Colorado Mortgage Loan Originator License
individual licence · DRE
This license is required for all persons who originate a mortgage, offer to originate a mortgage, act as a mortgage loan originator, or offer to act as a mortgage loan originator.
Requirements (4)
Step 1
Colorado License Fee: $48 Note: This fee should be paid at the conclusion of the NMLS process.Submitted via: CO-DORA Website
Step 2
Company Sponsorship: A sponsorship request must be submitted by your employer. CO will review and accept or reject the sponsorship request. CO 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, or if you do not wish to do business at this time) and you have completed all requirements for this license, the license may be issued as “Approved-Inactive” if so requested by the applicant. While in an “Approved-Inactive” status, you are NOT authorized to conduct business under the authority of the CO Mortgage Loan Originator License.Submitted via: NMLS
Step 3
State Criminal Background Check: Submit a set of fingerprints for a criminal history record check to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI). Click here for detailed instructions on this process.Submitted via: CO Bureau of Investigations
Step 4
State eLicense Application: Complete state license application through the CO-DORA Online services Website 24 hours AFTER submitting NMLS application. Follow the link below to access the eLicense application and choose second option: Application.Submitted via: CO-DORA Online Services Website
General information
Who Is Required To Have This License?
All persons who originate a mortgage, offer to originate a mortgage, act as a mortgage loan originator, or offer to act as a mortgage loan originator. Individuals who meet requirements as described in section 12-10-709, Colorado Revised Statutes do not need this license.
A Division checklist for new applicants has been created to help mortgage loan originators through the application process. This checklist can be viewed online in the MLO licensing section of the CO-DORA website.
License approval will be issued in an “Approved-Active” status once your Individual Form (MU4) is satisfactorily reviewed by Colorado Division of Real Estate. To receive an “Approved” status, Mortgage Loan Originators must meet the all the listed requirements below.
Activities Authorized Under This License
This license authorizes the following activities…
• First & Second Mortgage Brokering
• Foreclosure Consulting/Foreclosure Rescue
• Home Equity Lending/Lines of Credit
• Reverse Mortgage Activities
• High Cost Home Loans
• Third Party Mortgage Loan Processing (1099 Employees Only)
• Third Party Mortgage Loan Underwriting (1099 Employees Only)
• Mortgage Loan Modifications
Pre-Requisites for License Applications
Complete all of the required pre-licensing education and written examinations required by the Director, (State specific as well as Federal tests), before application to the State of Colorado.
Acquisition of a Surety Bond as required by section 12-61-907, C.R.S., and in accordance with any rule of the Director that directly or indirectly addresses Surety Bond requirements
Acquisition of the Errors and Omissions insurance required by section 12-61-903.5, C.R.S., and in accordance with any rule of the Director that directly or indirectly addresses Errors and Omissions insurance requirements: an official quote showing a proposed policy number and proposed beginning and ending dates with the applicants name will suffice for the application process provided the applicant, upon issuance of the official State of Colorado license, revisits their Colorado online RMS account and replaces the quote with the actual data. Failure to do so will result in an inactive license.
Individuals who fail to maintain an active, valid license for at least five (5) years must satisfactorily complete one of the testing requirements listed above within the five (5) year period immediately preceding the date of application for licensure.
CO-DORA does issue paper licenses for the individual mortgage loan originator license.
Other Colorado mortgage licenses
Sourced from the NMLS/CSBS state licensing record, last updated March 26, 2026. Requirements change — confirm against the state agency before filing. Not legal advice.