How to Get a Mortgage Loan Officer License in Texas

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 Texas 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

Texas has two different NMLS licensing agencies: Texas-SML and Texas-OCCC. Licensure with Texas-SML requires prospective MLOs to complete 23 hours of Pre-Licensure coursework. Licensure with Texas-OCCC requires prospective MLOs to complete 20 hours of Pre-Licensure education. We’ve outlined the specific education requirements for each below.

Texas-SML MLO License:

You’re required to complete 23 hours of coursework in order to meet the education requirements. The courses include the following:

• 3 hours of Federal Law
• 3 hours of Ethics
• 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
• 12 hours of General Electives
• 3 hours of Texas-specific defined electives

The Texas-specific 3-hr. course is required by the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.

Texas-OCCC MLO License:

You’re required to complete 20 hours of coursework in order to meet the education requirements. The courses include the following:

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

These courses are required by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.

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

Texas 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, Texas 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 total cost of the state and FBI criminal background check is $36.25.

5. Complete the NMLS Application

Now it’s time to submit for official Texas licensure through NMLS. Applicants will apply through the NMLS licensing portal. Applicants are advised to review the appropriate MLO New Application checklist below in order to ensure they’re ready to apply.

• TX-SML New Application Checklist
• TX-OCCC New Application Checklist

There is a corresponding license and application fee for each type of license. Those pursuing a Texas-OCCC MLO License will owe $325, and those pursuing a Texas-SML MLO License will owe $45.

Note: You only have to pay one of the two license fees, depending on the type of license you pursue.

6. Secure Your Employer Sponsorship

Your Texas 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.