Delivery requirements are the outstanding documents, signatures, amendments, or payments that must be completed before a newly issued life insurance or annuity policy can be formally placed in force. These may include signed delivery receipts, updated health statements, premium payments, policy amendments, or replacement forms. Carriers list delivery requirements on issue or policy-delivery checklists, and coverage is typically not considered fully effective until all requirements are satisfied within a specified time window.

Advisors and their staff track delivery requirements after policy issue, coordinating with clients to obtain signatures and outstanding information quickly. New-business departments monitor open requirements and may void or close cases if deadlines are missed. Suitability and replacement documentation often appears on delivery-requirement lists. Understanding delivery requirements helps advisors avoid lost business, coverage gaps, and client frustration by moving issued policies to in-force status efficiently and compliantly.