Mortgage Loan Originators Licensing

Follow these steps to obtain a Washington MLO License

Complete the following items before you apply for a license

• Set up an account with NMLS
  All applications for a MLO license must be made through this computer system. Be sure to list your full first, middle and last name as it appears on a passport or social security card. Create An Account Quick Guide
• Pre-Licensing Education
  Complete 22 hours of Pre-Licensing Education (PE), including 4 hours in Washington Law. See: Education Information.
• Testing
  Meet one of the following three conditions:
  1. Pass both the National Test and Washington State Test*
  2. Pass both the National Test* and the Stand-alone Uniform State Test
  3. Pass the National Test with UST

After education and testing completion is posted in NMLS, apply for the

• MLO Application
  The application fee is $155 including the $30 NMLS System Fee. Application Quick Guide
• Criminal Background Check
  All new applications require fingerprinting through NMLS. Fingerprint Information.
• Credit Report
  All new applications require a credit report through NMLS. Credit Report Information.
• Grant Access to Application
  If you want an active MLO license, you must grant your employer access so they can submit a sponsorship request. Granting Access Quick Guide. You can get an inactive license if you do not have a sponsor.

Check Application for completeness

• MLO New Application Checklist
  The checklist is a guide for application requirements and should not be provided to DFI. MLO New Application Checklist

MLO processing time guarantee for complete applications submitted pursuant to the Consumer Loan Act

The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is committed to efficient and predictable licensing processing times. To this end, DFI has established a processing time guarantee consistent with Executive Order 25-03. 

Upon receipt of a complete mortgage loan originator license application ¹ submitted pursuant to the Consumer Loan Act, DFI will make a licensing decision no later than five days after the date DFI determines it has received a complete application.  If DFI does not meet this timeline, DFI will refund the application fee collected by DFI for that application. ²

¹ A complete application is an application for a credential for which the applicant has provided all information and materials required by the agency, which the agency has determined is ready for substantive review and a final decision.

² DFI will not refund third-party fees or costs.

* The National Test and Washington State Test were retired effective March 31, 2013, but passing results are still valid for new applicants.