What must an agent in Ohio do prior to performing insurance transactions?

An agent in Ohio must ensure their license is active before performing insurance transactions. This requirement is crucial because an active license signifies that the agent has met all necessary educational and regulatory standards set by the state, demonstrating competence and compliance with Ohio's insurance laws. An active license also protects consumers, as it ensures that agents are legally authorized to provide insurance services and advice.

Options like obtaining prior approval from clients and submitting reports to the Department of Insurance may be part of certain processes or maintain good practices, but they are not prerequisites for carrying out insurance transactions entirely. Conducting a market analysis is also important for an agent's knowledge and effectiveness but is not a legal requirement prior to engaging in transactions. Ensuring that the license is active is the foundational step that validates an agent’s abilities and compliance with state laws, making it the correct answer to the question.