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:

Consumer Information

• Bona Fide Nonprofit Affordable Housing Organizations
• Consumer Information
  • How to File a Complaint

 (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).

Licensee Information

Application

• License Fees
• Licensing Status/Assistance
• Requirements for CFLL and CRMLA Licensees who employ MLOs

Information on MLO licensing requirements is also available in Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)

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.

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

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

For Companies Engaged in Residential Lending or Brokering: Application and maintenance of a CFL license for companies engaged in residential lending or brokering are managed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

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

For Companies Engaged in Non-Residential Lending or Brokering: Application and maintenance of a CFL license for companies engaging in lending or brokering that are secured by other than residential real property are managed directly by the Department. Please visit the main CFL web page for details.