Overview
If you're already contracted with a carrier and want to start selling in a new state, click Add a state on your Contracts and Licenses page. The system checks your eligibility as you go, so you'll know upfront if anything's missing instead of finding out after submission.
Before you start
You must already be contracted with the carrier you're adding a state for. If you're not yet contracted, you'll need to complete a Carrier Contract Request (CCR) first.
You'll also need an active state license for each state you're adding. States show up as eligible per carrier, based on your license and that carrier's requirements.
How to submit a request
👣 Prefer to see it step by step? Watch the interactive walkthrough.
From your Contracts and Licenses page, click Add a state.
Search for a carrier, or scroll through the list. Carriers you're eligible for are grouped into three sections:
Submit through Spark (Spark submits the request to the carrier on your behalf).
Submit through carrier (you'll need to add the state directly through that carrier's own portal), and
No action required (the carrier activates your appointment automatically once you're eligible; nothing to submit).
Select the state(s) you want for each carrier, then click Continue. The Continue button stays fixed at the bottom of the screen and activates once you've made a selection.
If a carrier requires proof of licensure (Aetna, for example), you'll be prompted to upload your state license for each state you're requesting before you can move forward. This step is required; you won't be able to continue without it. Accepted formats: .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .heif, or .heic.
Click Continue to move to the review screen.
Review your request, including any appointment fees that apply, then click Submit Request. Spark validates your eligibility before anything gets sent to the carrier.
Carriers that require their own portal
Any carrier listed under "Submit through carrier" is one you're eligible for, but Spark can't submit the request on your behalf. You'll need to add the state directly in that carrier's own portal. Click View Details on the carrier's card to see that carrier's specific instructions.
For step-by-step walkthroughs of the most common self-initiation carriers (Alignment, Devoted Health, Cigna/HealthSpring, SCAN, and Wellcare), see Add a State on a Carrier Portal.
If you can't submit for a carrier or state
The system checks your eligibility before letting you submit. If you're blocked, you'll see the specific reason and what to do next:
What you see | What it means |
You must hold an active license in [state] to add this state. | You don't have an active license on file for that state yet. |
You need [line of authority] to contract with [carrier] in [state]. | That carrier/state requires a specific line of authority in that state that isn't on your license. |
Your upline must be licensed in [state]. Contact your upline. | Your upline isn't licensed in that state, which blocks your request for that carrier. |
Your upline must be appointed with [carrier] in [state]. Contact your upline. | Your upline is licensed but not appointed with that carrier in that state. |
You must be contracted with [carrier] first. | You're not yet contracted with that carrier. Complete a CCR before requesting a new state. |
You already have a pending request for [carrier] in [state]. | A request for that exact carrier and state combination is already in progress. |
⚠️ If you're blocked on an upline licensing or appointment issue, reach out to your upline directly. Spark can't override this check on your behalf.
Carrier-specific notes
Aetna & Nationwide: You'll need to upload a copy of your license before you can submit your request. Submissions without it may be rejected.
UnitedHealthcare and Anthem: State appointment fees apply ($50-$200 per year range) for states outside your resident state. You'll be prompted to accept the fee before submitting if you're a street agent. If you're an LOA agent, your upline covers this fee and you won't see the prompt.
Anthem: Adding a state requires a new contract. After you submit, you'll get an email directly from Anthem within 3 days with a link to complete it. Anthem no longer charges appointment fees for an agent's resident state; fees still apply for other states.
What happens after you submit
✅ You'll see a confirmation on screen and get a confirmation email with your carrier-specific timeline. For states that don't require pre-appointment, you're eligible to sell right away. For states that do require pre-appointment, it typically takes 7-10 business days for the carrier to process your request. Carrier notification emails will not be sent until Spark confirms your eligibility.
Once a carrier confirms your appointment, the new state will show up under that carrier's contract on your Contracts and Licenses page. If it hasn't shown up after a reasonable processing window, see Why are some states missing in Spark and SunFire, or email [email protected] with the carrier name and state(s).