Mortgage Loan Originators

A mortgage loan originator is an individual who, for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, takes a residential mortgage loan application or offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan.

A residential mortgage loan means any loan primarily for personal, family or household use that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling which contains 1 to 4 residential units. Dwelling includes an individual condominium unit, cooperative unit, mobile home and trailer if it is used as a residence.

Any person who provides services as a mortgage loan originator (MLO) in California under the California Finance Law (CFL) or the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act (CRMLA) must apply for and receive a mortgage loan originator license. The MLO must also be employed by and sponsored by a Department of Financial Protection and Innovation licensee under the CFL or CRMLA.

For more information, please visit About Mortgage Loan Originators.

How to reach us:

Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
Financial Services
320 W. 4th Street, Suite 750
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone: (213) 576-7565
Email: MLO.Licensing@dfpi.ca.gov

Consumer Information

  • In order to determine if a mortgage loan originator is licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, please review the NMLS Consumer Access website.

     (NMLS) Consumer Access

    Consumers can verify an MLO license through Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access. It 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).

  • How to submit a complaint

Licensing Information

Applying for a new Mortgage Loan Originator license

For full details see the Mortgage Loan Originator Application Checklist.

For Companies that Employ Mortgage Loan Originators

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)

Application and maintenance of an MLO license are managed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

Information on MLO licensing requirements is also available in NMLS.
Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System logo

NMLS, developed through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators (AARMR), will allow companies to conveniently manage their mortgage license(s) in an electronic format through a secure website.

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Last updated: Sep 27, 2023 @ 9:52 am