Consumer & Commercial Loans

Reports/Notice Requirements

CFL Annual Report for Calendar Year 2023

The Annual Report Form for Licensees engaged in Business under the California Financing Law (CFL) for Year Ended December 31, 2023, is not available. The report must be completed online on the DFPI’s website at https://docqnet.dfpi.ca.gov/. Licensees must log in to the self-service portal in order to complete the report. The 2023 Annual Report must be filed with the DFPI by March 15, 2024.

• Instructions for completing the 2023 report (PDF)
• FAQs – 2023 CFL Annual Report – Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Penalty Matrix reflecting penalties assessable based on the late-filing date (PDF)
• Archived Announcements

• Bona Fide Nonprofit Affordable Housing Organizations
• Search the Licensee Listing

• Reports/Notice Requirements
• Who is Required to Obtain a Finance Lenders License or Branch License under the California Financing Law?
• How Do I Apply for a Finance Lenders License or Authorize a Branch Office under the California Financing Law?
• How Do I Amend a Finance Lenders License or a Branch Office License under the California Financing Law?
• How Do I Surrender a Finance Lenders License or a Branch Office License under the California Financing Law?
• Requirements after a Finance Lenders License has been Issued
• Frequently Asked Questions

• Translated Residential Mortgage Loan Forms and Pre-Foreclosure Notices
• California Financing Law Reports 

• About California Financing Law
• Regulations & Legislation

Self-Service Portal on DOCQNET

The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) Self-Service Portal offers convenient online services to consumers and businesses seeking licensing information from DFPI. The Portal allows licensees to submit exemption notices and annual report information.

Portal users can search for licensees, applicants, notice filers, and search for securities and franchise filings and more.

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS)

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access is a fully searchable website that allows the public to view information concerning state-licensed mortgage companies, branches and individuals currently licensed through Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

Please visit NMLS for additional information and state licensing requirements specific to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access is a fully searchable website that allows the public to view information concerning state-licensed mortgage companies, branches and individuals currently licensed through Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS).

Information on CFL licensing requirements for companies and branches engaged in making or brokering loans secured by residential real property is also available in Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS).

Finance Lenders

Licensing – Application

An application for a license under the California Financing Law for any person engaged in the business of making or brokering of loans, or for any individual originating mortgage loans, should be filed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

• If you are applying for a new license under the California Financing Law, apply through NMLS by selecting “Getting Started” on the NMLS Resource Center page. Follow the California Financing Law Checklist for the requirements specific to new applicants under the California Financing Law.

Licensing – Other

• DFPI-2666 – Bona Fide Nonprofit Affordable Housing Organization Application for Registration (PDF) [Instructions (PDF)]
• Translated Residential Mortgage Loan Forms and Pre-Foreclosure Notices
• DFPI-CFL 8018 – Request for Live Scan Service – Applicant Submission (PDF)
• DFPI-250.61 – Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for Application of Department of Corporations License or Certificate (PDF)

Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans [SB 318 (Chapter 467, Statutes 2013)] – Pilot Program

• CFL 1602 (PDF)
• CFL 1603 (PDF)
• CFL 1606 (PDF)

Licensure Exemption for Non-Profit Organizations Facilitating Zero-Interest Consumer Loans

• Compliance Guidance
• DFPI – CFL – FC 22066(c)(4)
• DFPI – CFL – FC 22066(d)(4)
• DFPI – CFL – FC 22066(c)(5)

Senate Bill 318 (Chap. 467, Stats. 2013) was signed into law on October 1, 2013 and is operative January 1, 2014. The bill created the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans (RSDL) to increase the availability of responsible small dollar installment loans of at least $300 but less than $2,500. Finance lenders who are licensed under the CFL and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (Commissioner) to participate in the program may charge specified alternative interest rates and charges, including an administrative fee and delinquency fees, on loans of at least $300 but less than $2,500, subject to certain requirements. Licensees participating in the program are also permitted to use the services of a finder as defined in Section 22371 of the Financial Code.

Licensees under the former pilot program for affordable credit-building opportunities:

Effective January 1, 2014, Senate Bill 318 abolished the former Pilot Program for Affordable Credit-Building Opportunities (Senate Bill 1146 – Chap. 640, Stats. 2010). Licensees approved to participate under the former pilot program are transferred to and approved to participate in the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans without filing the application.

• About the Program