How Much Does an MLO License Cost? NMLS and State Fees (2026)
There is no single price for an MLO license. Four fees are the same everywhere because NMLS charges them. The state fee depends on the state, and the 20-hour pre-licensing course is priced by each approved provider, so we do not quote one. Figures below are from NMLS and the states' own NMLS checklists, checked 11 Oct 2026.
Fees every applicant pays
| Fee | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| SAFE MLO Test enrollment | US$110 | Each attempt, including every retake |
| NMLS processing fee (individual) | US$35 | With the license application, and again each year at renewal |
| FBI criminal background check | US$36.25 | With the application |
| Credit report | US$15 | With the application |
Together that is US$196.25 before the state fee and the education course, assuming you pass the test the first time.
State application fees
| State and regulator | State application fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Florida (Office of Financial Regulation) | US$195 | The checklist puts the approximate total at US$305.25, including the NMLS fees and about US$24 for a state Live Scan, but not the test |
| Texas (Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending) | US$145 | Includes a US$20 Recovery Fund fee; a US$25 state sponsorship fee applies when an employer sponsors you |
| California (DFPI license) | US$300 | For the DFPI Mortgage Loan Originator License |
| California (DRE endorsement) | US$300 | For a real estate licensee's MLO License Endorsement |
| Arizona (Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions) | US$350 | Plus a license fee pro-rated by the month you apply, a US$50 sponsorship fee and a US$100 recovery fee unless your employer holds the US$200,000 loan originator bond; confirm the current license fee with DIFI |
| Georgia (Department of Banking and Finance) | US$200 | No individual bond; you are covered by your sponsoring company's bond |
Worked example
What it adds up to
Florida, passing first time: checklist total US$305.25 + test US$110 = US$415.25, plus the 20-hour course.
Texas, passing first time: test US$110 + NMLS US$35 + background check US$36.25 + credit report US$15 + state fee US$145 = US$341.25, plus the 23-hour course and any sponsorship fee.
Each failed attempt adds a new US$110 enrollment and a waiting period of at least 30 days.
Keeping the license
Every year you pay the US$35 NMLS processing fee and the state renewal fee, and complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education before you renew in the November 1 to December 31 window. See continuing education and renewal.
Budget trap
Takeaway
State-by-state education hours are in MLO license requirements by state.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the NMLS exam?
US$110 per attempt (NMLS Testing Handbook, checked 11 Oct 2026). A retake needs a new enrollment and fee.
How much does it cost to get an MLO license?
The NMLS-level fees are the same everywhere: US$110 test, US$35 processing, US$36.25 background check and US$15 credit report, or US$196.25. Add the state fee (US$145 to US$350 in the five largest states) and your pre-licensing course.
Is there an annual fee to keep an MLO license?
Yes: the US$35 NMLS processing fee plus your state's renewal fee, and 8 hours of continuing education each year.
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