How do I become a licensed mortgage agent (mortgage advisor)?

Mortgage agent and mortgage advisor are informal titles; the legal credential is the mortgage loan originator (MLO) license. To earn it, register for an NMLS account, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE MLO Test with at least 75%, submit fingerprints for an FBI background check, authorize a credit report, file the Individual (MU4) form, and obtain sponsorship from a state-licensed employer. Employees of federally regulated banks and credit unions register with NMLS instead.

To work as a mortgage agent in Alabama, you need a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license under the state's Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act. You complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), pass the SAFE test with at least 75%, and file an Individual (MU4) application with fingerprints, a credit report authorization, and the $75 state fee. A sponsoring employer must submit a sponsorship request before approval; without one, the application stays incomplete.

To become licensed in Alaska, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education (3 hours federal law, 3 hours ethics, 2 hours non-traditional mortgage lending, and 12 hours of electives), pass the National Test Component with Uniform State Content, and secure a sponsorship request from an Alaska-licensed mortgage broker or lender, which is required before your application can be approved. Then file Form MU4 through NMLS with the credit report authorization, identity verification, and FBI criminal background check. Alaska requires a credit score of 600 or higher.

To become a licensed Arizona loan originator, you must obtain a unique identifier through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, including 4 hours of Arizona law, within the 3 years before applying, and pass the NMLS exam with a score of at least 75%. You must also submit fingerprints for a background check, authorize a credit report, and file Form MU4 through NMLS. The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) must grant or deny the license within 120 days of receiving a completed application.

Arkansas does not license a role called mortgage agent or advisor; the equivalent is the loan officer license issued by the Securities Commissioner under the Fair Mortgage Lending Act. You must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalency diploma, complete the education and testing requirements set by commissioner rule, and submit fingerprints for an FBI background check plus a credit-report authorization. The filing fee is $50, and a licensed mortgage broker or mortgage banker must sponsor you.

California licenses individuals who take residential mortgage loan applications or negotiate loan terms as mortgage loan originators (MLOs), not as mortgage agents. If you hold a real estate license, you obtain the MLO endorsement from the California Department of Real Estate; otherwise, you apply to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), which requires company sponsorship under the California Financing Law or the Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Both paths require 20 hours of approved education, a 75% score on the SAFE MLO Test, and an Individual (MU4) filing.

A mortgage agent or mortgage advisor in Colorado is licensed as a mortgage loan originator (MLO) through the Colorado Division of Real Estate. You must register with NMLS, submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and to NMLS, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved education, pass the SAFE MLO exam, obtain errors and omissions insurance and a surety bond, and file the application in both NMLS and the state E-license system.

To work as a mortgage advisor in Connecticut, you need the individual mortgage loan originator license issued by the Department of Banking. You complete 21 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education, including 1 hour of Connecticut law, pass the SAFE test with at least 75%, and file the Individual Form (MU4) through NMLS with a $300 license fee, fingerprints for an FBI background check, and a credit report authorization. The license is not effective until a Connecticut-licensed lender, correspondent lender, mortgage broker, or exempt registrant sponsors you.

Delaware does not license a separate 'mortgage advisor' or 'mortgage agent' role. Anyone who solicits, negotiates, explains, or finalizes the terms of residential mortgage loans for Delaware properties must hold an individual mortgage loan originator (MLO) license from the Office of the State Bank Commissioner. To qualify, you complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education, pass the SAFE MLO National Test Component with Uniform State Content, and apply through NMLS with fingerprints, a credit report authorization, and surety bond coverage.

DC does not license a mortgage advisor; the credential for that work is the mortgage loan originator license, issued by DISB through NMLS. Anyone who takes a residential mortgage loan application, offers or negotiates loan terms, or solicits loans for compensation must hold it. The path is 20 hours of approved education, the SAFE test, an NMLS application with fingerprints and a credit report, and sponsorship by a DC-licensed lender or broker.

In Florida, the individual credential is the loan originator license under Chapter 494. You must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education including 2 hours of Florida law, and pass the SAFE MLO test with a score of at least 75%. You then file through NMLS with fingerprints, state and federal background checks, and a credit report, and a licensed mortgage broker or lender must sponsor your license before you can originate loans.

A licensed mortgage agent or advisor in Georgia is a mortgage loan originator. You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test (National Component with Uniform State Content) with a score of 75 or higher, and file an MU4 application through NMLS. As of October 2026, the state fee is $200 plus NMLS fees, and the application requires a criminal background check, a credit report, and sponsorship from a licensed Georgia mortgage broker or lender.

In Hawaii, you become a mortgage loan originator by completing at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, passing the SAFE MLO test, and filing Form MU4 through NMLS with fingerprints for federal and state background checks and an authorization for a credit report. You must also be sponsored by a Hawaii-licensed mortgage loan originator company. State fees include a $600 application fee, a $200 Mortgage Loan Recovery Fund fee, and a $35 criminal background check fee, plus NMLS charges for processing, fingerprints, and the credit report.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Idaho, first complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, including 2 hours of Idaho law. Then pass the SAFE MLO test and submit the application through NMLS with fingerprints, a credit report, and your employment history. A mortgage company must submit a sponsorship request before you can conduct business; without sponsorship, the license is issued as Approved-Inactive, and you cannot originate loans until a sponsorship is approved.

Illinois licenses this role as a mortgage loan originator (MLO), issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) through NMLS. You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-license education, pass the SAFE MLO test, file an MU4, pay a $200 application fee, and be sponsored by an Illinois residential mortgage licensee. Illinois also allows you to hold an MLO license and a real estate broker license at the same time.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Indiana, complete 20 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)-approved pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE test with a score of at least 75%, clear an FBI criminal background check and credit report through NMLS, and file the MU4 application. You must be a W-2 employee sponsored by a company licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) or the Indiana Secretary of State, depending on which regulator licenses your employer. Complete applications are usually approved within 2 business days.

A mortgage advisor who takes loan applications or negotiates mortgage terms for compensation in Iowa needs a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license from the Iowa Division of Banking. Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education, pass the SAFE MLO test at 75% or higher, submit a $50 nonrefundable state application fee, and clear fingerprint and credit checks. Iowa screens applicants' histories, disqualifying anyone convicted of a felony in the past 7 years, or at any time if the felony involved fraud, dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering.

In Kansas the role is licensed as a mortgage loan originator. You create an NMLS account, complete 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education (3 hours federal law, 3 hours ethics, 2 hours nontraditional mortgage lending, plus electives), pass the national test with a score of 75% or higher, and submit the MU4 application with a criminal background check and credit report. The state application fee is $100, and your employer, a Kansas-licensed mortgage company, must submit a sponsorship request before the license is approved.

In Kentucky, a mortgage agent or advisor who discusses or negotiates loan rates and terms must register as a mortgage loan originator with the Department of Financial Institutions through NMLS. You must complete 20 hours of prelicensing education, pass the SAFE MLO Test, and file the MU4 form with a background check, credit report, and a $50 registration fee. An employer must sponsor the application, and its surety bond must cover you.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Louisiana, complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), pass the SAFE test with a score of at least 75%, and file Form MU4 through NMLS with fingerprints, a credit report authorization, and the $200 state fee. The Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) approves the license only after a licensed company sponsors you and you provide a surety bond or proof that your employer's bond covers you.

Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education and pass the SAFE test with a score of at least 75%. Then file the MU4 application through NMLS with fingerprints for a criminal background check and authorization for a credit report. Maine accepts the National test with Uniform State Content, so no separate Maine exam is required, and the license may be issued as Approved-Inactive until a company sponsorship is acquired.

Maryland does not license mortgage agents or mortgage advisors separately; the state credential is the mortgage loan originator (MLO) license. To earn it, register for an NMLS ID, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education including 5 hours of Maryland law, pass the SAFE MLO test with at least 75%, file the MU4 with the background check and credit report, and obtain employer sponsorship.

In Massachusetts you become a loan originator through the state's MLO license. You create an NMLS account, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-license education including 3 hours of Massachusetts law, and pass the National Test with Uniform State Content with a score of at least 75%. You then file a Form MU4, authorize a credit report and an FBI criminal background check, and obtain sponsorship from a mortgage company, because all licensed MLOs in Massachusetts must be W-2 employees.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator (MLO) in Michigan, create an NMLS account, then complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, including 2 hours of Michigan law. Next, pass the SAFE MLO test with a score of 75% or better. You then submit an application through NMLS with fingerprints for an FBI criminal history check and a credit report, pay the $225.00 application operating fee, and have your employer submit a sponsorship request. A surety bond, either your own or your company's, completes the file.

In Minnesota, you become a licensed mortgage loan originator by completing 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education and passing the National Test Component with Uniform State Content. You then submit the MU4 application through NMLS with fingerprints for a criminal background check and a credit report authorization. Finally, your employer files a sponsorship request that the Department of Commerce must approve before your license can be used to originate loans.

Mississippi does not issue a separate mortgage agent or mortgage advisor license; the path is to become a licensed mortgage loan originator (MLO). You must complete at least 20 hours of approved prelicensing education, including 4 hours on the Mississippi S.A.F.E. Mortgage Act, pass the SAFE MLO test with a score of at least 75%, and apply through NMLS with fingerprints, a credit report authorization, and sponsorship by a Mississippi-licensed mortgage broker or lender.

In Missouri, you apply through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). You need 20 hours of approved prelicensing education, a passing score of at least 75% on the national mortgage loan originator test, fingerprints, and an authorized credit report. You must also obtain employment and act under the supervision of a single Missouri-licensed residential mortgage broker, whose surety bond covers you.

In Montana, a mortgage agent or advisor who takes residential loan applications must hold a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license through NMLS. You must complete 20 hours of approved prelicensing education, including 2 hours of Montana-specific law, pass the SAFE test, and submit a $400 application with fingerprints for a criminal background check and a credit report. You must also be sponsored by a Montana-licensed company as a W-2 employee.

To become a licensed Nebraska mortgage loan originator, complete 22 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, including 2 hours of Nebraska-specific law, and pass the SAFE test's national component with Uniform State Test content with at least 75%. You must be sponsored by a licensed mortgage banker, registrant, or installment loan company, then submit the application in NMLS with the $150 state fee plus the $35 NMLS processing fee, authorize fingerprint and credit checks, and upload a citizenship attestation form.

In Nevada, the path is to obtain a mortgage loan originator license through the Division of Mortgage Lending. You must be at least 18, have a job or offer of employment from a licensed mortgage company, file an MU4 through NMLS with sponsorship from that employer, complete 30 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE MLO test with a score of 75% or more, and clear credit and background checks. The state application fee is $75, plus NMLS processing fees.

New Hampshire's term for this role is mortgage loan originator, licensed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education including 2 hours of New Hampshire law, pass the SAFE MLO test with 75% or better, and file the MU4 with fingerprints for an FBI background check and a credit report authorization. Your employer must also submit a sponsorship request before the license takes effect.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in New Jersey, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education (4 of those hours cover New Jersey law), pass the SAFE Test, submit fingerprints through NMLS for an FBI background check, complete a New Jersey State Police Live Scan check, and authorize a credit report. You then file Form MU4 through NMLS with sponsorship from a licensed New Jersey lender or broker, which must employ you as a W2 employee. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issues the license.

A mortgage agent or mortgage advisor in New Mexico needs the same credential: the Mortgage Loan Originator License issued by the Financial Institutions Division. The path is applying through NMLS for a unique identifier, completing 20 hours of NMLS-approved education including 3 hours of New Mexico content, passing the national and state test, clearing a fingerprint background check and credit report, and being sponsored by a licensed mortgage loan company or holding a surety bond.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in New York, you create an NMLS account, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education including 3 hours of New York law, and pass the SAFE MLO Test. You then file the MU4 application through NMLS, complete criminal background and credit checks, and pay the application fees. You must also affiliate with a New York-regulated mortgage banker or broker; you may apply before being hired, but you must become affiliated within 30 days of the Department's sponsorship notification.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in North Carolina, complete 24 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education (including 4 hours of North Carolina law), pass the SAFE test with Uniform State Content, and apply through NMLS with the NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks. You must also clear a credit report and criminal background check, be at least 18 years old, and pay the $125 application fee. You can begin originating once a licensed mortgage company sponsors your license.

In North Dakota, you become a licensed mortgage loan originator by completing 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education (3 hours federal law, 3 hours ethics, 2 hours nontraditional lending, and 12 hours of electives). You must then pass the SAFE test with a score of at least 75% and file the Individual Form (MU4) through NMLS with fingerprints and a credit report authorization. The state charges a $25 application fee and a $50 license fee, and processing averages 1 to 14 days. Before originating, you must be sponsored by a North Dakota-licensed money broker.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Ohio, create an NMLS account, complete 24 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education (including 4 hours of Ohio law), and pass the SAFE MLO Test. Then submit the MU4 application through NMLS with the $200 Ohio application fee, fingerprints for the FBI background check, and a credit report authorization. Your employer must submit a sponsorship request, and you may originate only once your license status shows Approved.

To work as a mortgage loan originator in Oklahoma, you need an individual license issued by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit. First, complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, which must include 1 hour of Oklahoma content. Next, pass the SAFE test, submit fingerprints and a credit report, and file the MU4 application through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). Finally, your employer must submit a sponsorship request, which the department reviews before your license becomes active.

To become licensed in Oregon, create an NMLS account and complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, including 4 hours of Oregon law. Pass the SAFE MLO National Test with Uniform State Content, then submit Form MU4 through NMLS with your FBI background check and credit report. Pay the $80 state application fee plus the $35 NMLS processing fee (effective March 1, 2025), and have your employer submit a sponsorship request to the Division of Financial Regulation. Allow two to four weeks for review; without sponsorship the license is issued as inactive.

Pennsylvania licenses this role as a mortgage originator through the Department of Banking and Securities. You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education including 3 hours of Pennsylvania law, pass the SAFE test with a score of at least 75%, and file the MU4 application through NMLS. You must also pass criminal background checks and be sponsored by a single licensed mortgage broker or lender before you can originate loans.

You must be at least 18, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education including 3 hours of South Carolina-specific content, pass the SAFE Test, and file Form MU4 through NMLS with fingerprints and credit report authorization. The filing fee is $50 plus the actual cost of credit reports and FBI fingerprint checks. Your employer must sponsor you before the license is issued, so the path depends on whether you work for a lender regulated by the Board of Financial Institutions or a broker regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in South Dakota, you apply through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) and maintain a unique identifier. You must complete the pre-licensing education set by rule, pass a written test, furnish fingerprints for an FBI criminal history check, authorize an independent credit report, and meet a surety bond requirement of at least $25,000, which an employer's bond may satisfy. The initial license fee may not exceed $250, and the license expires on the following December 31.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Tennessee, create an NMLS account, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education including 2 hours of Tennessee law, and pass the SAFE MLO Test. Then file Form MU4 through NMLS with fingerprints for an FBI background check and authorization for a credit report. Your employer must submit a sponsorship request, which the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions reviews; once approved, the license becomes active.

In Texas, a mortgage agent or advisor who originates residential loans is licensed as a residential mortgage loan originator (RMLO). You must complete 23 hours of education approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), including 3 hours of Texas law, pass the SAFE MLO test, and file the MU4 through NMLS with fingerprints and a credit report. You must also be sponsored by a licensed mortgage company, and the sponsorship is not effective until the state agency approves it. Without an employer, the license is issued as Approved-Inactive, and that holder cannot originate loans.

Vermont licenses these roles as mortgage loan originators (MLOs) through the Department of Financial Regulation. You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved prelicensing education, including 2 hours of Vermont law, pass the SAFE test, submit fingerprints for an FBI background check and a credit report authorization through NMLS, and be employed and sponsored by a Vermont-licensed lender or mortgage broker. The total application cost is $169.00.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator (MLO) in Virginia, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE MLO test, and apply through NMLS, which involves fingerprinting, a criminal background check, and a credit report. Virginia charges a $150 application fee and accepts the national test with Uniform State Content, so no separate state exam is required. No college degree is required.

Washington does not issue a separate mortgage agent or mortgage advisor license; the credential is the Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license from the Department of Financial Institutions. To get it, you must complete 22 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education including 4 hours of Washington law, pass the SAFE test, file your application through NMLS, and have your employer submit a sponsorship request. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply.

To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in West Virginia, complete 24 hours of approved prelicensing education, including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage lending, and 4 hours of West Virginia law. Next, pass the NMLS-developed test with a score of at least 75%. Then file the application through NMLS with a $200 fee plus fingerprint and NMLS processing costs. A sponsoring employer must submit sponsorship through NMLS at the time of the license request.

In Wisconsin, you complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education (3 hours federal law, 3 ethics, 2 nontraditional products, and 12 electives), pass the SAFE test with a score of at least 75%, and file a Form MU4 application through NMLS with the $250 Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions fee plus the $35 NMLS processing fee. You must also pass criminal background and credit checks. Wisconsin will not approve your application until your employer submits a sponsorship request through NMLS, so you need a sponsoring mortgage banker or broker before your license is granted.

A licensed mortgage agent or mortgage advisor in Wyoming is a mortgage loan originator licensed by the Wyoming Division of Banking. You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, pass the SAFE MLO National Test Component with Uniform State Content, file the MU4 through NMLS with fingerprints and an authorized credit report, and be sponsored by a licensed mortgage company. The license fee is $150, which includes NMLS processing.