RE Guide
WA

Washington MLO License

Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Washington

22 hrs
Pre-License Hours
$319
Total Fees
4-8 wks
Timeline
9 hrs
CE Annually

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

1

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 22 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 4 hours of Washington-specific content. This exceeds the federal minimum of 20 hours.

Required Courses (22 hours total):

  • • 3 hours federal law and regulations
  • • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
  • • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
  • • 10 hours electives
  • • 4 hours Washington-specific content

Be sure to take Pre-Licensing Education, not Continuing Education. High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

2

SAFE MLO Exam

National Component

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

State Component

Washington State Test or Stand-alone Uniform State Test (UST)

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

$39

Credit Report Cost

$15

Credit report pulled by NMLS. Applicants strongly encouraged to review credit report prior to applying to ensure accurate disclosure answers.

4

Company Sponsorship

Must be sponsored by a Washington-licensed mortgage company and covered under employer's lending bond or have individual surety bond

License remains in pending status until employer sponsorship is verified with NMLS.

Fee Breakdown

NMLS Processing Fee $30
State License Fee $125
Examination Fee $110
Background Check $39
Credit Report $15
Total Fees $319

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

$125

CE Required

9 hours annually

Online Renewal

Yes (via NMLS)

9 hours annually: 8 hrs NMLS general education + 1 hr Washington state-specific elective. CE deadline is December 15th.

Washington Department of Financial Institutions

Apply via NMLS

All MLO applications are submitted through the NMLS portal.

Go to NMLS

Helpful Tools

Last verified: 2026-01-12

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