How to Get a Mortgage Loan Officer License in California

1. Request an NMLS Account

Before beginning the educational component of licensing, prospective Loan Officers must create an NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry) account on the State Mortgage Registry website. NMLS is a national database in which all California MLOs must register. After creating their account, applicants receive a personal NMLS number that will be maintained for the duration of their time working as a Loan Officer.

2. Complete NMLS-Approved Pre-Licensure Education

In California, you’re required to complete 20 hours of coursework in order to meet the education requirements. The state of California has two licensing NMLS agencies that require slightly different sets of Pre-Licensure Education, which we’ve broken up accordingly:

The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) requires:

• 3 hours of Federal Law
• 3 hours of Ethics
• 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
• 10 hours of Electives
• 2 hours of California-specific education

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires:

• 3 hours of Federal Law
• 3 hours of Ethics
• 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
• 12 hours of Electives

3. Pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Officer Test

The SAFE MLO Test can be scheduled by visiting the NMLS website. Applicants use their existing account number to schedule the exam. The exam has 115 scored questions,and test takers must answer at least 75% correctly. It costs $110 to take, and students are given 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete the test. You can learn more by reviewing the MLO Testing Handbook.

4. Complete State and FBI Criminal Background Checks

California applicants will need to login into their NMLS account and head to the Filing section. From there, click on the Criminal Background Check tab. You will authorize a Federal Criminal Background Check by completing the fields and clicking Attest.

Then, California applicants must schedule an appointment to submit their fingerprints. In the portal, users will click on the Composite View button then select Criminal Background Requests. In this module, you can schedule your fingerprinting appointment by clicking the “Fieldprint” button.

The cost of the FBI criminal background check is $36.25.

5. Complete the NMLS Application

Now it’s time to submit for official California licensure through NMLS. Applicants will apply through the NMLS licensing portal. The NMLS application fee is $30, and you’ll also need to pay $300 for the California portion of the licensing fee. Additionally, a credit report must be submitted at the time of application for a fee of $15. For more detailed information on pricing, see the California MLO License Application Checklist.

The California application is $105 total, which includes the cost of NMLS Processing. Additionally, a credit report must be submitted at the time of application for a fee of $15.

6. Secure Your Employer Sponsorship

Your California Loan Officer License will remain in pending status until your employing sponsorship is verified with NMLS. This verification is completed inside of the NMLS portal. Users will visit the Form Filing Home screen, then click Company Access. They’re then prompted to add their employer sponsorship by submitting employment details. Once the sponsoring employer receives notice of the verification request, they can approve the sponsorship. Upon approval, applicants are officially licensed.