Louisiana MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Louisiana
NMLS Required: All Louisiana 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
Employer coverage affidavit required
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours)
State Component
Uniform State Test (UST) component
Passing Score
75% on both national and UST 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 employed by a Louisiana-licensed mortgage company
Each MLO must provide proof of employer bond coverage or obtain individual surety bond.
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) or surety bond premium.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually
Renewal Fee
$200
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.
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions
- Official Website
- (225) 925-4660
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Last verified: 2026-01-12