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Becoming a MLO In North Carolina

Get Your Mortgage Loan Originator License in 2024!

North Carolina Bundle

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Starting at: $399 Now Only $279!

Use Promo Code: NCPE279

Licensed in another state and want to add North Carolina?

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Now Only $99.98!

Use Promo Code: NCPE99

How to Get an NMLS Mortgage License in North Carolina

 

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 North Carolina 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. North Carolina requires 20 hours of NMLS-approved education and 4-hour state elective SAFE pre-licensure education.

     

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.

 
 

Step 4

     

Step 5

     

Step 6

 
 

Complete Background Checks and Pay All Fees

     

Apply for Your North Carolina 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 North Carolina NMLS license. You can find more information on this step here.

 

     

Your license will still be pending in North Carolina until you have an employer sponsorship, which lets the government know that an employer is supervising your license. Learn how to associate your NMLS account with your employer here.

 

A Rewarding Career With a North Carolina Mortgage License

Obtaining a North Carolina mortgage loan originator license is the first step toward an exciting, dynamic, and social career path. You’ll be able to keep learning new things, all while meeting new people and earning a good living. However, when you’re just getting started, the education and application process can be difficult.

 

You can use the steps and support offered by Mortgage Educators to get your license more quickly and easily. Our course bundle allows you to complete North Carolina’s education requirements with less hassle. You can also take an exam preparation class to make sure you’re ready. Then you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding career that can keep you interested and engaged for many years.

 

North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 12 Hours
North Carolina Specific Law 4 Hours
Total 24 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 North Carolina should be considered an investment well worth your time. Here’s what to expect when it comes to licensing fees in North Carolina:

NMLS Fees
NMLS Initial Processing Fee $30
NC Application Fee $125
Credit Report $15
FBI Criminal Background Check $36.25
Total License Cost $206.25

On an annual basis, North Carolina 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
North Carolina Specific Education 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 North Carolina is December 31st. MLO's in North Carolina are actually prevented from applying for license renewal until they have completed their CE.
North Carolina also requires a new criminal background check and credit check each year. Although the deadline for your renewal application is the last day of the year, it's recommended that you submit it by November 1st instead.

Fee Type Cost
Renewal $125
Reinstatement $125
Processing $30
Total Renewal Cost $280

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

North Carolina Mortgage Education Pre-Licensing  NMLS Approved Course Provider for North Carolina