How to Obtain a License
Step 1: Obtain your Unique Identification Number with NMLS
Creating an account with NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System) only takes a few minutes. After creating your account, NMLS will notify you by email with your Unique Identification Number.
Please bring this with you to class so we can provide you with completion credit.
Cost: None
Step 2: Complete the 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course
The 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course is the required pre-licensing education for Mortgage Loan Originators as mandated by the 2008 SAFE Act. Classes are available in Fort Myers and Naples.
NOTE: Please bring your NMLS ID Number with you to class so we can provide you with completion credit.
Cost: $359
Step 3: Pass the National NMLS Test
You are required to take and pass the SAFE Act National NMLS Test with Uniform State Test (UST). Our recommendation is to take the test within 10 days after you've completed the 20 hour pre-licensing course. A score of 75% or better is required to pass the SAFE Act test.
Test Enrollment
First you must create a TEST ENROLLMENT on the NMLS website. You will pay a $110 fee for the National Test with Uniform State Test (UST) upon the enrollment. Creating the enrollment is what will give you permission to schedule the test.
Schedule your Test
You must pay for the test in the step above BEFORE you can schedule a test date.
The tests are given by Prometric Testing Centers, and they have centers located throughout the state of Florida and across the country. In Southwest Florida, the nearest facility is located at 2891 Center Pointe Drive Suite 201 - Fort Myers, FL 33916.
You may also schedule your NMLS test to be conducted online at home through Prometric's ProProctorTM system. In order to access Prometric's ProProctorTM system, you will be required to download and install the ProProctorTM application from the Prometric website as well as perform a System Check. This will ensure that your laptop or desktop operating system meets the minimum requirements. This step is recommended prior to scheduling your online testing appointment to ensure compatibility.
Step 4: Application
After you've attended the 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course and passed the National exam:
Submit The MU4 Application:
Loan Originator applicants must submit the "Uniform Individual Mortgage License/Registration & Consent Form," also known as the MU4 APPLICATION on the NMLS website.
Fees:
You must pay a $195 nonrefundable application fee, a $20 nonrefundable Mortgage Guaranty Trust Fund fee and a $30 NMLS processing fee when you apply.
Credit Report:
You are required to authorize a credit report with the submission of your MU4 Application. The cost of the credit report is $15.
Fingerprints and Criminal Background Check:
You are required to have your fingerprints scanned electronically at an NMLS-authorized fingerprint vendor for an FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC) with the submission of your MU4 Application. The cost of the CBC is $36.25.
If you are obtaining your MLO License in Florida, you must also have your fingerprints scanned electronically at a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) location. We recommend using PearsonVUE. The cost of the FDLE fingerprint is $33.
You may make an FDLE fingerprint reservation by calling PearsonVUE at 1-877-238-8232.
Step 5: View your Application Status
Criminal Background Check Status
During your license approval process, you can view the status of an existing Criminal Background Check (CBC) request or retrieve a copy of your CBC Certificate.
Application Status
You may view the status of your MU4 Application and review any deficiencies that your state regulator has set. A deficiency is placed by the state regulator to notify you of any missing information that is still required in order to issue a licensing decision.
Each time the status is updated by the Regulator in NMLS, you will receive a system generated email indicating the status change.
Summary of Costs
- Obtain Unique ID number from NMLS - no cost
- Complete the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive Course - $359
- Pass the SAFE Act Test
- National Test - $110
- Submit License Application
- Application Fee - $195
- Mortgage Guaranty Trust Fund Fee - $20
- NMLS Processing Fee - $30
- Credit Report - $15
- FBI Criminal Background Check - $36.25
- Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement Background Check - $33
The total cost to obtain a Florida Mortgage Loan Originator License is $798.25.
For further assistance with an application, please contact the NMLS Call Center at 855-665-7123. For all other questions, please contact us.