Mortgage License Requirements: A National & State-by-State Guide
Learn the National and State-Specific Steps to Become a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)
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Mortgage License Requirements: A National & State-by-State Guide
If you are planning to become a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO), it's crucial to understand the Mortgage License Requirements for both the national and state levels. Every MLO must complete national licensing standards, but many states also impose additional state-specific education or testing requirements. Below, we break down each state and territory to help you navigate the process.
States and Territories with Only National Requirements
These states and territories primarily require you to complete the national SAFE MLO Test and standard 20-hour Pre-Licensure Education (PE) without a separate state-specific component.
- Alabama (AL)
Alabama requires only the national SAFE MLO Test and 20-hour PE.
- Alaska (AK)
Alaska follows only the national requirements for obtaining your MLO license.
- Arkansas (AR)
Arkansas adheres to national MLO standards without additional state education.
- Delaware (DE)
Delaware requires only the national standards to become an MLO.
- District of Columbia (DC)
DC aligns with national licensing standards.
- Georgia (GA)
Georgia requires national licensing requirements only.
- Illinois (IL)
Illinois follows only national MLO licensing steps.
- Iowa (IA)
Iowa sticks to the national MLO framework.
- Kansas (KS)
Kansas applies only national MLO standards.
- Kentucky (KY)
Kentucky follows only national MLO licensing steps.
- Louisiana (LA)
Louisiana requires the national standards only.
- Maine (ME)
Maine requires adherence only to national MLO requirements.
- Minnesota (MN)
Minnesota requires only the national MLO standards.
- Missouri (MO)
Missouri requires national standards only.
- North Dakota (ND)
North Dakota adheres to national requirements only.
- South Dakota (SD)
South Dakota requires only national licensing steps.
- Utah (UT)
Utah requires only the national licensing requirements.
- Virginia (VA)
Virginia follows only national MLO licensing requirements.
- Wisconsin (WI)
Wisconsin requires only national licensing steps.
- Wyoming (WY)
Wyoming follows the national MLO licensing framework.
- American Samoa (AS)
American Samoa follows the national standard to license MLOs.
- Guam (GU)
In Guam, only the national licensing requirements apply.
- Puerto Rico (PR)
Puerto Rico aligns with national MLO licensing standards.
- United States Virgin Islands (VI)
The USVI territory adheres to national standards for MLO licensing.
States with State-Specific Requirements Beyond the National Part
- Arizona (AZ)
Arizona requires MLO candidates to complete 4 additional hours of Arizona-specific Pre-Licensure Education.
- California (CA)
California requires MLO applicants to complete 2 additional hours focused on California-specific laws.
- Colorado (CO)
Colorado requires 2 hours of state-specific PE for aspiring MLOs.
- Connecticut (CT)
Connecticut mandates 1 hour of Connecticut-specific Pre-Licensure Education.
- Florida (FL)
Florida requires 2 hours of Florida-specific Pre-Licensure Education for MLO licensing.
- Hawaii (HI)
Hawaii requires 3 hours of Hawaii-specific PE.
- Idaho (ID)
Idaho mandates 2 hours of state-specific Pre-Licensure Education.
- Indiana (IN)
Indiana requires a 2 hour state class.
- Maryland (MD)
Maryland mandates 5 hours of Maryland-specific education.
- Massachusetts (MA)
Massachusetts requires 3 additional hours of state-specific education.
- Michigan (MI)
Michigan requires 2 hours of state-specific education.
- Mississippi (MS)
Mississippi mandates 4 hours of Mississippi-specific PE.
- Montana (MT)
Montana requires 2 hours of Montana-specific Pre-Licensure Education.
- Nebraska (NE)
Nebraska requires a 2 hour state-specific class.
- Nevada (NV)
Nevada requires 4 hours of Nevada-specific PE for licensing.
- New Hampshire (NH)
New Hampshire requires 2 hours of NH-specific PE.
- New Jersey (NJ)
New Jersey mandates 4 hours of New Jersey-specific education.
- New Mexico (NM)
New Mexico requires 3 hours of NM-specific Pre-Licensure Education.
- New York (NY)
New York requires 3 additional hours of New York-specific education.
- North Carolina (NC)
North Carolina requires MLOs to complete 4 state-specific education hours.
- Ohio (OH)
Ohio requires 4 hours of additional state-specific education.
- Oklahoma (OK)
Oklahoma requires 1 additional hour of state-specific education.
- Oregon (OR)
Oregon mandates 4 hours of Oregon-specific Pre-Licensure Education.
- Pennsylvania (PA)
Pennsylvania requires 3 hours of Pennsylvania-specific PE.
- Rhode Island (RI)
Rhode Island mandates 3 hours of Rhode Island-specific education.
- South Carolina (SC)
South Carolina requires an additional 3 hours of state-specific education.
- Tennessee (TN)
Tennessee requires 2 additional hours of state-specific classes.
- Texas (TX)
Texas mandates 3 additional hours of Texas-specific education.
- Vermont (VT)
Vermont requires an additional 2 hours of state-specific classes.
- Washington (WA)
Washington requires 4 additional hours of Washington-specific education.
- West Virginia (WV)
West Virginia requires an additional 4 hours of state-specific education.
MLO Class Supports Your Education Journey
At MLO Class, we provide the full national 20-hour Pre-Licensure Education (PE) course that is required in every state under the SAFE Act. Our course is NMLS-approved, interactive, and designed to prepare you to pass the national MLO exam with confidence.
For students who live in states requiring additional state-specific education, we make the process simple. MLO Class coordinates with trusted state-specific education providers to ensure that you can easily meet your additional hour requirements. Once you complete the national education with us, we guide you to the appropriate resources to fulfill your state’s minor additional education obligations.
We aim to make your path to becoming a licensed MLO as smooth and efficient as possible, no matter which state you plan to work in.
Enroll Now to Become a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator
Understanding the Mortgage License Requirements for your state is essential for a smooth licensing process. Whether your state only follows national guidelines or demands additional state-specific education, MLO Class offers the training and guidance you need to succeed. Start your journey with MLO Class. Enroll today!
MLO Class is an NMLS Approved Course Provider
At MLO Class, we are proud to offer a fully NMLS Approved Mortgage Course through our convenient live online webinar format, making it easier than ever to meet all your pre-licensure education (PE) requirements without sacrificing flexibility or quality. Let’s dive deeper into what that really means for you. Become a trusted professional in the industry with MLO Class.
NMLS MLO Licensing Student Support Services
At MLO Class, we are proud to offer comprehensive Student Support Services designed to help our students succeed at every stage of their licensing journey. From completing your education requirements to navigating the NMLS licensing process and launching your career, our team is here to provide real support every step of the way.
Become a Mortgage Loan Originator with MLO Class
To earn your license, you need to complete a high-quality NMLS-approved pre-licensing course, and there’s no better place to do that than MLO Class. We are an Approved Pre-Licensure Education Live Instructor Online Webinar Provider through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS), and we’re built from the ground up to help you succeed.
