Mortgage licensing / California

California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License

company licence · NMLS CADOCRESLENDSER_C · DFPI

Requirements (27)

1. Step 1

   Resident/Registered Agent: The Resident/Registered Agent must be listed under the Resident/Registered Agent section of the Company Form (MU1) and must match the information currently on record with California Secretary of State.

   Submitted via: NMLS

2. Step 2

   Books and Records: Indicate the location where the company maintains its California books and records in the Business Address field of the Books and Record Information section of the Company Form (MU1). Notate in the Books and Records Comment section in NMLS a detailed description of the Record Keeping Plan and software used.

   Submitted via: NMLS

3. Step 3

   Qualifying Individual: The company must designate an individual who shall supervise and periodically review the activities of the branch managers. This individual shall inspect each business office of the licensee to ensure that the written procedures are enforced. If the applicant does not have any branch offices, the individual shall directly supervise and review the activities of the mortgage loan originators. The individual shall be identified on the company application form as a Qualifying Individual. The Qualifying Individual is a person in charge and responsible for the actions of the licensee. This individual must be listed in the Qualifying Individual section of Company Form (MU1).

   Submitted via: NMLS

4. Step 4

   AML/BSA Policy (Relevant to Lender Authority): Upload the company’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Policy. The AML/BSA policy must include procedures for annual testing by an independent third party or personnel of the company, none of whom are the AML Compliance Person, nor do they perform the AML functions being tested. This document should be named [Internally Approved Date mm-dd-yyyy].

   Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: under the Document Type AML/BSA Policy in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

5. Step 5

   Business Plan: Upload a business plan outlining the following information: • The type of license applied for – CRMLA lender, servicer or lender and servicer – stated clearly at the top of the business plan • Describe in sufficient detail the business to be conducted by the applicant under this license • Operating structure applicant intends to employ • Marketing strategies • Products/Services • Target markets • Credit decision • Flow of funds structure • Loan processing/underwriting • Sale of loan • Affiliate and/or subsidiary relationships • Sub-servicer contract This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal] Name Business Plan.

   Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Business Plan in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

6. Step 6

   Other Business: Upload a detailed description of the activities the applicant intends to engage in that are not specified in the Business Activities section of the Company Form (MU1). If the applicant does not intend to engage in any other business, please upload a statement to that effect. This document should be titled [State prefix] Other Business Activities.

   Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Business Plan in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form MU1.

7. Step 7

   Other Trade Name: If operating under a name that is different from the applicant’s legal name (Fictitious Business Name, Trade Name, Assumed Name, Forced Name or DBA): • List each name under the Other Trade Names section of the Company Form (MU1) • Upload a copy of the Fictitious Business Name Statement bearing the seal of the Country Clerk for each name to be used in California In California, a company is not authorized to use a fictitious business name if a forced/assumed name is issued by the California Secretary of State. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation does not limit the number of other trade names. Refer to Section 17900 of the Business and Professions Code for the requirements of filing this statement. This document should be titled [State prefix] Lender or Servicer or Lender and Servicer Fictitious Business Name/Trade Name/Assumed Name/DBA.

   Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Trade Name/Assumed Name Registration Certificates in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

8. Step 8

   Financial Statements: See the License Requirements and Fees Chart on the NMLS Resource Center for details related to this Requirement

   Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the MU1 'Financial Statement Summary'

9. Step 9

   Certificate of Authority/Good Standing Certificate (ALL APPLICANTS): Upload an original Certificate of Authority/Certificate of Good Standing from the California Secretary of State that reflects the following: • The applicant’s legal name • Dated not more than sixty (60) days prior to the filing of the application through NMLS • The certificate must demonstrate the applicant is authorized to transact business in the State of California This requirement applies to all applicants (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and trusts). This document should be titled [State prefix] Certificate of Authority or [State prefix] Certificate of Good Standing.

   Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Certificate of Authority/Good Standing Certificate in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

10. Step 10

    Certificate of Authority/Good Standing Certificate (FOREIGN ENTITY): Upload an original Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State of the state of incorporation or formation that reflects the following: • The applicant’s legal name • Dated not more than sixty (60) days prior to the filing of the application through NMLS • The certificate must demonstrate the applicant is authorized to transact business in the state of incorporation or formation This requirement applies to all applicants (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and trusts). This document should be titled [State prefix] Certificate of Authority or [State prefix] Certificate of Good Standing.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Certificate of Authority/Good Standing Certificate in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

11. Step 11

    Approvals and Designation: Upload evidence of federal agency approval for the applicant to engage in business as a lender or servicer of federally related mortgage loans. The federal agency approval must be one of the following: FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, or Farmers Home Administration. Federal agency approval is not required for the applicant to engage in business as an independent contractor to solely perform loan processing and underwriting activities.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Additional Requirement(s) in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

12. Step 12

    Fidelity Bond: Upload the fidelity bond currently in effect that reflects the following: • The name of the principal insured on the bond must exactly match the applicant’s full legal name, or if issued by California Secretary of State the Assumed/Forced Name • The address on the bond should reflect the applicant’s current address • If applicable, include power of attorney (POA) • The bond must contain coverage for employee dishonesty The full policy must be uploaded.This document should be titled Fidelity Bond.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under Fidelity Bond in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

13. Step 13

    Formation Documents: Determine classification of applicant’s legal status and submit a State certified copy of the requested applicable documentation detailed below. Original formation documents and all subsequent amendments, thereto, including a list of any name changes. This document should be titled [State prefix] Formation Documentation [Date of Creation (MM-DD-YYYY)]. Sole Proprietor: • No CA-DFPI specific documentation required Unincorporated Association: • By-Laws or constitution (including all amendments) General Partnership: • Partnership Agreement (including all amendments) Limited Liability Partnership: • Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership; and • Partnership Agreement (including all amendments) Limited Partnership: • Certificate of Limited Partnership; and • Partnership Agreement (including all amendments) Limited Liability Limited Partnership: • Certificate of Limited Liability Limited Partnership; and • Partnership Agreement (including all amendments) Limited Liability Company (LLC): • Articles of Organization (including all amendments); • Operating Agreement (including all amendments); • IRS Form 2553 or IRS Form 8832 if S-Corp treatment elected; and • LLC resolution if authority not in operating agreement Corporation: • Articles of Incorporation (including all amendments); • By-laws (including all amendments), if applicable; • Shareholder Agreement (including all amendments), if applicable; • IRS Form 2553 if S-Corp treatment elected; and • Corporate resolution if authority to complete application not in By-Laws or Shareholder Agreement, as amended, as applicable Not for Profit Corporation: • Documents requested of a Corporation (see above); and • Proof of nonprofit status • Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) 501(c)(3) designation letter; or • statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that: (i) the entity is a nonprofit organization operating within the State; and (ii) no part of the entity’s net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual; or • entity's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or • Any of the three preceding items described, if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate Trust (Statutory): • Certificate of Trust; and • Governing instrument (all amendments)

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under Formation Document in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

14. Step 14

    Management Chart: Upload a management chart displaying the applicant’s divisions, directors, officers, and managers (name and title). The chart must also identify compliance reporting and internal audit structure. The named individuals should match those disclosed in the Direct Owners and Executive Officers section of the Company Form (MU1). The chart should identify the lowest level of management. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] Management Chart.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under Management Chart in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

15. Step 15

    Organizational Chart/Description: Upload an organizational chart that shows and includes a description of the percentage of ownership of: • Direct Owners (with 10% or more ownership) • Indirect Owners (with 10% or more ownership) • Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the applicant The total direct ownership and indirect ownership percentages must equate to 100%. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] Organizational Chart – Description.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under Organizational Chart/Description in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

16. Step 16

    Statement of Compliance with California Homeowners Bill of Rights (CA-HBOR): Provide a written statement confirming the following: • The company is aware of all CA-HBOR requirements • The company acknowledges that CA-HBOR requirements differ from federal-level requirements • The company has policies and procedures, and if applicable, its sub servicer has policies and procedures in place that comply with CA-HBOR requirements The statement must be made on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] CA-HBOR Compliance.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Company Staffing and Internal Policies in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

17. Step 17

    Per Diem Interest: Provide a written statement confirming the company has policies and procedures in place that will ensure compliance with per diem interest related requirements. The per diem policies and procedures must comply with Section 50204(o) of the Financial Code, Section 2948.5 of the Civil Code (Per Diem Statute), and DFPI’s related guidance per DFPI Release No. 58-FS (Revised). The statement must be made on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] Per Diem Interest policies and procedures.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Company Staffing and Internal Policies in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

18. Step 18

    Trust Accounting: Provide a written statement confirming the company has policies and procedures in place that will ensure compliance with trust accounting related requirements, to include but not limited to, weekly and monthly reconciliations, commingling, and debit balances. Please refer to CRMLA related sections of the Financial Code and Code of Regulations. The statement must be made on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] Trust

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Company Staffing and Internal Policies in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

19. Step 19

    Oversight of Sub-servicer: Provide a written statement confirming the company has policies and procedures in place that will ensure compliance with 12 CFR 1024.38(b)(3): Facilitating oversight of, and compliance by, service providers. The statement must be made on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] Oversight of Sub-servicer policies and procedures.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Company Staffing and Internal Policies in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

20. Step 20

    Timely onboarding of loans: Provide a written statement confirming the company has policies and procedures in place that will ensure compliance with12 CFR 1024.38(b)(4): Facilitating transfer of information during servicing transfers. The statement must be made on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name] Timely onboarding of loans policies and procedures.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Company Staffing and Internal Policies in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

21. Step 21

    Consumer Complaint: Provide a written statement confirming the company has policies and procedures in place to effectively and efficiently manage consumer complaints. The statement must be made on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. This document should be titled [State prefix] [Company Legal Name]. Consumer Complaint policies and policies and procedures.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS under the Document Type Company Staffing and Internal Policies in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

22. Step 22

    Electronic Surety Bond: See the License Requirements and Fees Chart on the NMLS Resource Center for details related to this Requirement.

    Submitted via: Electronic Surety Bond in NMLS

23. Step 23

    Electronic Surety Bond: Electronic Surety Bond via NMLS in the amount of $50,000 furnished and submitted by a surety company authorized to conduct business in California. See the ESB Adoption Table and the ESB for NMLS Licensees page of the NMLS Recourse Center for more information. Surety Bond Requirements Table Aggregate Loan Amount Bond Amount $0 – $50,000,000 $50,0000 $50,000,001 - $500,000,000 $100,000 Over $500,000,001 $200,000 Note: Unless otherwise informed, the bond requirement is $50,000.

24. Step 24

    Fingerprint Requirement: For each control person, officer, director, general partner, direct and indirect owner (10% or more), manager, member, or trustee submit: • A Notice of Officers, Directors, Partners, Control Persons, Managers, Members, Trustees, and Employees of a Residential Mortgage Lender, Residential Mortgage Lender and Servicer, or Residential Mortgage Loan Servicer form DFPI-MBL 1950.122.2 (rev 7/13) • A copy of the completed form (rev 4/20) BCIA 8016 Request for Live Scan Service for each individual. The Request for Livescan must contain the information completed by the Livescan Transmitting Agency. Please refer to the DFPI website for further information. • If the individual has no regional access to CA Livescan Fingerprinting Services, please mail a copy of the Notice of Officers Form, completed fingerprint card, and payment to the DFPI. Standard fingerprint cards should be available at any Fingerprinting Servicer location. • Payment of $20.00 for processing of each Livescan or $62.00 for processing of each fingerprint card. A check for payment of processing fees must be sent and made payable to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Note: Natural persons who indirectly own 25% or greater of the applicant meet the definition of Control Person and must file an Individual Form (MU2) in NMLS. In addition to disclosing these persons in the Indirect Owners section of the Company Form, list these persons as Control Persons in the Direct Owners and Executive Officers section of the Company Form with the title of Indirect Owner. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation requires each person who directly or indirectly owns or controls 10% or more of the applicant to be disclosed in the Direct Owner/Executive Officer or Indirect Owner section of the Company Form (MU1). The fingerprint requirement applies to all applicable persons regardless of national origin or foreign location.

    Submitted via: Mail to CA-DFPI For U.S. Postal Service and Overnight Delivery: Department of Financial Protection and Innovation CRMLA Licensing Unit 651 Bannon Street, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95811

25. Step 25

    Customer Authorization for Disclosure of Financial Records: Please complete and submit the ORIGINAL Customer Authorization for Disclosure of Financial Records Form DFPI-MBL 1950.122B (Rev 08-21). • The name on the disclosure must be the same name on file with the California Secretary of State • The signature must be of a person named in the Direct Owners and Executive Officers section of the Company Form (MU1) • If executed outside the State of California, the signature must be notarized • Click to download form

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: under the Document Type Additional Requirements section of the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

26. Step 26

    Limited Offering Exemption Notice (LOEN): Provide evidence that the applicant has complied with the filing requirements of Corporations Code Section 25102. For more information, visit the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s website for Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Corporate Securities Law.

    Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: under the Document Type Additional Requirements section of the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1).

27. Step 27

    DESIGNATED E-MAIL: An email address dedicated to receiving electronic mail from the Commissioner and the Department must be established. To begin this process, visit the DFPI’s Self-Service DOCQNET Portal and click on designated email instructions provided. Follow the instructions to register your company’s email address.

    Submitted via: Navigate to DFPI’s Self-service DOCQNET Portal and register an account on the Self-Service Portal.

General information

Other California mortgage licenses

• Branch Office Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License Endorsement
• Mortgage Loan Originator License
• Real Estate Broker License MLO License Endorsement
• Real Estate Broker License Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License Endorsement
• Real Estate Corporation License MLO License Endorsement
• Real Estate Salesperson License Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License Endorsement
• All 8 California licenses

Sourced from the NMLS/CSBS state licensing record, last updated March 20, 2026. Requirements change — confirm against the state agency before filing. Not legal advice.