Applicants for the Florida Mortgage Loan Originator License must complete these steps:
- Obtain Unique ID number from NMLS - no cost
- Complete the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive Course - $329
- Pass the SAFE Act Test
- National Test - $110
- Submit License Application
- Application Fee - $195
- Mortgage Guaranty Trust Fund Fee - $20
- NMLS Processing Fee - $30
- Credit Report - $15
- FBI Criminal Background Check - $36.25
- Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement Background Check - $33
- How much does it cost to get a Florida Mortgage Loan Originator License?
- $768.25
Step-by-Step Licensing Guide
Step 1: Obtain your Unique Identification Number with NMLS
Creating an account with NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System) only takes a few minutes. After creating your account, NMLS will notify you by email with your Unique Identification Number. Click below to do this now. Please bring this number with you to class so we can provide you with completion credit.
Create my NMLS Account
Step 2: Complete the 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course
The 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course is the required pre-licensing education for Mortgage Loan Originators as mandated by the 2008 SAFE Act. Classes are available in Fort Myers and Naples. Click below to view our course information. *Please bring your NMLS ID number with you to class so we can provide you with completion credit.*
View Course Schedule
Step 3. Pass the SAFE Act Test
You are required to take and pass the SAFE Act National Test with Uniform State Test (UST). Our recommendation is to take the test within 10 after you've completed the 20 hour pre-licensing course. A score of 75% or better is required to pass the SAFE Act test.
- TEST ENROLLMENT: First you must create a TEST ENROLLMENT on the NMLS website. You will pay a $110 fee for the National Test with Uniform State Test (UST) upon the enrollment. Creating the enrollment is what will give you permission to schedule the test.
How To Pay For A Test Enrollment
- SCHEDULE YOUR TESTS: **You must pay for the tests in the step above BEFORE you can schedule a test date.** The tests are given by Prometric Testing Centers, and they have centers located throughout the state of Florida and across the country. In Southwest Florida, the nearest facility is located at 2891 Center Pointe Drive Suite 201 - Fort Myers, FL 33916.
Schedule Test
Do you already have your MLO license in another state and just need to attend the 2 Hour Florida Specific Course? View our 2 Hour Florida Specific Course schedule.
Step 4: Application
*Complete after you've attended the 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course and passed the National exam*
- SUBMIT THE MU4 APPLICATION: Loan Originator applicants must submit the "Uniform Individual Mortgage License/Registration & Consent Form," also known as the MU4 APPLICATION on the NMLS website.
How To Submit MU4 Application
- FEES: You must pay a $195 nonrefundable application fee, a $20 nonrefundable Mortgage Guaranty Trust Fund fee and a $60 NMLS processing fee when you apply.
- CREDIT REPORT: You are required to authorize a credit report with the submission of your MU4 Application. The cost of the credit report is $15.
How To Submit Credit Report
- FINGERPRINTS and CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: You are required to have your fingerprints scanned electronically at an NMLS-authorized fingerprint vendor for an FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC) with the submission of your MU4 Application. The cost of the CBC is $36.25.
How To Submit Criminal Background Check
If you are obtaining your MLO License in Florida, you must also have your fingerprints scanned electronically at a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) location. We recommend using PearsonVUE. The cost of the FDLE fingerprint is $33. You may make an FDLE fingerprint reservation by calling PearsonVUE at 1.877.238.8232.
Step 5: View your Application Status
Criminal Background Check Status
During your license approval process, you can view the status of an existing Criminal Background Check (CBC) request or retrieve a copy of your CBC Certificate.Application Status
How To View Criminal Background Check Status
You may view the status of your MU4 Application and review any deficiencies that your state regulator has set. A deficiency is placed by the state regulator to notify you of any missing information that is still required in order to issue a licensing decision. Each time the status is updated by the Regulator in NMLS, you will receive a system generated email indicating the status change.
How To View Application Status
For further assistance, please contact the NMLS Call Center at 855.665.7123
