Get Your Mortgage License in New Jersey

How-To Licensing Guide

In order to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in the state of New Jersey you’ll need to complete the following steps:

Steps (click to jump to section)

Apply for your NMLS account and ID number.
Complete your NMLS Pre-License Education.
Pass the NMLS Mortgage licensing exam.
Apply for your NJ MLO license.
Complete background checks and pay all fees.
Associate your NMLS account with your employer.

Step 1

Request your personal NMLS account

The NMLS system is used to process MLO licensing requests for all 50 states, including New Jersey. Creating an account is a simple process that only takes a few minutes to complete.

Visit the NMLS online registration portal to request an NMLS account.
Select the Individual option
If prompted, complete the security captcha and click next
Provide the required information and submit your application

Step 2

Complete Your New Jersey NMLS Pre-License Education

To become a licensed MLO in New Jersey, you'll need to complete the required 20-hour NMLS S.A.F.E pre-licensing course, which includes 4 hours of New Jersey- specific pre-licensure courses, along with any additional course work required by the New Jersey state licensing agency: The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI).

Learn More about DOBI

NMLS SAFE Mortgage License Training - Required

All states require 20 hours of mortgage education from an NMLS approved mortgage school. If you are seeking a new mortgage license, be sure to enroll in the 20 hours SAFE course in addition to your state-specific education requirements.

Find New Jersey New License Courses

Step 3

Pass the NMLS Mortgage Licensing Exam

Once you've completed your pre-license education, you'll need to schedule an appointment to take the National Test Component with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account.

SAFE MLO National Test Component

The SAFE MLO exam covers federal mortgage related laws, ethics, Mortgage loan originator activities, and general mortgage knowledge. Effective 4/5/21, test details are as follows:

120 questions (115 scored)
190 minutes
Cost $110

Uniform State Content (UST)

The UST portion of the exam covers:

Regulatory authority, responsibilities and limitations
Definitions and documents
License law and regulation
Compliance

New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

NJ requires at least 20 hours of pre-license education and meet one of the following three conditions:

Passing results on both the National and New Jersey State components of the SAFE Test, or
Passing results on both the National and Stand-alone UST components of the SAFE Test, or
Passing results on the National Test Component with Uniform State Content

Find New Jersey Exam Prep

Step 4

Apply for your NMLS license

Once you completed the required pre-licensing courses and achieved passing scores on the National and any applicable state required tests, you will be able to apply for your mortgage loan originator license on the NMLS website.

To apply for your New Jersey MLO license:

Login in to your NMLS account.
Select the filing tab on the top of the screen.
Select Individual if your applying as an individual.
Click Request New/Update.

If you’re directly responsible for the paying the filing fees, click continue.

If you’re already employed with a mortgage company, your employer may handle this step for you. These fees are not refundable. Check with your employer before you proceed.

Click Add to apply for your NJ license.
Select the appropriate New Jersey License and click Next.
Select the New Jersey Mortgage Loan Originator License and click Next.
Verify that the information is correct and click Next.
Read the final page carefully before proceeding. If the information is correct click Finish.

You’re now ready to finalize your application.

Apply For A License

Step 5

Background Checks, Credit Check, and Fees

The SAFE act established licensing and registration standards for all Mortgage Loan Originators. In order to receive your New Jersey MLO certification, you'll need to provide the following information and pay the associated fees:

Request	Fee	Required
NMLS Processing	$30	YES
FBI CBC	-	YES
Credit Report	$15	YES
NJ DIBO Application	$180	YES

Fingerprints

Create a Fieldprint account and register for an appointment.Click here to view NJ LiveScan Fingerprinting Process.

Criminal Background Check

Initiate a criminal background check through your NMLS account.

Credit Report

Authorize a credit report via your NMLS account.

Step 6

Get Hired

In order to complete the final step in becoming a fully licensed New Jersey MLO your NMLS ID will need to be sponsored by a state licensed employer. This sponsorship tells the governing agencies that your employer will be supervising your individual license. You can submit your sponsorship through your NMLS ID. Once your employer sponsorship is associated with your NMLS ID, you'll be ready to do business as an MLO in the state of New Jersey.

Your success is our #1 priority

OnCourse Learning empowers aspiring mortgage loan originators and seasoned mortgage loan officers to take their learning experience to the next level. Get and maintain your NMLS license with:

NMLS-approved mortgage pre-licensing, continuing education and late CE courses
Exam prep tools to help you pass your NMLS license exam
Over 50 years of mortgage education experience
We’ve helped over 300,000 mortgage brokers begin and advance their careers.

"This was well organized, wonderfully set up to give you ample opportunities to practice the information given through exams, quizzes, discussion scenarios, and message board."

Gianna G.
Mortgage Customer