Kentucky MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Kentucky
NMLS Required: All Kentucky 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
Education must be completed through an NMLS-approved provider.
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours 10 minutes)
State Component
National component only - no state-specific test required
Passing Score
75% on national component
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 per Senate Bill 97 (2016 Kentucky Acts Ch. 129).
Company Sponsorship
Must be sponsored by a Kentucky-licensed mortgage company
Sponsorship request must be submitted by employer. Kentucky will review and accept or reject.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $30 |
| State License Fee | $50 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $241 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400) or surety bond premium if obtained individually.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - November 30 annually (calendar year basis)
Renewal Fee
$50
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 Kentucky-specific. CE deadline is November 30th.
Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions
- Official Website
- (502) 573-3390
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12