Georgia MLO courses, 100% online

Yes. The 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education can be completed online, and approved providers offer self-paced formats that some students finish within days. Georgia adds no state-specific hours, so the standard national 20-hour course satisfies the state's requirement.

Yes. All Georgia mortgage license applications, including the Mortgage Broker/Processor company license, are filed online through NMLS. The new application fee is $650 plus NMLS fees. Effective January 1, 2021, a physical place of business is no longer required for the broker/processor license, though each Georgia location that conducts business with consumers needs an on-site manager.

Yes. Georgia requires 20 hours of pre-licensure education from an NMLS-approved provider, and approved providers offer the course online. Georgia has no state-specific education hours, so the standard online 20-hour SAFE course covering federal law, ethics, and non-traditional mortgage lending satisfies the full requirement.

Yes. Georgia mortgage lender licenses are applied for online through NMLS, and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (DBF) issues the license. The new application fee is $1,150 plus NMLS fees ($900 plus a $250 initial investigation fee), with $330 per Georgia branch. Any additional office location falls under the company's license but requires branch approval through NMLS.

No, not if underwriting is your only role. Georgia exempts an exclusive W-2 processor or underwriter of a licensed broker or lender from mortgage loan originator (MLO) licensing, as long as that person does not take loan applications or help borrowers negotiate terms. If you also take applications, offer or negotiate loan terms, or assist consumers in applying, you cross into MLO activity and must be licensed.

No, in most cases. Georgia exempts an exclusive W-2 processor or underwriter who works for a licensed mortgage broker or lender and does not take loan applications or negotiate terms with borrowers. If the underwriter also assists consumers in applying for or obtaining a residential mortgage loan, a Mortgage Loan Originator license from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance is required.

No certification is required. A processor or underwriter who works exclusively as a W-2 employee of a licensed Georgia mortgage broker or lender, and who does not take loan applications or negotiate terms, does not need an MLO license. The company itself holds the broker/processor license; a person who independently solicits, processes, places, or negotiates mortgage loans for others is required to hold that license.

No, not in most cases. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance does not require a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license for an exclusive W-2 processor or underwriter of a licensed broker or lender who does not assist borrowers in applying for or negotiating loans. If you take residential loan applications, offer or negotiate loan terms, or assist consumers in obtaining loans, you must be licensed as an MLO.

Yes. A Georgia MLO applicant must have a sponsor — a licensed Georgia mortgage broker or lender — at the time the application is filed and while it is pending, or the application is administratively withdrawn. Sponsorship is a continuing requirement: you must be an exclusive W-2 employee of one licensed broker or lender at all times.

No specific credit score is required, but the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance reviews your overall credit report. Judgments, tax liens, charge-offs, collection accounts, and foreclosures or short sales with a deficiency can negatively affect licensing unless a payment plan is in place and you have made at least 3 consecutive payments before applying.