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Mortgage Loan Originator
MLO licensing operates on a dual structure: the federal SAFE Act sets a 20-hour baseline, while each state adds its own pre-licensing hours, surety bond requirements, and fees. All applications go through the NMLS.
51
Total States
33
States With Additional Hours
20–35
Training Hours Range
49
States Requiring Bond
Mortgage loan originator licensing is governed by federal law with state-specific additions. Every MLO must meet the SAFE Act baseline and satisfy their state's requirements through the NMLS.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 established a federal baseline for all MLOs. Every state must require at least 20 hours of pre-licensing education covering federal law, ethics, lending standards, and non-traditional mortgage products.
The SAFE MLO Test has a national component (125 questions) and a state-specific component. Both are administered through the NMLS via Prometric testing centers. Candidates must pass each component with a minimum score of 75%.
The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) processes all MLO applications, renewals, and state transitions. It facilitates multi-state licensing, maintains public records, and serves as the central hub for regulatory oversight.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
Check ReciprocityBrowse approved programs by state — compare costs, requirements, and timelines.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | Total Hours | State Add'l | Bond Req. | Total Fees | CE Hours | Renewal | Bond Amount | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $75,000 | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | 20 | +4 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $200,000 (employer bond) or $100 recovery fund | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $100,000 | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual — licenses expire December 31 each year; renewal window is November 1 to December 31 | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | 21 | +1 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | 20 | +2 | No | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | — | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual; renewal window per NMLS standard (December 31 deadline) | $150,000 | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | 20 | +2 | No | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | — | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual renewal; December 31 deadline is standard for NMLS-managed licenses | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $15,000 (volume < $10M) / $20,000 (volume > $10M) | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | 20 | +5 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000-$150,000 | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | 20 | +4 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | 22 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | 30 | +4 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000-$75,000 | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | 20 | +4 | Yes | — | 12 | Annual (December 31) | $100,000 | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 11 | Annual (December 31) | $10,000-$100,000 | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | 24 | +4 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $75,000 | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | 24 | +4 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | 20 | +1 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | 20 | +4 | Yes | — | 10 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | 20 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $100,000 | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | 23 | +3 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $50,000 | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | 35 | +15 | Yes | — | 9 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | 20 | +2 | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | 22 | +4 | Yes | — | 9 | Annual (December 31) | $120,000 | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | 24 | +4 | Yes | — | 9 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $120,000 | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | 20 | — | Yes | — | 8 | Annual (December 31) | $25,000 | March 2026 |
Mortgage loan originators often work alongside other financial services professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
Study guides for the NMLS SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator exam.
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See the full comparison table above for all 51 states.
In-depth articles to help you get licensed
Moving to a new state?
See which states have reciprocity for Mortgage Loan Originator licenses and what's required to transfer.
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