MLO Guide

NMLS Registration Guide

Complete walkthrough of the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System registration process. Account creation, background check, and application steps.

Process Time: 1-2 weeks

NMLS Fees: $80-$150

Quick Reference: NMLS Costs

$30

NMLS Processing

$36

Fingerprinting

$15

Credit Report

$100-400

State License Fee

NMLS Registration Steps

Create Your NMLS Account

Visit nationwidelicensingsystem.org and create an individual account. You'll need a valid email address and personal information.

Go to mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org
Click "Create New Account" (Individual)
Provide email address and create password
Complete security questions
Verify your email address

Pro Tip: Use a personal email you'll have long-term access to. Your NMLS account stays with you throughout your career.

Complete the MU4 Form

The Uniform Individual Form (MU4) collects detailed personal, employment, and background information.

Personal Information

• Legal name, date of birth, SSN
• Current and previous addresses (10 years)
• Contact information

Employment History

• All employment for past 10 years
• Employer names, addresses, dates
• Reason for leaving each position

Disclosure Questions

• Criminal history questions
• Regulatory actions
• Civil litigation history
• Financial disclosure (bankruptcies, liens)

Pro Tip: Gather your employment records before starting. Any gaps must be explained. Be thorough and accurate - discrepancies can delay processing.

Submit Fingerprints

Schedule fingerprinting at an NMLS-approved vendor location. Required for the FBI background check.

NMLS uses IdentoGO by IDEMIA in most states
Schedule appointment online through NMLS
Bring valid government-issued photo ID
Fingerprints electronically transmitted to FBI
Results typically returned within 3-10 days

$36.25 (standard FBI fingerprint fee)

Pro Tip: Schedule fingerprinting early - it's often the longest wait. Walk-in appointments may be available but scheduled appointments are faster.

Authorize Background Check

The criminal background check reviews FBI records. Required for all MLO license applicants.

Initiated automatically after fingerprinting
Reviews federal criminal records
Results typically available in 3-10 days
Certain convictions may disqualify or require explanation

Potential Disqualifications:

• Felony convictions within past 7 years (automatic bar)
• Certain financial crimes (longer lookback period)
• Fraud-related offenses

Pro Tip: Minor offenses don't automatically disqualify you. Some states offer appeal processes. Consult an attorney if you have concerns.

Authorize Credit Report

NMLS pulls your credit report to evaluate financial responsibility. This is not a credit score requirement.

Credit report pulled by NMLS (not you)
Evaluates payment history and financial responsibility
No minimum credit score requirement
Recent bankruptcies or judgments may require explanation

$15 (credit report fee)

Pro Tip: Review your credit report before applying. Dispute any errors with credit bureaus first. You may need to explain any negative items.

Select State Licenses

Choose which state(s) you want to be licensed in. Each state has its own fees and requirements.

Review state-specific requirements
Pay state license application fees
Upload required state documents
Wait for state review and approval

State Variations:

• License fees range from $100-$400
• Some states require additional education hours
• Processing times vary by state (2-6 weeks)

Pro Tip: Start with one state, then add more through NMLS. Multi-state licensing is easier after your first license is approved.

Official NMLS Resources

Access the official NMLS platform and resources for your license application.

NMLS Resource Center NMLS Consumer Access