Texas MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Texas
NMLS Required: All Texas MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 23 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 3 hours of Texas-specific content. This exceeds the federal minimum of 20 hours.
Required Courses (23 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 12 hours electives
- • 3 hours Texas-specific content
Lowest fees (~$145)
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 demonstrate financial responsibility.
Company Sponsorship
Must be sponsored by a Texas-licensed mortgage company
A sponsorship request must be submitted by your employer. SML will review and accept or reject the sponsorship request.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $30 |
| State License Fee | $145 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $336 |
Total for SML license. OCCC license total is approximately $516.25. Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400).
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually
Renewal Fee
$45
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.
Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending
- Official Website
- (877) 276-5554
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12