Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Application FAQs
See below for DFI's answers to questions frequently asked about applying for a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license.
How do I obtain a MLO license in Washington?
You will need to create an individual account with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). You must meet all the pre-application requirements including testing and education before applying for a license. The application process is two steps with submitting information and payment through the NMLS and providing items directly to DFI via fax or email.
May I submit a MLO Application before I complete my education or testing?
No. You will not be able to submit a MLO application until the required testing and education are posted on your NMLS record. This posting is done by the course provider or the testing center. Education can take up to 7 days to post to your record.
Once I submit my application (MU4) via the NMLS, do I need to do anything else?
Yes. Unless you have fingerprints on the NMLS from another state, you must schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints taken. You must also provide DFI with the items listed on the New Application Checklist.
What is the application fee for a MLO License?
The application fee for a new MLO License is $155.00 which includes a $30 NMLS System Fee. Additional fees may also be charged if you need to have a Criminal Background Check or Credit Report Authorization.
Do I have to be signed up with a company in order to apply for a MLO license?
No. You can apply for a MLO license without a sponsoring company and if that application is approved, it will be issued in an inactive status. It will, however, speed up the application processing time if you have sponsorship at the time when an approval is made.
What requirements must a MLO meet?
To become a MLO, the applicant must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent "GED" (see WAC 208-660-350 for alternatives to the high school diploma), have passed the SAFE National and Washington component tests, completed 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensing education including 2 hours in Washington law, passed a criminal background check as administered by the NMLS and authorized a credit report through the NMLS.
How will I know when my MLO application is approved?
You will receive an email notification from the NMLS that your license status has changed. The email details the previous status and the new status. As long as the new status is some sort of “approved” your application has been approved. You will receive an email with the license attached from DFI within 2 business days of the application being approved in the NMLS.
Can I work for multiple companies as a MLO?
Yes. MLOs can work for multiple companies as long as they are properly licensed to do so. The MLO must submit the application to add the additional relationship, must work from a licensed location for both companies and DFI will notify both companies of the MLO’s multiple associations.
What is the average time it takes to process a new application?
DFI tries to review all incoming applications within two weeks of the date they are fully complete. If the application has deficiencies, the deficiencies are noted in the NMLS and the application is placed on hold until the deficient items are corrected.
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