MLO License in Multiple States (How-To Guide)

How to Get Your MLO License in Multiple States

If you’re a mortgage loan officer (MLO) who’s considering increasing your opportunities with an additional state-specific license, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking to grow your business, getting licenses in more states is a great way to do that. In this guide, we’ll go over how to get your NMLS license in multiple states, how many you can have, the advantages of having more than one MLO license, and the challenges you may face. Keep in mind that MLO’s looking to add extra licenses to their repertoire must have passed the National Exam with Uniform State Content (USC) and have 20 NMLS course hours.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about obtaining multiple state licenses. Alternatively, you can use the link below to navigate to the particular section that piques your interest.   

• How to Add Multiple NMLS State Licenses
  • How Many MLO Licenses from Different States Can You Have?
  • Can a MLO Work for Two Companies?
• Benefits of Having Multiple NMLS State Licenses
• Challenges of Getting Additional MLO Licenses
• Prepare with Diehl Education

How to Add Multiple NMLS State Licenses

To start originating loans in another state, you need to first determine if that state has additional education requirements you’re obligated to fulfill. Here are a few states that don’t require supplementary MLO Pre-Licensing (PE) Education: 

If the state you’re interested in isn’t mentioned on the list above, you will need additional course(s). Ultimately, how many hours of additional coursework you have to take depends on the particular state. 

When you’ve narrowed down what state  you want obtain your license in, you must satisfy the state’s education requirements by taking NMLS-approved courses. Every state has varying provisions that you’re required to complete to become an MLO there. 

If you need further information regarding licensing requirements in other states, refer to the NMLS state licensing resource. 

How Many MLO Licenses from Different States Can You Have?

You can have as many MLO licenses from different states as you want—as long as you’ve met the required guidelines outlined by the NMLS and state.

So, if you wanted to originate loans in all 50 states, plus U.S. territories, you could. The only catch is that you would have to hold a valid license in all of these locations and make sure to complete the annual NMLS Continuing Education (CE) requirements. If you’re employed by a mortgage company, that company must also be able to conduct business in those states as well. 

You can find more information on that matter on the NMLS B2B Access: Frequently Asked Questions page. 

Benefits of Having Multiple NMLS State Licenses

There are several benefits to having multiple NMLS state licenses that not only help you increase your monthly income but can make you a more well-rounded mortgage loan officer. Take a look at the following advantages to see how having extra NMLS state licenses can support you and your career: 

• Increase your business and accommodate a wider pool of clients 
• Ensure you can continue to make a profit despite unfavorable geographic-specific market conditions
• Boosts your credibility as an MLO
• Ability to compete with interstate banks 
• Can work from home in a different state

Challenges of Getting Additional MLO Licenses

Despite the benefits mentioned above, getting an additional MLO license in a different state can also pose various challenges. Let’s dive deeper into the problems you may face as you try to obtain another state license: 

• Tedious and time-consuming process: One of the most significant issues MLOs face when trying to advance their career with an extra license is not realizing how time-consuming and tedious the process can become. Not only do you have to complete extra coursework if the state requires it, but you’ll also have to keep up with annual CE courses to maintain your license in good standing. Plus, if the state where you received your second license has state-specific CE requirements, you’ll have to complete those as well. 
• Distance requirement: Another challenge you may encounter in your quest to obtain a multi-state mortgage license is the distance requirement. The distance requirement is simply a mandatory distance policy between your residence and the nearest branch office—which also needs to be licensed in the state where you’re originating loans. The distance requirement is mandatory in a few states, and if you’re unable to satisfy it, you won’t be able to receive your MLO license there.   

All in all, getting one or more state licenses can be a stressful endeavor. It may also not be a suitable choice for those that don’t have the time or resources. However, it’s not impossible either. Like any career, growth takes time and determination. 

Prepare with Diehl Education

If you’re ready to obtain an MLO license in multiple states, Diehl Education can help. Withstate-specific PE courses, our content is designed to provide you with the knowledge necessary to originate loans successfully and ensure legal compliance. We can also assist you to secure your licenses in U.S. territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 

You can also take our NMLS CE courses to satisfy the annual CE requirement to keep your MLO license current in multiple states. Our comprehensive CE courses are updated regularly, tailor-made to fit the requirements of individual states, and specially curated by industry professionals that care about your success. 

Don’t wait to add a state MLO license. Get started today with Diehl and see how an additional license can enhance your career.