Apply For A Washington
Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License

DFI uses the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) to manage all Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) licenses. All applications and changes to a MLO license must be made through the NMLS.

Application Requirements and Fees

• Pre-Licensing Education- Cost: varies by course provider
  Complete 20 hours of Pre-Licensing Education (PE), including 2 hours of Washington law
• SAFE National Test- Cost: $92
  Pass the SAFE National component test
• SAFE Washington Test- Cost: $69
  Pass the SAFE Washington component test
• Criminal Background Check- Cost: $39 (for Live Scan)
  Complete fingerprinting through the NMLS-approved vendor
• Credit Report- Cost: $15
  Authorize a credit report through the NMLS
• MLO Application- Cost $155 (including $30 NMLS System Fee)
  Complete and submit through the NMLS a MLO application (Form MU4)
• New Application Checklist
  Fax or email MLO Checklist along with attachments directly to DFI

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Steps to Apply for a Washington MLO License

Before applying for a Washington MLO license, you must meet all pre-application requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on our pre-application requirements webpage.

1. Meet all pre-application requirements
   If you do not meet these requirements before applying, the processing of your application will be delayed and you risk your application being abandoned.
2. Apply for Washington MLO License Through the NMLS
   Complete and submit your application through the NMLS, including paying the licensing fee. If you wish to have an active MLO license, the company you work for must submit a sponsorship request for your license through the NMLS

Within 5 business days of applying for a Washington MLO License, you must:

3. Complete Fingerprinting
   Use the information provided by the NMLS to schedule an appointment and have your fingerprints taken by a NMLS-authorized fingerprint vendor.
4. Fax Or Email MLO New Application Checklist And Attachments To DFI
   • NMLS New Application Checklist for MLO License (PDF)*
   Fax: (360) 664-2258
   Email: DCS@dfi.wa.gov
   
   Note: Please do not mail your application checklist and attachments to DFI.

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MLO Application Resources

• Tips to Expedite a MLO Application
• Loan Originator Application FAQs
• NMLS Getting Started Guide
• NMLS New Application Checklist for MLO License (PDF)*

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Contact Us

If you have any questions about information on this webpage feel free to contact us by phone at (360) 902-8703 or toll free at 1-877 RING DFI (746-4334). You may also email us at dcs@dfi.wa.gov.

* This document is a PDF file, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you may download it for free from Adobe.

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