Wisconsin MLO License
Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Wisconsin
NMLS Required: All Wisconsin MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education (federal SAFE Act minimum).
Required Courses (20 hours total):
- • 3 hours federal law and regulations
- • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
- • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
- • 12 hours electives
The 20-hour course takes 14 days to complete, even if you study at your preferred pace.
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 Wisconsin-licensed mortgage company and covered under employer's lending bond or have individual surety bond
Application will not be approved until sponsorship request is submitted by employer. Branch managers must also be licensed as MLO.
Fee Breakdown
| NMLS Processing Fee | $35 |
| State License Fee | $250 |
| Examination Fee | $110 |
| Background Check | $36 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| Total Fees | $446 |
Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($200-$400). Sponsoring company may cover some fees.
Annual Renewal
Renewal Period
November 1 - December 31 annually
Renewal Fee
$250
CE Required
8 hours annually
Online Renewal
Yes (via NMLS)
8 hours annually: Must include 2 hrs ethics (consumer protection, fair lending, fraud) and 2 hrs nontraditional mortgage products. Cannot renew until CE is completed. Cannot take same CE course two years in a row.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
- Official Website
- (608) 261-9555
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Last verified: 2026-01-12