Georgia MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Georgia
NMLS Required: All Georgia MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education (federal SAFE Act minimum).
Required Courses (20 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 12 hours electives
Pre-licensure education expires after three consecutive years without a valid MLO license or federal registration.
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours 10 minutes)
State Component
Georgia uses the National test with Uniform State Content; no separate state-specific test required
Passing Score
75% on the national component with Uniform State Content
Exam Fee
$110
Retake Policy: 30-day wait after 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 Georgia-licensed mortgage lender or broker
MLOs who work for state-licensed mortgage lenders or brokers must be licensed by the state regulator.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $30 |
| State License Fee | $100 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $291 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400). Georgia has relatively low licensing fees.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
October 1 - October 31 annually
Renewal Fee
$100
CE Required
8 hours annually
Online Renewal
Yes (via NMLS)
8 hours of CE required by October 31 each year. Must be NMLS-approved. Not required if pre-licensure education was completed in the same year as initial license approval.
Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
- Official Website
- (770) 986-1633
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Last verified: 2026-01-12