Mortgage FAQs

Straight answers to the questions people ask about mortgage licensing, with the answer for every state we cover.

3 of 3 questions

How much does it cost to get an MLO license?
Fixed costs to get an MLO license include the $110 SAFE MLO Test fee, a $35 NMLS processing fee, a $36.25 FBI criminal background check, and a $15 credit report. State application fees vary by state and add to that total. The required 20-hour NMLS-approved pre-licensing course also adds a few hundred dollars depending on the provider, so total out-of-pocket costs vary widely by state.
How much does it cost to take the MLO license exam?
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) mortgage loan originator (MLO) license exam costs $110 per attempt.
Is there an additional cost to reinstate an expired MLO license?
Yes, in most states. NMLS runs a reinstatement period from January 1 through the end of February, and many states charge an additional fee: Texas charges a reinstatement fee equal to 150% of the base license fee, while Wisconsin and North Carolina each add $100. If the license terminates after the reinstatement period, a new application with new fingerprints, a new credit report, and applicable continuing education may be required.