West Virginia MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for West Virginia
NMLS Required: All West Virginia MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 24 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 4 hours of West Virginia-specific content. This exceeds the federal minimum of 20 hours.
Required Courses (24 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 12 hours electives
- • 4 hours West Virginia-specific content
9 hrs CE (above federal minimum)
SAFE MLO Exam
National Component
115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours 10 minutes)
State Component
State exam component 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
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 West Virginia-licensed mortgage company and covered under employer's lending bond or have individual surety bond
Your sponsor must file a request through NMLS to add you to their license.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $35 |
| State License Fee | $200 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $396 |
Total approximately $635.25 including education. Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400).
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually (CE deadline November 1)
Renewal Fee
$200
CE Required
9 hours annually
Online Renewal
Yes (via NMLS)
9 hours annually. CE deadline is November 1st. Cannot renew until CE is completed. Must be NMLS-approved.
West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions
- Official Website
- (304) 558-2294
Helpful Tools
Last verified: 2026-01-12