Texas SML Mortgage License Requirements
Application Requirements to become licensed in Texas - SML:
| Description | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temporary Authority to Operate Eligible | Yes |
| Application Fee | $0.00 |
| License Registration Fee | $145.00 |
| NMLS Processing Fee | $35.00 |
| Sponsorship Fee* | $25.00 |
| 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 | Yes |
*Note: A sponsorship request must be submitted by your employer. The Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending will review and accept or reject the sponsorship request.
Texas (SML) NMLS Pre-Licensing Education Requirements:
New state-licensed MLOs are required to complete 23 hours of NMLS-approved education. This includes:
3 hours of federal law
3 hours of ethics
2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending training
12 hours of electives
3 hours Texas (SML) state-specific education
Note: TX-SML will not accept any hours of other state-specific education to count towards the 12 hours of elective. MLOs are advised to complete either a 23-hour TX-SML comprehensive course or a 20-hour comprehensive course and a 3-hour TX-SML elective course.
Individuals who fail to maintain an active, valid license for at least 3 years must satisfactorily complete the twenty (20) hours of pre-licensing education within the three (3) year period immediately preceding the date of application for licensure.
Texas (SML) 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 electives
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.
Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending Contact Info:
Phone: 512-475-1350
Email: nmls@sml.texas.gov
Website: www.sml.texas.gov
