Michigan MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Michigan
NMLS Required: All Michigan 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
Michigan requires state-specific pre-licensing education.
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours)
State Component
Michigan state component included with national
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 through NMLS
Credit Report
Required
Background Check Cost
$36
Credit Report Cost
$15
Credit report pulled by NMLS. Must demonstrate financial responsibility.
Company Sponsorship
Must be affiliated with a licensed mortgage company authorized to conduct business in Michigan
License remains inactive without approved sponsorship. Cannot engage in mortgage loan origination until sponsorship confirmed.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $30 |
| State License Fee | $280 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $471 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($250-$450) or surety bond premium ($50-$200).
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually (expires December 31)
Renewal Fee
$100
CE Required
8 hours annually
Online Renewal
Yes (via NMLS)
8 hours annually (exception: MLOs who complete 20 hrs pre-licensing in same year are exempt from CE that year). Must be NMLS-approved.
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
- Official Website
- (877) 999-6442
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12