California DFPI License Requirements
Application Requirements to become licensed in California:
| Description | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temporary Authority to Operate Eligible | Yes |
| Application Fee | $300.00 |
| License Registration Fee | $0.00 |
| NMLS Processing Fee | $35.00 |
| Sponsorship Fee* | $0.00 |
| Credit Report Required | $15.00 |
| Criminal Background Check Required | $36.25 |
| Testing Required | Yes, passing score of 75% or higher |
| SAFE MLO Test Cost | $110.00 |
| Work Remote Allowed | No |
*Note: A sponsorship request must be submitted by your employer. CA-DFPI will review and accept or reject the sponsorship request.
California (DFPI) NMLS Pre-Licensing Education Requirements:
New state-licensed MLOs are required to complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved education. This includes:
3 hours of federal law
3 hours of ethics
2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending training
10 hours of electives
2 hours of California state-specific education
California (DFPI) Continuing Education Requirements:
State-licensed MLOs are required to complete 8 hours of NMLS-approved mortgage education annually beginning the year they are licensed (unless PE was completed in the same year). This includes:
3 hours of federal law
2 hours of ethics
2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
1 hour of California state-specific education
MLOs are advised that to comply with the SAFE Act’s “successive years” rule, they may not take the same CE course two years in a row.
California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation Contact Info:
Phone: 866-275-2677
Website: www.dpfi.ca.gov
