Debt Collection – Licensee

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Announcements:

Fingerprint and Background Investigation – Pursuant to Financial Code 100008 and CA Code of Regs 1850, our fingerprint process will begin March 1, 2024. New MU2 filers associated with MU1s will need to complete the background check process prior to submitting an application. For current licensees that have been conditionally approved, existing MU2 filers associated with MU1 will need to complete that process. The functionality will be available in NMLS on March 1, 2024, the issuance of an official license items is scheduled for April 1, 2024. Completion is required within 90 days of the official license item being placed. Failure to provide fingerprints may result in revocation of a conditional license. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for further information.

Annual Report – The Commissioner is requiring debt collectors that were licensed as of December 31, 2023, to file an annual report by March 15, 2024, for the calendar year 2023. The requirements for the annual report can be found in California Financial Code section 100021(a) (1) – (4), (6) and (7). The annual report must be filed through the DFPI self-service portal. Instructions for setting up the portal accounts and filing the reports have been sent to your designated contact emails. If you need additional assistance, see How To Reach Us below. Failure to file on time can result in a fine and/or a license being revoked.

Overview

The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) provides licensure, regulation, and oversight of California debt collection practices under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, 2021 (CCFPL) and the Debt Collection Licensing Act, 2022 (DCLA). Both measures help to better protect consumers and create a level playing field for industry. The DFPI began accepting applications for licensure September 1, 2021. You can reach the licensing team by emailing DCLA.Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov . We can answer questions regarding the licensing process but cannot provide legal advice. Applications must be submitted via the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). A checklist of requirements for the application is available on NMLS. Once licensed, debt collectors will not need to register under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law. The Department will allow any debt collector that submitted an application before January 1, 2023, to operate pending the approval or denial of the application.

How To Reach Us

Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Attn: Debt Collection Licensing Act
2101 Arena Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: DCLA.Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov
Debt Collector Licensee Voicemail: (916) 576-8623
DFPI General Inquires: (916) 327-7585

Frequently Asked Questions – Debt Collector Licensing Act (DCLA)

FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions on Licensing Information, Application Process, Law and Regulation, DFPI Self-Service Portal and Designated Email, and Annual Report. All frequently asked questions below are subject to change. For additional information email us at: DCLA.Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov.

Licensing Information

What business operations constitute a “debt collector” and who is required to apply for a license?

A debt collector is “any person who, in the ordinary course of business, regularly, on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of others, engages in “debt collection”. The term includes any person who composes and sells or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.” The term debt collector includes ”debt buyer”. Affiliates who engage in the business of debt collection are also required to apply for a license.

“Debt collection” means any act or practice in connection with the collection of consumer debt. A “debt buyer” means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third-party for collection or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.

“Debt buyer” does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. “Charged-off consumer debt” means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditor’s books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense. For more definitions, including “debt collector,” “consumer debt,” “debt,” and others, please refer to Financial Code § 100002

Who is required to submit an application?

All debt collectors and debt buyers operating in California are required to apply for a license with the Department. A license is required for the licensee’s principal place of business and cannot be transferred or assigned. Please note that a separate license is not required for each individual branch office. However, your branch offices must be registered in the NMLS.

Are there any exemptions to licensing?

There are exemptions for depository institutions such as FDIC-insured banks, credit unions, DFPI-licensed finance lenders and brokers, DFPI-licensed mortgage lenders and servicers, Department of Real Estate licensed agents, persons subject to the Karnette Rental-Purchase Act, a trustee for a nonjudicial foreclosure, and debt collections regulated under the Student Loan Servicing Act. 

For additional detail of the exemptions please refer to Fin. Code § 100001(b)(1) and (c) .

What is a Conditional License?

A Conditional License is an approved license that is based on the condition that federal criminal history records checks will be performed at a later date.  Applicants will receive notification through NMLS when MU2 filers need to complete the fingerprinting process. They will have 90 days to complete the process.  Conditional Licenses expire when any of the following are met:

  1. Ninety days after the requirements of Financial Code Sections 100007, 100008, and 100009 have been satisfied.
  2. Upon the issuance of an unconditional license.
  3. Ninety days after the commissioner directs the licensee in writing to submit fingerprints for submission to the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 100008, if the licensee fails to submit a set of fingerprints for each individual described in Section 100009.
  4. Upon the denial, pursuant to Section 100012, of a license application.

When will I get my license number?

The license number will be sent via email and through NMLS when the application is approved. For purposes of including California debt collector license numbers when contacting or communicating with debtors as required under Civil Code section 1788.11, an applicant who appears on the Pending Applicants list, may indicate “license number pending” or similar verbiage until a license is approved or denied.

 

 

I just received approval of a license, now what?

In general, a licensee’s duties can be found in Fin. Code §§ 100018 – 100022 of the Debt Collection Licensing Act (Fin. Code § 100000 et seq.) (DCLA). Any change in the information you originally provided in your application (MU1, MU2, or MU3) should be updated in NMLS promptly as they occur.

For information regarding pending regulations please visit: Laws and Regulations – Debt Collection Licensing Act. You are responsible for complying with the law, including but not limited to the California Consumer Financial Protection Law (Fin. Code § 90000 et seq.) (CCFPL) and the DCLA.

Application Process

Where do I find the application?

The application is completed electronically on the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). Instructions for filing on online application can be found here.

Is an account required in NMLS?

Before you can file a debt collector application in NMLS, you must have a “Company Account” in NMLS.

If you do not have a Company Account in NMLS yet, you can request the Company Account request form here.

If you already have a Company Account in NMLS, you can find the instructions to file the application by using the CA-DFPI Debt Collection License New Application Checklist. The checklist has general information about the license, fees, required documents you need to upload to NMLS with the application, and required documents you may need to submit outside of NMLS.

Does the application cost anything? If so, how much?

There is an application fee of $350 and an investigation fee of $150 per applicant. Fees will need to be paid through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) for transmission to the Commissioner. The $350 application will be invoiced through NMLS after the application is submitted. The NMLS fees for obtaining credit reports, annual processing fees, and any other NMLS fees shall be paid by applicants and licensees to NMLS through NMLS.  Fees are not refundable.

You may apply for a single license that includes all your affiliates engaged in the business of debt collection and pay a single application fee of $350.  However, each affiliate will still need to pay the investigation fee of $150 and complete a New Company application (Form MU1).

What is the fingerprinting process?

The fingerprinting process is a requirement of the application process.  Pursuant to the Debt Collection Licensing Act, every MU2 filer shall submit fingerprints in accordance with Financial Code 100008 through NMLS and authorize a background investigation.  

Each MU2 filer must login to NMLS and authorize a background check, select whether to submit new prints or use existing prints, and grant agency access to view the background results. Instructions can be found at: Completing the CBC Process for MU2s  or Completing the CBC Process for MU2s – Company Perspective.

Note: Fingerprinting is still suspended for Branch Managers. Branches will be granted conditional registrations and asked to provide fingerprint background checks on managers at a later date.

What if I already have fingerprints on file in NMLS?

If your fingerprints in NMLS are less than three years old, there is no need to submit new fingerprints. You can log in to NMLS and authorize a background check and select use existing prints. However, fingerprints that are older than three years have expired, and in such cases, new fingerprints must be submitted when authorizing a background investigation.

What if I did not authorize agency access when authorizing the background investigation?

Upon authorizing a background investigation, the results are typically provided within 48 hours. It is crucial to grant agency access to all relevant agencies before the background investigation results are returned. Failure to do so necessitates authorizing and paying for a new criminal background check.

Can I submit the application in paper form?

No. The Commissioner requires applicants to file electronically through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). In addition, the Commissioner may require fees, supporting documents, changes of address, amendments or modifications thereto, and any other information, to be submitted by applicants and licensees through NMLS.

The Commissioner has designated NMLS to receive and store filings, obtain credit reports, and collect related fees and assessments from applicants and licensees on behalf of the Commissioner. All applications, amendments, surety bonds, notices, related filings, supporting documents, renewals, authorizations, assessments, and fees required to be filed with the Commissioner will need to be filed electronically with and transmitted through NMLS.

How long is the application review process?

Per legislation, all debt collectors needed to apply for a license prior to January 1, 2023, to continue to operate in California. That means we will have a large volume of applications to review. The licensing team is diligently working to review them as quickly as possible; however, the process is anticipated to take place through 2023. Do not be concerned if we do not contact you regarding your application for an extended period of time.

When does the status of my application change in NMLS?

All applications default to “Pending-Incomplete” when submitted. Your application will stay in this status until it has been assigned and is being reviewed by the licensing team. At that time, the status will change to “Pending-Review”, or it may change to “Pending-Deficient” if we need additional information from you to complete the review process.

Due to the volume of applications expected to be filed, you can anticipate an extended period of time before the status of your application changes. Once the application is approved, the status will change to “Approved – Conditional”.

Laws and Regulations

What Division of the Financial Code contains the Debt Collection Licensing Act?

The Debt Collection Licensing Act is in Division 25 sections 100000 – 100025. You can find the financial code here.

Where can I find the Debt Collection Regulations?

You can link to the regulation through the DFPI website’s Laws and Regulations page.   

What are the consequences for not applying for a license?

For a list of actions that may be taken against a person for violations of Civil Code sections 1788 et seq. or 1788.50 et seq. regardless of licensure, please refer to Fin. Code § 100005.

What else could happen if a debt collector violates the law?

The Commissioner may issue a desist and refrain order to keep a company or individual from engaging in the business as a debt collector without a license or from violating the DCLA or the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act or Civ. Code § 1788.50 et seq. The Commissioner may also order the person or licensee to pay ancillary relief, including but not limited to refunds, restitution, disgorgement, and payment of damages on behalf of a person injured by the conduct or practices constituting the violation.

Under the CCFPL, it is unlawful for a covered person or service provider, which includes debt collectors and debt buyers, to engage in any unlawful, unfair, deceptive, or abusive act or practice with respect to consumer financial products or services, offer or provide to a consumer any financial product or service not in conformity with any consumer financial law or otherwise commit any act or omission in violation of a consumer financial law, or fail or refuse, as required by a consumer financial law or any rule or order issued by the Department, to do any of the following: (A) permit the Department access to or copying of records; (B) establish or maintain records; or (C) make reports or provide information to the Department.

A covered person or service provider shall not terminate or in any other way discriminate against any or any authorized representative of covered employees by reason of the fact that they (1) filed a proceeding under any consumer financial law or (2) objected to or refused to participate in any activity, policy, or practice they believed to be in violation of any law, rule, or order.

If a person violates the CCFPL, rule, or final order or condition imposed in writing by the Department, the Commissioner may bring a civil action in superior court for a preliminary or permanent injunction, restraining order, writ of mandate, or order appointing a receiver.

If a person engages, has engaged, or proposes to engage in any activity prohibited by Financial Code sections 90003 or 90004, or an activity that violates a law, rule, order, or any condition imposed in writing by the Department, the Department may issue a desist and refrain order including a claim for ancillary relief as set forth in Financial Code section 90012(b).

DFPI Self-Service Portal and Designated Email

How do I register for a self-service portal account?

  1. Click the link: Registration. Enter all required information.
  2. “Are you currently licensed as a Debt Collector with the CA DFPI?”, must respond “Yes” then click “Submit Registration”.
  3. The screen will show a “Sign Up Confirmation” stating your request will be reviewed within five (5) business days.
  4. DFPI Debt Collector staff will approve the request.
  5. You will receive an email confirming your account has been activated. You can now provide a designated email address.

What are the requirements for a designated email address?

  1. The designated email must use a generic address, not an individual’s email. (Example: dfpi@abcfinancial.com or govcompliance@abc.com).
  2. The designated email address may be an address already in use by your company, but should not be an address provided to the public for general communications.
  3. SPAM settings must be modified or confirmed to allow emails from the domains “@dfpi.ca.gov” and CDFPISubscriptions@Service.GovDelivery.com.
  4. Security settings should also be modified or confirmed to allow for attachments to be received.
  5. The designated email should not be an email address of a third-party representative. Licensees should review emails sent by the DFPI and then determine if they would like to forward the information to a third-party representative.

For specific guidelines, please refer to the Commissioner’s Order issued November 22, 2013.

How do I submit a designated email address?

  1. Go to https://docqnet.dfpi.ca.gov/login and sign in using the Username and Password you created when you registered for the account. (For login issues, please contact Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov.) 
  2. Once logged in, click “Designated Emails” on the left navigation menu.
  3. Click “+ Create New”.
  4. Enter the designated email address, select License Type Debt Collector, and click “Create”.
  5. Designated email information for all license types will be disclosed. One designated email is allowed for each license type.

Annual Report

Who is required to file an Annual Report?

Per California Financial Code section 100021(a), debt collector licensees, licensed as of December 31, 20XX, of the preceding year are required to file an Annual Report with the Department. The Annual Report is due by March 15, 20XX of the current year.

How is the Annual Report filed?

The Annual Report MUST be filed via the Department’s Self-Service Portal.

  1. Go to https://docqnet.dfpi.ca.gov/login and sign in using the Username and Password you created when you registered for the account.  (For login issues, please contact Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov)
  2. Once logged in, from the welcome page, click on your name (top right) to open the drop-down menu and click the Annual, Liability & Industry Survey Reporting link.
  3. Under “Your Reports” on the Annual, Liability & Industry Survey Reporting page, click on Debt Collection Annual Reports.
  4. Optional: Click on “Download Blank Form” for a sample Annual Report with instructions.
  5. To begin completing your report, click on “Start” and follow the prompts.

If you would like to edit and resubmit your Annual Report, follow steps 1-3 above, then click on “Re-Open” and follow the prompts.

What does “full-time equivalent employees” mean?

This is the total number of full-time employees and part-time employees that add up to full-time employees. It should include all employees, regardless of location or duties.

What is digital currency?

A digital currency is defined the same as a digital financial asset per the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL). Digital financial asset means a digital representation of value that is used as a medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value, and that is not legal tender, whether or not denominated in legal tender. Digital financial asset does not include any of the following:

(A) A transaction in which a merchant grants, as part of an affinity or rewards program, value that cannot be taken from or exchanged with the merchant for legal tender, bank or credit union credit, or a digital financial asset.

(B) A digital representation of value issued by or on behalf of a publisher and used solely within an online game, game platform, or family of games sold by the same publisher or offered on the same game platform.

(C) A security registered with or exempt from registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or a security qualified with or exempt from qualifications with the department.

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Last updated: Mar 13, 2024 @ 10:47 am