# Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing ## How do you get a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license? Under the SAFE Act, an individual who takes residential mortgage loan applications or negotiates loan terms generally needs an individual Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license, obtained through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). The core steps are the same in every state: register in NMLS, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE MLO Test, clear a background and credit check, and receive state sponsorship from a licensed company. An MLO can hold licenses in several states at once through that sponsorship, and each state may add its own education or testing component. Individual MLO licensing through NMLS, including pre-licensing education, testing, background checks, and multi-state sponsorship management. ## Getting Your Loan Originators Licensed Under the SAFE Act, individuals who take residential mortgage loan applications or offer or negotiate terms of mortgage loans are generally required to be individually licensed as a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO). Cornerstone manages the full MLO licensing process, from initial NMLS registration through multi-state sponsorship. ## How to get licensed 1. **NMLS Individual Registration**, We help each MLO establish their individual NMLS account and complete the registration process. 2. **Pre-Licensing Education**, We coordinate the required 20-hour SAFE pre-licensing course and any state-specific education requirements. 3. **Testing Coordination**, We guide MLOs through the SAFE MLO Test and any additional state component exams. 4. **State Sponsorship**, We file sponsorship requests through NMLS, manage multi-state applications, and track approval status. 5. **Continuing Education**, We track CE requirements and deadlines to keep all MLOs in good standing year after year. ## Frequently asked questions ### What Education Is Generally Required for an MLO License? MLOs are generally required to complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, which typically includes 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, and 12 hours of electives. Some states may require additional state-specific education. Verify current requirements with the NMLS or consult with an expert. ### What Is the SAFE MLO Test? The SAFE MLO Test is a national examination administered through NMLS that tests knowledge of federal mortgage laws and lending practices. Some states also require a state-specific test component. ### Can an MLO Be Licensed in Multiple States? Yes. An MLO can hold licenses in multiple states simultaneously through their company's NMLS sponsorship. Each state may have unique requirements that generally need to be met. ### How Much Does MLO Licensing Cost? Costs vary by state but generally include the 20-hour pre-licensing course, the SAFE MLO Test fee, an NMLS processing fee, a credit report and background check, and each state's own license fee. An MLO licensed in several states pays a separate state fee for each one, plus annual renewal and continuing education costs. We provide a per-state breakdown so an originator knows the full cost before filing. --- ## How to cite this page Cite as: "Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing." Cornerstone Licensing. https://cornerstonelicensing.com/mortgage-loan-originator-licensing Published by Cornerstone Licensing. When quoting figures or legal requirements, link the canonical URL above and note the last-updated date (2026-05-21). The full content index for this site is at https://cornerstonelicensing.com/llms.txt.