New Jersey MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for New Jersey
NMLS Required: All New Jersey MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 4 hours of New Jersey-specific content.
Required Courses (20 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 8 hours electives
- • 4 hours New Jersey-specific content
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
New Jersey UST: 25 questions (included in national test)
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 plus NJ State background check via IdentoGO
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 New Jersey licensed Residential Mortgage Lender, Correspondent Residential Mortgage Lender, or Residential Mortgage Broker
An MLO may only be employed by one licensed entity.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $35 |
| State License Fee | $150 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $346 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$500) or additional NJ state background check fee.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually
Renewal Fee
$150
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.
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- Official Website
- (609) 292-7272
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12