Tennessee MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Tennessee
NMLS Required: All Tennessee 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 2 hours of Tennessee-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
- • 10 hours electives
- • 2 hours Tennessee-specific content
TN Code Ann. § 45-13-201
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours 10 minutes)
State Component
No separate state exam 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. Must complete Identity Verification Process (IDV) within Individual Form (MU4).
Company Sponsorship
Must be sponsored by a Tennessee-licensed mortgage company
License remains in pending status until employer sponsorship is verified with NMLS. Submit employment details through Form Filing Home screen.
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). Sponsoring company may cover some fees.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually (CE deadline December 15)
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 products. CE deadline is December 15th. Cannot renew until CE is completed. Cannot take same CE course two years in a row.
Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions
- Official Website
- (615) 741-2236
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12