How to Get an NMLS Mortgage License in Michigan

1. Apply for Your NMLS Account and ID Number

The first step to obtaining your Michigan mortgage license is applying for an NMLS account and ID number. To do so, go to the NMLS website.

2. Complete Your NMLS Pre-License Education

Once you’ve created your NMLS account, it’s time to complete your pre-license education. Michigan requires hours (18 hours & 2 hours elective) SAFE pre-licensure education.

3. Need to Pass the SAFE NMLS Mortgage Licensing Test

With your education complete, you need to schedule an appointment for the National Test Component exam and take the NMLS test. Find out more on how to take your NMLS exam here.

4. Complete Background Checks and Pay All Fees

To finalize your application and receive your license, you’ll need to pay several non-refundable fees and complete a background check. Find out more about how to complete your background check and fingerprints here.

5. Apply for your Michigan Mortgage License

After receiving a passing score on your NMLS exam, you need to apply for your Michigan NMLS license. You can find more information on how to apply here.

6. Associate your NMLS Account with your Employer

Your mortgage license will be in a pending state in Michigan 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.

Earn Your Mortgage License in Michigan

Are you someone who has strong social skills, self-discipline, and a commitment to learning? If so, getting a mortgage license in Michigan could launch you into a satisfying and rewarding career. By studying your coursework and passing your exam, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful MLO in Michigan. Mortgage Educators & Compliance is here to help you reach your goals. We make the process of completing your prerequisites streamlined and simple, so you can focus on passing the National NMLS license exam.

Michigan Frequently Asked Questions

In an effort to curb the predatory lending practices that led to the demise of the housing and residential mortgage industry in 2008, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE) was enacted. This opened up a world of opportunity to those driven to attain an MLO license and then work hard to match people with loan products.

Topic	Hours Required
Fair Lending, Ethics, Fraud, and Consumer Protection	3 Hours
Federal Laws and Regulations	3 Hours
Non-Standard Lending	2 Hours
Undefined Electives	10 Hours
Michigan Specific Electives	2 Hours
Total 20 Hours

If you complete the required 20 hours of education but do not obtain your license for a 3-year period, you'll need to repeat the coursework. The same applies if you let your license lapse for 3+ years before you want to get back into the industry.

A “mortgage broker” refers to an individual or an organization that connects consumers with mortgage loans from a variety of companies. Mortgage brokers frequently employ loan officers. In contrast, a loan officer is an employee who regularly works with borrowers and provides loans that are originated by their employer. Brokers and loan officers need different types of licenses.

Earning your mortgage broker license in Michigan should be considered an investment well worth your time. Here’s what to expect when it comes to licensing fees in Michigan:

NMLS Fees
NMLS Initial Processing Fee	$30
Michigan Application Fee	$75
Credit Report	$15
FBI Criminal Background Check	$36.25
Total License Cost	$156.25

On an annual basis, Michigan MLO license holders must complete 8 total hours of Comprehensive Continuing Education that must cover:

Topic	Required Hours
Federal Regulations and Law	3 Hours
Ethics, including consumer protection, fair lending	2 Hours
Non-Traditional mortgage lending	2 Hours
Undefined Elective	1 Hour

Remember to take into account the “successive years” rule, which prohibits loan officers from taking the same CE course two years in a row. Mortgage Educators changes its continuing education course annually to ensure there are no issues with the successive years rule.
The deadline to complete CE in Michigan is December 31st. MLO's in Michigan are actually prevented from applying for license renewal until they have completed their CE.

Mortgage Educators and Compliance is here to answer any additional questions you may have regarding your Michigan mortgage license. For additional questions, feel free to call us at 801-676-2520 or email us at [email protected].

Michigan Mortgage Education Pre-Licensing Michigan MLO NMLS Approved Education