RE Guide
VT

Vermont MLO License

Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Vermont

20 hrs
Pre-License Hours
$294
Total Fees
4-8 wks
Timeline
8 hrs
CE Annually

NMLS Required: All Vermont MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

1

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 2 hours of Vermont-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 Vermont-specific content

PE must be completed during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of application.

2

SAFE MLO Exam

National Component

115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours 10 minutes)

State Component

State and national components both required

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

3

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 to assess financial responsibility.

4

Company Sponsorship

Must be employed (W2) and sponsored by a company licensed as a lender and/or mortgage broker by the State of Vermont

Dual sponsorship is not permitted in Vermont.

Fee Breakdown

NMLS Processing Fee $69
State License Fee $100
Examination Fee $110
Credit Report $15
Total Fees $294

Total is approximately $169 to the state plus exam fees. Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400).

Annual Renewal

Renewal Period

November 1 - December 31 annually (CE deadline December 1)

Renewal Fee

$100

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. CE deadline is December 1st. Must be NMLS-approved.

Vermont Department of Financial Regulation

Apply via NMLS

All MLO applications are submitted through the NMLS portal.

Go to NMLS

Helpful Tools

Last verified: 2026-01-12

View official source