NMLS License Utah: Get Your Utah Mortgage Loan Originator License in 2026!
Utah Pre-Licensing Courses
15-Hour Utah-DRE Pre-License Is Unavailable
UT-DRE has updated its pre-licensing (PE) requirements. The previous 15-hour UT-DRE course has been replaced with a 5-hour state-specific course, which will be tracked in NMLS in addition to the standard 20 hours.
This new requirement will take effect on May 1. Applicants who do not complete the 15-hour course and submit their license application by April 30 will be required to complete the new 5-hour UT-DRE course.
The new 5-hour course will be available on our website soon.
Become a Utah DRE Principal Lending Manager!
How to Get an NMLS Mortgage License in Utah
In order to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in Utah, you will have to complete three steps which are outlined below. Additionally, you should consider the costs, education requirements, and other factors discussed in this guide that go into becoming a loan officer in the state of Utah.
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Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Step 3 |
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Apply For Your NMLS Account and ID Number |
Complete Your NMLS Pre-License Education |
Need to Pass the SAFE MLO National Test |
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The first step to obtaining your Utah mortgage license is applying for an NMLS account and ID number. To do so, go to the NMLS website. |
Once you’ve created your NMLS account, it’s time to complete your pre-license education. Utah requires 35 hours (20 hours & 15 hours elective) SAFE pre-licensure education. |
With your education complete, you need to schedule an appointment for the National Test Component exam. Find out more on how to take your NMLS test here. Also check out the NMLS MLO testing handbook. |
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Step 4 |
Step 5 |
Step 6 |
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Complete Background Checks and Pay All Fees |
Apply for Your Utah Mortgage License |
Associate Your NMLS Account with Your Employer |
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To finalize your application and receive your license, you will need to pay several non-refundable fees and get a background check. Find out more about how to complete your background check here. |
After receiving a passing score on your NMLS mortgage exam, you need to apply for your Utah NMLS license. You can find more information on this step for (DFI) here and (DRE) here. |
Your license will still be pending in Utah until you have an employer sponsorship, which lets the government know that an employer is supervising your individual license. Learn how to associate your NMLS account with your employer here. |
Utah Frequently Asked Questions
Every state has its own Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) requirements for mortgage education. New mortgage loan originators (MLOs) must complete a 20-hour NMLS-approved course, which is standard nationwide.
In addition, Utah now requires a 5-hour state-specific course, which is tracked in NMLS. This replaces the previous 15-hour UT-DRE requirement.
Total required pre-licensing education: 25 hours
Topic
Hours Required
Federal Laws and Regulations
3 Hours
Ethics (including fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
3 Hours
Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
2 Hours
General Electives
12 Hours
Utah State-Specific Law
5 Hours
Total 25 Hours
Important:
- The 5-hour UT-DRE requirement will be tracked in NMLS beginning May 1.
- Applicants who do not complete the previous 15-hour requirement and submit their license application by April 30 must complete the new 5-hour course.
- Pre-licensing education (PE) does not count toward annual continuing education (CE) credits.
- MLOs should not retake the 20-hour PE course unless directed by a state regulator.
Although not yet enacted, Utah has proposed a PE expiration policy. Under this policy, if you complete the required 20 hours of education but do not obtain your license within 3 years, you may be required to retake the coursework.
This may also apply if your license has been inactive or lapsed for 3 or more years before re-entering the industry.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
- A mortgage broker is typically a company that employs mortgage loan originators.
- A loan officer (MLO) is an individual who works for a broker (or lender) to originate mortgage loans for borrowers.
In short, brokers are businesses, while loan officers are licensed individuals who work under them.
Becoming a Utah MLO involves several steps and associated fees under the SAFE Act.
NMLS & State Fees:
Fee Type
Cost
NMLS Initial Processing Fee
$30
UT-DRE Application Fee
$118
Credit Report
$15
FBI Criminal Background Check
$36.25
Total Application Fees
$199.25
Utah requires licensed MLOs to complete annual continuing education (CE). Requirements vary slightly depending on the regulator:
Utah DRE (Deadline: 12/15) – 9 Hours Total
Federal Regulations and Law
3 Hours
Ethics (including consumer protection, fair lending)
2 Hours
Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
2 Hours
Elective
1 Hour
Utah State Elective
1 Hours
Utah DFI (Deadline: 12/31) – 8 Hours Total
Federal Regulations and Law
3 Hours
Ethics (including consumer protection, fair lending)
2 Hours
Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
2 Hours
Elective
1 Hour
Important Reminder:
The “successive years” rule prohibits MLOs from taking the same CE course two years in a row. Mortgage Educators updates its CE courses annually to ensure compliance.
You can also apply to become a principal lending manager (PLM).
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for becoming a Principal Lending Manager in Utah, you have to meet additional professional and educational requirements to apply.
These include mortgage lending experience, passing a Utah PLM-specific test, and completing a 40-hour PLM course in addition to all the individual MLO requirements.
You will need to complete the MU4 Form in NMLS with the PLM designation selective on the application process and the company you are affiliated with will need to sponsor you for an approved and active license.
If becoming a PLM sparks your interest, check out our NEW 40 Hour Utah DRE Principal Lending Manager Self - Study Course through the link below!
2023 Utah DRE Principal Lending Manager 40 Hour Self-Study Course
Mortgage Educators and Compliance is here to answer any additional questions you may have regarding your Utah mortgage license.
For additional questions, feel free to call us at (801) 676-2520 or email us at [email protected].
Every state has its own Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) requirements for mortgage education. New mortgage loan originators (MLOs) must complete a 20-hour NMLS-approved course, which is standard nationwide.
In addition, Utah now requires a 5-hour state-specific course, which is tracked in NMLS. This replaces the previous 15-hour UT-DRE requirement.
Total required pre-licensing education: 25 hours
| Topic | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Federal Laws and Regulations | 3 Hours |
| Ethics (including fraud, consumer protection, fair lending) | 3 Hours |
| Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending | 2 Hours |
| General Electives | 12 Hours |
| Utah State-Specific Law | 5 Hours |
| Total 25 Hours | |
Important:
- The 5-hour UT-DRE requirement will be tracked in NMLS beginning May 1.
- Applicants who do not complete the previous 15-hour requirement and submit their license application by April 30 must complete the new 5-hour course.
- Pre-licensing education (PE) does not count toward annual continuing education (CE) credits.
- MLOs should not retake the 20-hour PE course unless directed by a state regulator.
Although not yet enacted, Utah has proposed a PE expiration policy. Under this policy, if you complete the required 20 hours of education but do not obtain your license within 3 years, you may be required to retake the coursework.
This may also apply if your license has been inactive or lapsed for 3 or more years before re-entering the industry.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
- A mortgage broker is typically a company that employs mortgage loan originators.
- A loan officer (MLO) is an individual who works for a broker (or lender) to originate mortgage loans for borrowers.
In short, brokers are businesses, while loan officers are licensed individuals who work under them.
Becoming a Utah MLO involves several steps and associated fees under the SAFE Act.
| NMLS & State Fees: | |
|---|---|
| Fee Type | Cost |
| NMLS Initial Processing Fee | $30 |
| UT-DRE Application Fee | $118 |
| Credit Report | $15 |
| FBI Criminal Background Check | $36.25 |
| Total Application Fees | $199.25 |
Utah requires licensed MLOs to complete annual continuing education (CE). Requirements vary slightly depending on the regulator:
| Utah DRE (Deadline: 12/15) – 9 Hours Total | |
|---|---|
| Federal Regulations and Law | 3 Hours |
| Ethics (including consumer protection, fair lending) | 2 Hours |
| Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending | 2 Hours |
| Elective | 1 Hour |
| Utah State Elective | 1 Hours |
| Utah DFI (Deadline: 12/31) – 8 Hours Total | |
|---|---|
| Federal Regulations and Law | 3 Hours |
| Ethics (including consumer protection, fair lending) | 2 Hours |
| Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending | 2 Hours |
| Elective | 1 Hour |
Important Reminder:
The “successive years” rule prohibits MLOs from taking the same CE course two years in a row. Mortgage Educators updates its CE courses annually to ensure compliance.
You can also apply to become a principal lending manager (PLM).
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for becoming a Principal Lending Manager in Utah, you have to meet additional professional and educational requirements to apply.
These include mortgage lending experience, passing a Utah PLM-specific test, and completing a 40-hour PLM course in addition to all the individual MLO requirements.
You will need to complete the MU4 Form in NMLS with the PLM designation selective on the application process and the company you are affiliated with will need to sponsor you for an approved and active license.
If becoming a PLM sparks your interest, check out our NEW 40 Hour Utah DRE Principal Lending Manager Self - Study Course through the link below!
2023 Utah DRE Principal Lending Manager 40 Hour Self-Study Course
Mortgage Educators and Compliance is here to answer any additional questions you may have regarding your Utah mortgage license. For additional questions, feel free to call us at (801) 676-2520 or email us at [email protected].
Get Your Mortgage License in Utah
If you’re new to the state or seeking a Utah mortgage license renewal, Mortgage Educators is ready to help. Learn why we’re the most convenient and flexible option by enrolling today in our Utah mortgage license bundle course or our Utah pre-licensure course.
