Idaho MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Idaho
NMLS Required: All Idaho MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 22 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 2 hours of Idaho-specific content. This exceeds the federal minimum of 20 hours.
Required Courses (22 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 12 hours electives
- • 2 hours Idaho-specific content
Pre-licensure education must be retaken if applicant fails to acquire a valid license within three years of completion.
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (190 minutes)
State Component
Idaho uses the National test with Uniform State Content
Passing Score
75% on both national and state components
Exam Fee
$110
Retake Policy: 30-day wait after 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 an Idaho-licensed mortgage company
License will remain in pending status until sponsorship is verified. Sponsoring employer must approve the request.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $30 |
| State License Fee | $200 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $391 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400).
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 1 annually
Renewal Fee
$200
CE Required
8 hours annually
Online Renewal
Yes (via NMLS)
8 hours annually including 1 hour Idaho state-specific law content. Must be NMLS-approved.