California MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for California
NMLS Required: All California MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 2 hours of California-specific content.
Required Courses (20 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 10 hours electives
- • 2 hours California-specific content
Dual agency system
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours)
State Component
California UST: 25 questions (1 hour)
Passing Score
75% on both national and state components
Exam Fee
$110
Retake Policy: 30-day wait after 1st/2nd failure; 180-day wait after 3rd failure
Background & Credit Check
Criminal Background
FBI criminal background check via fingerprinting
Credit Report
Required
Background Check Cost
$36
Credit Report Cost
$15
Credit report pulled by NMLS. Must demonstrate financial responsibility.
Company Sponsorship
Must be sponsored by a California-licensed mortgage company (CFL, CRMLA, or DRE broker license)
Your sponsor must file a request through NMLS to add you to their license.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $30 |
| State License Fee | $300 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $491 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400). Sponsoring company may cover some fees.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually
Renewal Fee
$300
CE Required
8 hours annually
Online Renewal
Yes (via NMLS)
8 hours annually: 3 hrs federal law, 2 hrs ethics, 2 hrs nontraditional lending, 1 hr elective. Must be NMLS-approved.
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
- Official Website
- (866) 275-2677
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12