California MLO Requirements
Mortgage Pre-licensing Education Requirements
This information is intended to provide answers to commonly asked questions. It is not intended to replace detailed information found in your state's statutes and regulations. Though we have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information given is reliable and current, we cannot guarantee that it is. For more information please take advantage of the resource links below.
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING NMLS ID NUMBERS
All MLOs need to have a unique NMLS ID number in order to have their course completions recorded in NMLS. You may obtain your NMLS ID Number and find other important information in the NMLS resource center.
Click here to visit the NMLS resource center.
Mortgage Loan Originators Licensure Quick Facts
All existing California Mortgage Loan Originators and new MLOs must:
- Register with the NMLS and obtain a unique ID Number
- Successfully complete an NMLS approved 20-hour pre-license course
- Pass an NMLS administered state and national exam to qualify for licensure.
- Pass a national background check
Credit Reporting
Cape will report successful completions to the NMLS within 2 business days of course final exam. We MUST have your NMLS number in order to report your completion (see "Register with the NMLS above).
California Department of Corporations
Pre-licensure Education
All new applicants on or after 1/4/2010 must complete 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensure education by 5/28/2010.
Continuing Education
All licensees must complete 8 hours of NMLS approved continuing education in 2011 in order to renew for 2012.
SAFE MLO Test
All new applicants must pass the National and State Component of the SAFE MLO Test by 5/28/2010.
Criminal Background Check
All applicants must submit fingerprints through NMLS for a criminal background check by 5/28/2010.
Credit Report
All applicants must authorize a credit report through NMLS by 5/28/2010.
California Department of Real Estate
Pre-licensure Education
All new applicants on or after 1/01/2011 must have completed 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensure education.
Existing real estate licensees will not need 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-license education if all other MLO requirements are met by 12/31/2010.
*A real estate license is needed in order to qualify as a MLO through CA-DRE. Specific state approved courses will continue to be required to obtain a real estate license.
Continuing Education
All licensees must take 8 hours of NMLS approved continuing education in 2011 in order to renew for 2012.
SAFE MLO Test
Existing licensees must pass the National and State Component of the SAFE MLO Test by 12/31/2010.
Criminal Background Check
All applicants must submit fingerprints through NMLS for a criminal background check by 12/31/2010.
Credit Report
All applicants must authorize a credit report through NMLS by 12/31/2010.
Contact Information:
If you are having trouble using NMLS or need assistance in using it, phone the NMLS Call Center at (240) 386-4444.
Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
State Regulatory Registry, LLC
1155 Connecticut Ave. NW
Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036-4307
NMLS resource center
If you have a question concerning Califonia DOC licensing requirement or how to use NMLS to meet your state's licensing requirements, please click here:
If you have a question concerning Califonia DRE licensing requirement or how to use NMLS to meet your state's licensing requirements, please click here:
For any other questions contact the California Academy of Real Estate at 800-300-7828.
Click here for California Mortgage Loan Originator Education.
