are covered under the sponsor’s master policy.
• Coverage must be in place at the time of approval. If your policy starts on a future date, note it and coordinate timing with your sponsor.

7) Disclose conduct and financial events

• Answer all fitness questions truthfully. Typical questions ask about:
• Criminal charges, convictions, absolute or conditional discharges, and peace bonds.
• Civil judgments, liens, collections, or garnishments.
• Bankruptcies, proposals to creditors, or consumer arrangements.
• Regulatory complaints, investigations, terminations for cause, or disciplinary actions.
• Client complaints or settlements.
• For any “yes” answer, provide a detailed explanation. Include dates, jurisdictions, outcomes, and supporting documents. If the matter is resolved, attach proof of discharge or completion.
• Context matters. Briefly explain the circumstances, your role, and steps taken to address the issue.

8) Consent to background checks and information sharing

• Read the privacy notice and consent carefully. You will authorize the regulator to verify your information with other bodies as permitted by law.
• If a separate consent form is required for a criminal record or credit check, complete and attach it.

9) Sponsor declaration

• Your sponsor is the licensed firm or agency that will employ and supervise you. Enter the legal name, business address, and licence number.
• A senior officer or designated individual must sign the sponsor declaration. They confirm supervision, training, and that you will only act within your authorized class.
• Ensure your job title aligns with your class. If you will be a salesperson, do not list a title that implies broker authority unless you hold that class.
• If you will have multiple sponsors, check if multiple sponsorships are allowed for your class and attach separate declarations if permitted.

10) Conditions and restrictions

• If you agree to conditions on your licence, acknowledge them here. Examples include completing a course within a set period, supervised practice, or restricted product lines.
• If you request a restriction to reflect your role (e.g., inside sales only), set it out clearly. Restrictions can speed approval if they address any risk concerns.

11) Attach schedules and supporting documents

• Many forms include a Schedule A for additional disclosures or employment details. Use these schedules if you run out of space.
• Label every attachment with the section number it supports. For example, “Section 7 – Bankruptcy discharge certificate.”
• Provide certified translations for any non-English documents. Include the translator’s credentials as requested.

12) Review declarations

• Read the applicant declaration carefully. You are confirming that your answers are complete and accurate and that you will update the regulator if anything changes before approval.
• You also confirm you will comply with the rules, including advertising, disclosure, record-keeping, and complaint handling.

13) Signatures

• Sign and date the applicant declaration. If electronic signatures are allowed, follow the specific instructions for acceptable formats.
• Have the sponsor sign and date their declaration. Some regulators require a wet ink signature from the sponsor. Confirm the requirement before submission.
• If the form requires a witness for your signature, arrange it and have the witness add their name, contact information, and signature date.

14) Pay the fees

• Calculate the total fees. This can include an application fee, a licensing fee, and possibly a background check fee.
• Provide payment by the accepted method. If paying by firm cheque or electronic transfer, coordinate with your sponsor so payment is traceable.

15) Submit the application

• Submit through the specified channel. Many regulators use an online portal. If you are submitting by email or mail, follow formatting rules and include all pages.
• Keep a full copy of the application, schedules, and attachments. Save confirmations and payment receipts.

16) After submission: respond and update

• Watch for follow-up requests. You may be asked to provide missing documents, correct errors, or explain disclosures.
• Respond by the deadline. If you cannot meet it, ask for an extension with a clear timeline.
• If any information changes while your application is pending—such as a new job offer, a disciplinary matter, or insurance coverage dates—send an update immediately.

Practical tips

• Be precise with dates. If you do not know the exact day, provide the month and year and state that the date is approximate.
• Do not leave blanks. If a section does not apply, write “N/A.” Unanswered questions slow processing.
• If you had a long gap from practice, strengthen your file with recent courses, mentorship plans, or a detailed supervision plan from your sponsor.
• If you have a past misconduct issue, own it. Provide the full record, proof of completion of any orders, and a short statement on what you learned and the controls now in place.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming your sponsor will fill in everything. You are responsible for accuracy.
• Submitting an E&O certificate that starts after your intended start date.
• Forgetting to list prior names or out-of-province licences. Regulators will find them during checks.
• Minimizing disclosures. Incomplete answers create credibility issues.

What happens after approval?

• You will receive a licence document and an effective date. Confirm your name, class, restrictions, and sponsor details. If anything is wrong, request a correction immediately.
• Your name will appear on the public register with your licence class and any conditions. Clients and employers rely on this data, so accuracy matters.
• Keep your continuing education tracking up to date. Set reminders for renewal well ahead of the deadline to avoid another lapse.

If your application is refused or approved with conditions you believe are unfair

• You will receive written reasons. Read them carefully.
• You may have options to request a reconsideration or to appeal within strict timelines. Keep all correspondence and be ready to provide new information if allowed.
• Work with your sponsor to address concerns and resubmit when eligible.

Filling Form 31 is straightforward if you prepare. Gather your records, give full answers, and coordinate with your sponsor early. Clear, complete submissions move faster and reduce follow-up. Your goal is a clean, verifiable file that shows you are ready to practise again with proper oversight and insurance.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• You will see the word reinstatement throughout Form 31. Reinstatement means a return to active status after a suspension, resignation, or removal. Full reinstatement means you want full practising status, not limited or temporary authorization. You are the applicant. The form asks you to confirm facts about yourself and your practice.
• Good standing refers to whether you left without outstanding complaints, fees, or conditions. If you were not in good standing, you must explain why and what you have done since. An undertaking is a written promise you sign and must follow. If Form 31 includes an undertaking, read it closely and sign only if you can comply.
• A condition is a term placed on your reinstatement. Conditions can include supervision, reporting, education, or limits on trust work. A restriction narrows your scope of practice. If conditions or restrictions appear in a draft order, the regulator will expect you to accept or respond with reasons.
• Character and fitness cover honesty, financial responsibility, and professionalism. Form 31 asks disclosure about discipline, criminal charges, civil claims, and regulatory matters. Disclosure means you tell the regulator about specified events. You must answer each disclosure question, even if the answer is “no.”
• A statutory declaration or affidavit is a sworn statement. Some sections of Form 31 or its attachments may require one. You will swear or affirm the truth before an authorized witness. Consent to disclosure allows the regulator to gather information from third parties. If Form 31 includes a consent, you must sign it to complete your application.
• Professional liability insurance refers to mandatory coverage for practising members. Form 31 may ask about your eligibility, prior claims, and any gaps in coverage. Trust accounting relates to handling client funds. You may need to confirm training, past compliance, and whether you will open or access a trust account.
• Continuing professional development (CPD) means formal learning activities for competence. The form may ask you to list recent CPD or a plan to catch up. A reinstatement fee is the amount due to process your application. You may also owe arrears or late fees. Proof of identity confirms who you are. You may need government ID and, if applicable, name change documents.

FAQs

Do you need to disclose an old disciplinary issue that was resolved?

Yes. You must disclose all matters the form asks about, even if resolved. Provide brief facts, the outcome, and the date. Attach supporting documents if you have them. Transparency helps the regulator assess your application efficiently.

Do you have to include employment gaps since you left practice?

Yes. List all work and volunteer roles and address any gaps. Explain what you did during those periods. Include roles outside law. The regulator uses this to assess competence and character.

Do you need references, and who should write them?

Most reinstatement applications require character or professional references. Choose people who know your work and conduct. Avoid close family. Give them clear guidance on dates, roles, and your current goals. Confirm they can respond quickly if contacted.

Do you need to complete CPD before submitting Form 31?

It depends on the regulator’s rules and your circumstances. Some applicants must complete set courses before filing. Others can propose a plan as a condition of approval. If unsure, outline your recent learning and attach a focused CPD plan for the next six months.

Do you have to disclose expunged or pardoned records?

Follow the exact wording of the disclosure questions on Form 31. If the question captures expunged or pardoned matters, disclose them. If it excludes them, you do not need to. When in doubt, note the uncertainty and provide a concise explanation.

Do you need to repay outstanding fees before applying?

Yes. Pay any outstanding fees and costs before, or at the time of, filing. The regulator may not process Form 31 until your account is clear. Keep proof of payment and include details in your cover note.

Do you need professional liability insurance in place before approval?

You generally need to arrange coverage before you return to practice. Many regulators issue approval conditional on proof of insurance. Coordinate early so you can activate coverage as soon as you are approved.

Do you have to notify former clients or employers about reinstatement?

You do not have a general duty to notify former clients. You should notify your current employer, prospective employer, and any partners. If you will handle trust funds, notify your financial institution after approval and follow onboarding steps.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Form 31 – Full Reinstatement Application

Before signing

• Confirm your eligibility category. Identify if you left by resignation, suspension, or administrative removal.
• Gather identification. Two government-issued IDs, one with a photo. Add proof of any name changes.
• Prepare your work history since you left practice. Include roles, dates, duties, and supervisors.
• Collect reference letters. Secure two to three references who can speak to competence and character.
• Summarize discipline or regulatory history. Prepare orders, letters, or decisions for any past matters.
• Obtain court or police documents if relevant. Include dispositions for any charges or convictions.
• Prepare CPD records. List courses, dates, and hours. Draft a plan to address any shortfalls.
• Confirm insurance steps. Contact your broker or plan for coverage activation upon approval.
• Address trust account requirements. Complete training or refresher modules if required.
• Clear outstanding fees and assessments. Pay arrears, costs, and reinstatement fees.
• Draft a concise personal statement. Explain why you seek reinstatement, what has changed, and fitness to return.
• Secure employer confirmations. Obtain a letter offering a role, proposed supervision, and scope of work, if applicable.
• Prepare consent forms. Be ready to authorize background and reference checks.
• Review any reinstatement conditions common in your situation. Plan how you will meet them.
• Set a realistic timeline. Account for reference responses and document retrieval.

During signing

• Verify your legal name and contact information. Match ID documents precisely.
• Confirm your membership or licensing number, if you had one previously.
• Check each disclosure question. Answer yes or no, and attach explanations where required.
• Review dates. Ensure employment, education, and CPD dates are accurate and consistent.
• Validate your undertakings. Confirm you can meet each promise on time.
• Confirm fee amounts and payment method. Attach proof of payment if you paid online or by transfer.
• Check attachments. Number them and cross-reference them in the form.
• Sign where indicated. Use the correct signature block and date format.
• Swear or affirm any statutory declaration. Use an authorized witness and ensure they complete their section.
• Keep a full copy. Scan to PDF with clear naming and page numbers.

After signing

• File the form using the required method. Submit all attachments in the order listed in your cover sheet.
• Monitor for confirmation. Save the receipt or acknowledgment number.
• Respond to information requests quickly. Set calendar reminders for deadlines.
• Arrange insurance activation to the approval date. Provide the certificate to the regulator if asked.
• Implement conditions. Line up supervision, reporting templates, or training immediately.
• Update your professional profile. Add your current address, email, and practice status once approved.
• Notify your employer and partners. Provide the approval letter and any conditions.
• Set up trust account controls if needed. Coordinate banking resolutions and authorized signatories.
• Store the full application package. Keep it for your records and future audits.
• Plan your first 90 days. Schedule CPD, mentorship, and check-ins to ensure smooth reintegration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not disclosing a past issue you think is minor

• Consequence: Delays, credibility questions, or refusal. Don’t guess. If the question covers it, disclose it with context.

Submitting incomplete references or using inappropriate referees

• Consequence: Processing stalls while new references are requested. Don’t forget to choose referees who know your work and character.

Providing vague CPD plans with no dates or courses

• Consequence: Conditions may be heavier or approval delayed. Don’t forget to include course titles, providers, and target dates.

Ignoring fee arrears or costs from a past matter

• Consequence: Application placed on hold. Don’t forget to settle your account and attach proof of payment.

Signing an undertaking you cannot meet

• Consequence: Immediate non-compliance risk after approval. Don’t forget to request clarifications or propose realistic timelines before you sign.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1. Submit your Form 31 package with all attachments. If electronic filing is available, combine documents into a single, searchable PDF. Use bookmarks or a table of contents for long files. If filing in paper, use tabs and a clear index.
2. Include a brief cover note. State what you are applying for, list all attachments, and note any sensitive materials. If you cannot obtain a document yet, explain why and when it will follow.
3. Pay the required fees in the stated form. Keep your receipt. If you paid earlier, include proof and the transaction number. If there are arrears, document the payment and the balance now showing as zero.
4. Confirm insurance steps. Coordinate with your insurer so coverage starts on or before the date you return to practice. If the regulator requires proof, send the certificate as soon as you receive it.
5. Prepare for follow-up questions. You may receive requests for clarification, updated references, or extra documents. Reply within the requested time. If you need more time, ask for an extension and give a date.
6. Plan for conditions and restrictions. If you expect supervision or reporting, draft a simple plan now. Identify the supervisor, set meeting frequency, and prepare a monthly report template. Show you can comply from day one.
7. Update your professional profile once approved. Confirm your practice address, phone, and email. Update your professional listings. If you change any details after approval, notify the regulator promptly.
8. Coordinate employer onboarding. Provide your approval letter and any conditions. Align your role with those conditions. If you will handle trust funds, start bank onboarding and internal controls right away.
9. Store your records. Keep the submitted form, attachments, approvals, and correspondence. Save them in a secure folder with clear file names and dates. You may need them for audits or future applications.
10. If anything material changes before approval, notify the regulator. Examples include new charges, job changes, or updated medical information that affects fitness. Amend your application with a short explanatory letter and supporting documents.
11. If your application is refused or deferred, read the reasons carefully. Identify what issues you can fix, such as missing documents or gaps in CPD. Consider whether a revised application or further submissions are appropriate. Keep communication professional and focused on solutions.
12. When you receive full approval, confirm your effective date. Do not practise before that date. Add the date to your calendar and double-check coverage, conditions, and reporting timelines.