How to Get an NMLS Mortgage License in Arizona

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Apply For Your NMLS Account and ID Number	Complete Your NMLS Pre-License Education	Need to Pass the SAFE MLO National Test
The first step to obtaining your Arizona mortgage license is applying for an NMLS account and ID number. To do so, go to the NMLS website.	Once you’ve created NMLS account, it’s time to complete your pre-license education. Arizona requires 20 hours (16 hours & 4 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.
Step 4	Step 5	Step 6
Complete Background Checks and Pay All Fees	Apply for Your Arizona Mortgage License	Associate Your NMLS Account with Your Employer
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 Arizona mortgage loan originator license. You can find more information on this step here.	Your license will still be pending in Arizona 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.

Arizona 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.

Four elective hours must cover Arizona specific regulations and laws. Mortgage Educators includes all of this bundled together, making it easy to keep track of your educational progress.

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	8 Hours
Arizona Specific Law	4 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 Arizona should be considered an investment well worth your time. Here’s what to expect when it comes to licensing fees in Arizona:

NMLS Fees
NMLS Initial Processing Fee	$30
Arizona Application Fee	$350
Credit Report	$15
FBI Criminal Background Check	$36.25
Total License Cost	$431.25

You should also expect to pay a registration fee to obtain your mortgage license in Arizona. This fee depends on the month your license will be issued and are as follows.

Registration Fees by Month
January, February, March	$150
April, May, June	$112.50
July, August, September	$75
October, November, December	$37.50

On an annual basis, Arizona 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
Arizona Specific Education	1 Hour

Mortgage Educators and Compliance is here to answer any additional questions you may have regarding your Arizona mortgage license. For additional questions, feel free to call us at (801) 676-2520 or email us at 20hour@MortgageEducators.com.

Arizona Mortgage Education Pre-Licensing AZ MLO Education NMLS Approved Provider

How to Get an NMLS Mortgage License in Arizona

Step 2

Step 3

Apply For Your NMLS Account and ID Number

Complete Your NMLS Pre-License Education

Need to Pass the SAFE MLO National Test

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

Once you’ve created NMLS account, it’s time to complete your pre-license education. Arizona requires 20 hours (16 hours & 4 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.

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Complete Background Checks and Pay All Fees

Apply for Your Arizona Mortgage License

Associate Your NMLS Account with Your Employer

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 Arizona mortgage loan originator license. You can find more information on this step here.

Your license will still be pending in Arizona 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.

Arizona Frequently Asked Questions