Maryland Mortgage Loan Originator License
individual licence · NMLS MDORIGINATOR_I · OFR
A Mortgage Loan Originator is an individual who for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, takes a loan application or offers or negotiates the terms of a mortgage loan. Refer to Md. Code Ann., Fin. Inst. § 11-601 et seq. (Maryland Mortgage Originator Law) for legal requirements.
Requirements (7)
Step 1
Company Sponsorship: A sponsorship request must be submitted by your employer. MD will review and accept or reject the sponsorship request. MD 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 NOTauthorized to conduct business under the authority of theMD Mortgage Loan Originator License.Submitted via: NMLS
Step 2
Employment History: The business address listed in the Employment section of the Individual Form (MU4) must match the address of the registered location in the Company Relationship.Submitted via: NMLS
Step 3
Verification of Experience: Submit an affidavit pertaining to Maryland Mortgage Loan Originator Activity. Use the affidavit form found here. This document should be named [Document Type] – License Name.Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: Upload document in NMLS in the Agency Guidance section under Document Type Verification of Experience.
Step 4
Legal Documentation for Criminal RAP: All required legal documentation related to criminal records should be email to your review analyst.Submitted via: Email to Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation: CFRLLicensing@dllr.state.md.us
Step 5
Credit Report Explanations: Submit a line by line, detailed letter of explanation of all derogatory credit accounts along with proof of payoffs, payment arrangements and evidence of payments made, or evidence of any formal dispute filed (documents must be dated). Accounts to address include, but are not limited to: collections items, charge offs, accounts currently past due, accounts with serious delinquencies in the last 3 years, repossessions, loan modifications, etc. Note: Items regarding bankruptcy, foreclosure actions, outstanding judgments or liens, or delinquent child support payments should be addressed in the Disclosure Explanations section of your Individual Form (MU4). This document should be named Credit Report Explanations – Sub Name – Document Creation Date.Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: Upload document in NMLS in the Agency Guidance section under Document Type Credit Report Explanations.
Step 6
Legal Name/Status Documentation: Upload legal documentation of legal name or legal status. This may be certified copies of divorce decree, marriage certificate, copy of driver’s license, passports, etc. This document should be named [Document Name] (Ex. Driver’s License, Marriage Certificate, etc.).Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: Upload document in NMLS in the Agency Guidance section under Document Type Legal Name/Status Documentation.
Step 7
Memorandum of Tax Certification: Provide a certified memorandum indicating all tax obligations to the State have been paid or that a payment plan (if applicable) is in place. This document should be named [State Abbreviation] – Memorandum of Tax Certification.Submitted via: Upload in NMLS: Upload document in NMLS in the Agency Guidance section under Document Type Memorandum of Tax Certification.
General information
Who Is Required to Have This License?
An individual who for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain:
• Takes a loan application; or
• Offers or negotiates terms of a mortgage loan.
Pre-licensure Education: Prior to submission of the application, complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education (PE) courses which shall include 3 hours of Maryland mortgage-related law and 2 hours of Maryland finder’s fee law – NMLS must indicate your compliance with this requirement.
Testing: Must satisfy one of the following three conditions:
• Passing results on both the National and Maryland State components of the SAFE Test, or
• Passing results on both the National and Stand-alone UST components of the SAFE Test, or
• Passing results on the National Test Component with Uniform State Content
Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation does issue paper licenses for this license type.
Other Maryland mortgage licenses
- Affiliated Insurance Producer-Mortgage Loan Originator License
- Mortgage Lender License
- All 3 Maryland licenses
Sourced from the NMLS/CSBS state licensing record, last updated October 7, 2025. Requirements change — confirm against the state agency before filing. Not legal advice.