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Mortgage licensing / District of Columbia

District of Columbia Mortgage Lender License

company licence · NMLS DCLENDER_C · DISB

This license is required of any sole proprietorship or entity that makes a mortgage loan to any person; or engages in the business of servicing mortgage loans for others or collecting or otherwise receiving mortgage loan payments directly from borrowers for distribution to any other person.

Requirements (14)

  1. Step 1

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

    Submitted via: NMLS

  2. Step 2

    Financial Statements: Upload financial statements for the applicant dated within 90 days of the date of application. Financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Financial statements should include a Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows and all relevant notes thereto. If applicant is a start-up company, only an initial statement of condition is required. Applicant MUST demonstrate and continuously maintain a minimum positive net worth of $200,000. See information above pertaining to Financial Statements. Note: Financial statements are uploaded separately under the Filing tab and Financial Statement submenu link. See the Financial Statements Quick Guide for instructions.

    Submitted via: NMLS

  3. Step 3

    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. 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; 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 the Document Type Formation Document in the Document Uploads section of the Company Form (MU1). This document should be named Formation Documentation [Date of Creation (MM-DD-YYYY)].

  4. Step 4

    Certificate of Registration/Good Standing Certificate: Upload a Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Good Standing issued by the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) demonstrating that the applicant is authorized to do business in the District of Columbia. The DLCP’s Corporations Division registers all entities that conduct business in the District of Columbia. Certificates should be dated no more than 60 days prior to the filing of the application through NMLS. Contact DLCP staff by telephone at: 202-671-4500. Registration Renewal is required after initial registration. A true sole proprietorship is not required to obtain a Certificate of Registration from the D.C. DLCP. NOTE: This is a state-specific document. Select District of Columbia from the state drop-down menu when uploading in NMLS. This document should be named DC Certificate of Authority OR DC 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).

  5. Step 5

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

    Submitted via: NMLS

  6. Step 6

    Electronic Surety Bond: Electronic Surety Bond via NMLS in the minimum amount of $12,500 furnished and submitted by a surety company authorized to conduct business in DC. See the ESB Adoption Table and the ESB for NMLS Licensees page of the NMLS Recourse Center for more information. Note: Surety bonds submitted via the Document Uploads section will not satisfy this requirement. Surety Bond Requirements Table Total Dollar Volume of Loans Minimum Required Bond Amount per Licensed Location Total volume of loans was $1,000,000 or less $12,500 Total volume of loans was more than $1,000,000 but less than $2,000,000 $17,500 Total volume of loans was more than $2,000,000 but less than $3,000,000 $25,000 Total volume of loans was more than $3,000,000 $50,000

    Submitted via: Electronic Surety Bond in NMLS

  7. Step 7

    Management Chart: Submit a Management chart displaying the applicant’s directors, officers, and managers (individual name and title). Must also identify compliance reporting and internal audit structure. This document should be named [Company Legal Name] Management Chart. Note: If the existing uploaded management chart already includes the above information, an additional document does not need to be uploaded. A company should only upload a single management chart.

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

  8. Step 8

    Organizational Chart/Description: Submit a chart if applicant is owned by another entity or entities or person, or has subsidiaries or affiliated entities: • Direct Owners (total direct ownership percentage must equate to 100%) • Indirect Owners • Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the applicant/licensee This document should be named [Company Legal Name] Organizational Chart – Description. Note: If the existing uploaded Organizational Chart/Description already includes the above information, an additional document does not need to be uploaded. A company should only upload a single management chart.

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

  9. Step 9

    Other Trade Name: If operating under a name that is different from the applicant’s legal name, that name (“Trade Name”, “Assumed Name” or “DBA”) must be listed under the Other Trade Names section of the Company Form (MU1). DISB does not limit the number of other trade names. Note: Applicants should not include “dba” in front of their Other Trade Name, and Other Trade Names should not be included in the Legal Name field in the Company Form (MU1). If operating under an “Other Trade Name”, upload a Trade Name Registration Certificate issued by the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for each registered trade name used by the applicant regarding ability to do business under that trade name. Contact DLCP staff by telephone at: 202-671-4500. Trade Name Renewal is required after initial registration. Click HERE for details. This document should be named DC Trade Name – Assumed Name.

    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).

  10. Step 10

    Resident/Registered Agent: The Resident/Registered Agent information must be listed under the Resident/Registered Agent section of the Company Form (MU1) and MUST match exactly the information currently on record with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Contact DLCP staff by telephone at: 202-671-4500.

  11. Step 11

    Sponsorship of Individual D.C. Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator(s): Each individual acting as a mortgage loan originator on behalf of the applicant must be separately licensed as a mortgage loan originator and a sponsorship must be established by the applicant.

    Submitted via: NMLS

  12. Step 12

    Business Plan: Upload a business plan outlining the following information: • A brief history of the applicant’s operations, and a detailed description of products and services to be offered in D.C. (i.e. First or second mortgage servicing, first or subordinate mortgage lending, third party mortgage servicing, etc.); • Operating structure the applicant intends to employ (i.e. wholesale or retail, locations, call center, etc.); • Funding facilities – provide information about the proposed borrowing facilities (e.g. warehouse lines of credit), if applicable; • Target markets; and • Marketing strategies IMPORTANT: Select the corresponding box for each activity in the “Business Activities” section of the MU1 Form that aligns with a proposed activity described in the business plan. See Business Activity Definitions for a description of each activity available. This document should be named [Company Legal Name] Business Plan. Note: If the existing uploaded business plan already includes the above information, an additional document does not need to be uploaded. A company should only upload a single business plan. If state-specific material is required, this information should be added to the existing uploaded business plan.

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

  13. Step 13

    Control Person (MU2) Requirements: See the License Requirements and Fees Chart on the NMLS Resource Center for details related to this Requirement.

    Submitted via: NMLS

  14. Step 14

    Affidavit of Prior Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Lender Activity: Applicant must complete the Affidavit of Prior Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Lender Activity. The Affidavit must be executed by an authorized signer and submitted with any attachments (if applicable) via EMAIL directly to DISB. Click HERE to access the Affidavit. Note: The Affidavit must be completed even if the Applicant has no prior District of Columbia Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Lender activity to report. Carefully review and follow the delivery instructions provided in the Affidavit. This document should be named [Company Legal Name] Prior Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Lender Activity.

    Submitted via: Email to DC: Disb.MTGLicensing@dc.gov

General information

GENERAL INFORMATION The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the District of Columbia Mortgage Lender and Broker Act of 1996, effective September 9, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-155; D.C. Official Code §§ 26-1100 et seq. (2001)) ("the Act"); and Chapter 26 of Title 26C of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (26C DCMR §§ 26-1100 et seq.). This document is an integral part of the initial license application process and contains important information, instructions, and requirements. IMPORTANT: DISB strongly recommends that applicants carefully review the D.C. mortgage lender and broker law and accompanying rules to help ensure familiarity and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. The law and rules provide definitions, licensing requirements and exemptions. Applicants are also encouraged to carefully review guidance provided in this checklist in conjunction with the law and rules BEFORE applying for a license. Guidance in this checklist does not replace or supersede applicable law and regulations. Consultation with professional counsel is strongly advised. Who Is Required to Have This License? Any sole proprietorship or entity not exempt pursuant to D.C. Code § 26-1102, that makes a mortgage loan to any person; or engages in the business of servicing mortgage loans for others or collecting or otherwise receiving mortgage loan payments directly from borrowers for distribution to any other person. Review relevant definitions under D.C. Code § 26-1101 to determine whether the applicant’s proposed activity requires a mortgage lender license. A separate branch license will be required for every location from which mortgage lending activities are conducted outside the company’s principal place of business. ATTENTION: Applying for a mortgage lender license does not authorize an entity to engage in business activities that require a license under the District of Columbia mortgage lender and broker law. Who Does Not Need This License? Complete exemption provisions are provided for in D.C. Code § 26-1102. Exemptions. Activities Authorized Under This License This license authorizes the following activities. See the Business Activities Definitions guide for a full list and description of the activity available. Review the “Business Plan” requirement in the checklist for additional details. • First and second mortgage - lending • Reverse mortgage - lending • High cost home loans – lending • First mortgage servicing • Reverse mortgage servicing • Subordinate lien mortgage servicing • Home equity lending/lines of credit NOTE: Recognize that in some cases, a business activity selected in the MU1 Form may require additional regulation by DISB or another District of Columbia Government agency (visit www.dc.gov). Pre-Requisites for License Applications • NOTE: In the case of previously licensed entities, all outstanding issues such as fees, fines, examination, reporting and other supervisory matters should be resolved before reapplying for a license. • Net Worth: Minimum $200,000 upon licensure and thereafter, on a continual basis. • Surety Bond: Electronic surety bond- minimum $12,500. • Business Registration with The District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Carefully review this requirement in the checklist below for complete details. License Issuance/Renewal The initial license term shall begin on the day the application is approved. The license shall expire on December 31st of the year in which the license term began, unless the initial license date is between November 1 and December 31, in which instance the initial license term shall run through December 31st of the following year. Review the Annual Renewal Information Page on the NMLS Resource Center for general information about renewal requirements and the process. License Certificate DISB does not issue paper or electronic licenses for this license type. Approval in NMLS serves as the official record. License Lookup/Verification Licensees and other inquiring parties can perform a search through the NMLS’ Consumer Access Portal at http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to determine whether an entity is licensed as a mortgage lender in the District of Columbia. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Review the checklist below and gather ALL required information and documentation BEFORE applying for a license. A complete application includes all required information detailed in the license checklist. Initial license applications are generally processed in the order they are received. DISB staff will review applications for accuracy, completeness, and overall compliance with applicable requirements. A ‘Pending-Incomplete’ status will appear for all new applicants until DISB changes the status during the application review process. NOTICE: DISB will NOT perform an in-depth review of incomplete license applications. Anytime DISB notifies an applicant of a deficiency or requests additional information, the application review process is placed on HOLD until the applicant cures the deficiency or provides an adequate response. Applicants should NOT ignore emails received from bankingbureau@dc.gov. If a deficiency is discovered during the preliminary review of an application, DISB will notify the applicant through ‘License Items’ created in NMLS or via email. Accordingly, it is extremely important that all designated contact e-mail addresses are current. DISB will update the application status to “Pending-Deficient” and set an initial due date not to exceed 30 days from the date the License Item was created to correct any deficiencies. If an applicant does not fully respond to requests as detailed in License Items or e-mail deficiency notices, the application may be considered abandoned by the applicant and may be administratively withdrawn by DISB. An applicant seeking licensure following the withdrawal or abandonment of an application may submit a new application. Remote Work Click HERE to review Bulletin No. 22-BB-002-11/22/2022, which provides guidance outlining DISB’s position on sponsored mortgage loan originators working from a location other than a District of Columbia licensed location. The Act does not address a minimum or maximum work commute distance requirement for mortgage loan originators. NMLS Call Center The NMLS Call Center provides user support for navigating NMLS, performing essential functions within the system, submitting documentation, using resources available on the NMLS Resource Center, tutorials and much more. Contact the NMLS Call Center at 1-855- NMLS-123 (1-855-665-7123) Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time. NOTE: This checklist is designed to help applicants understand application requirements and prepare to submit a complete online license application via NMLS. It can be used electronically or printed. Please note that there are special circumstances that are not covered by the checklist. DISB may require applicants to provide supplemental information and documentation in support of a license application as deemed necessary. This checklist is NOT an application requirement. Do NOT submit this checklist to DISB. CHECKLIST AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ATTENTION: Incomplete or missing information and lack of responsiveness to DISB requests are typical reasons for prolonged application processing or abandoned license applications. REVIEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS! • Review and become familiar with the District of Columbia mortgage and broker law, and any other applicable District or Federal statutes, regulations and guidance applicable to mortgage lenders. • Carefully review and follow the instructions included in the license checklist and related MU Forms. • It is recommended applicants should begin collecting all the information below and have it readily accessible prior to starting the online application process. • Do NOT submit a license application if ALL information is NOT available to be submitted electronically. • Review and cross-reference information entered in MU Forms along with supporting materials for accuracy, completeness, and consistency before attesting and submitting. • Promptly amend and update information required by MU Forms as changes occur. THE APPLICANT/LICENSEE IS FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LICENSE FOR WHICH THEY ARE APPLYING. THE AGENCY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY TO FACILITATE APPLICATION THROUGH NMLS. SHOULD YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONSULT LEGAL COUNSEL.

Other District of Columbia mortgage licenses

Sourced from the NMLS/CSBS state licensing record, last updated April 21, 2025. Requirements change — confirm against the state agency before filing. Not legal advice.

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