Do I need to be a licensed agent just to hand out factual plan information or take down demographic info for an application?

Generally, no—unless your state requires it. CMS guidance treats providing factual information or taking demographic information for an enrollment application as activities that don't require a state-licensed agent, unless state law says otherwise.

What the rule says

This CFR provision establishes that licensing is required when state law requires it. The MCMG explains how this applies to specific activities:

Note that whether your specific state requires licensing for these activities is a state law question outside what these CMS sources cover.