Reglith

Mortgage licensing / California

California Real Estate Broker License Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License Endorsement

individual licence · NMLS CADREBROKER_I · DFPI

Please note that brokers working as a sole proprietor must file both as a company and as an individual. See description above: This license endorsement is required for any sole proprietor that, for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, directly or indirectly accepts or offers to accept an application for a mortgage loan, solicits or offers to solicit a mortgage loan on behalf of a borrower, or negotiates or offers to negotiate the terms and conditions of a mortgage loan on behalf of a lender for residential property in California. This license endorsement is required for any broker-associate employed by a broker under a broker-salesperson agreement who also performs these activities.

Requirements (2)

  1. Step 1

    Company Sponsorship: A sponsorship request must be submitted by your employer. CA-DRE will review and accept or reject the sponsorship request. CA-DRE offers an “Approved-Inactive” license status. If you are not currently employed by a mortgage company (or your employer has not yet requested sponsorship on your behalf) and you have completed all requirements for this license, the license may be issued as “Approved-Inactive” until sponsorship by a mortgage company is acquired. While in an “Approved-Inactive” status, you are NOT authorized to conduct business under the authority of the CA-DRE Real Estate Broker License Endorsement.

    Submitted via: NMLS

  2. Step 2

    Previously Filled Disclosure Questions: I have previously filed acceptable information to the Department of Real Estate in response to these questions, and NO NEW DISCLOSURE IS BEING MADE. I understand that CA-DRE will review the responses on NMLS and compare these responses with existing CA-DRE records. _________________________________ DRE# __________________________________________ NMLS# _________________________________ Printed Name _________________________________ _________________ Signature Date

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: Upload document in NMLS in the Agency Guidance section under Document Type Additional Upload Requirement.

General information

Who Is Required to Have This License? This license endorsement is required for a real estate broker who acts as a sole proprietor that, for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, directly or indirectly accepts or offers to accept an application for a mortgage loan, solicits or offers to solicit a mortgage loan on behalf of a borrower, or negotiates or offers to negotiate the terms and conditions of a mortgage loan on behalf of a lender for residential property containing one to four units in California. This license endorsement is also required for real estate brokers who conduct mortgage loan activities employed by a broker under a broker-salesperson agreement. An individual who desires to conduct residential mortgage loan originator (MLO) activities must first obtain a California real estate salesperson license through CA-DRE. An MLO license endorsement must be obtained by completing the license endorsement requirements and filing an Individual Form (MU4) through NMLS. Important CBC Information: Before initiating any part of the testing or application process, you are strongly advised to review the criminal background denial criteria for an MLO license endorsement. Click here to review the Criminal Background Check denial criteria. If you do not meet the stated criteria, authorization to be issued an MLO license endorsement will not be granted. Underlying Real Estate License Unlike the underlying real estate license, an individual license endorsement which is issued prior to October 31st, of each year will be valid through December 31st, and will need to be renewed annually thereafter, if desired. Pre-Licensure Education: Prior to submission of the application, complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education (PE) courses. CA-DRE does not issue paper licenses for this license type. The MLO license endorsement certificate can be printed on the CA-DRE website.

Other California mortgage licenses

Sourced from the NMLS/CSBS state licensing record, last updated July 29, 2025. Requirements change — confirm against the state agency before filing. Not legal advice.

Stop missing the rule that costs you a loan.