How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator MLO in Nevada

How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Nevada

To obtain a Nevada Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license, you must follow a series of steps outlined by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry's Division of Mortgage Lending licensing staff. For additional assistance, you can contact them by phone at (775) 684-7060 or send your questions via email to mldlicensing@mld.nv.gov and the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Create an NMLS Account
      Start by setting up an individual account on the NMLS website (mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org). This straightforward process will give you a unique NMLS ID number, which you’ll use throughout the licensing process. It’s a quick process—provide your personal information and confirm your account.
  2. Complete Pre-License Education (PE)
    You must complete 30 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. This includes:
    1. 26 hours of general mortgage-related coursework covering federal law, ethics, and loan origination basics.
    2. 4 hours of Nevada-specific content focusing on state laws and regulations.
       These courses can be taken online. Click here to view the Nevada Mortgage Loan Originator Online Course bundle, offering incredible flexibility. Our course and custom schedule options allow you to select the option that best suits your needs. Keep your completion certificate handy, as the provider typically reports it to NMLS on your behalf.
  3. Pass the SAFE MLO Exam
    Schedule and pass the National SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator test with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account. Here is guidance on scheduling your NMLS exam.
    1. The exam consists of 115 scored questions, costs $110, and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
    2. You need a score of 75% or higher to pass.
    3. Study materials and practice tests are recommended, as the first-time pass rate is approximately 58%. Our NVMLO Course bundle includes a robust test preparation program; you get the results if you put in the work. If you have already completed a 20-hour course and require additional test preparation resources, we have you covered with our stand-alone NMLS test prep program. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and prepared.
  4. Submit Your License Application (MU4 Form)
    Once you've completed your education and passed the exam, the next step is to submit your license application. This involves logging in to your NMLS account and completing the Individual Form (MU4) to apply for a Nevada MLO license. You’ll need to provide your personal details, including residency and employment history.
    1. Personal details, including residency and employment history.
  5. Fees: $75 (application fee), $30 (NMLS processing fee), $15 (credit report), and approximately $36.25 for background checks.
  6. Authorize a credit report and submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. You'll need to complete a fingerprint-based background check with an NMLS-authorized live scan service provider.
  7. Get Sponsored by an Employer
      It's important to note that to become a licensed Loan Originator, you must have a licensed lender or company sponsor your license. This means that once you’re hired, your employer will verify sponsorship through NMLS by linking their credentials to your account. Your license remains “pending” until this step is complete.
  8. Wait for Approval
      After submitting everything, Nevada reviews your application. Your license will be issued if all requirements are met, including education, exam, fees, background checks, and sponsorship. This final step of approval marks the culmination of your efforts, making you feel accomplished. Check your NMLS account for status updates.

Key Tips:

  • Timing: Start early—education and exam prep can take weeks, and approval depends on how fast you complete each step.
  • Costs: Total fees are roughly $150-200, plus the cost of your education course (varies by provider, often $600–$800, AAA Mortgage Training’s package costs $474.99 plus the $45.00 NMLS recording fees for a total of $519.99 with instructor access by email, chat, phone or text message throughout the course and test prep period.) NV NMLS MLO Checklist indicates total licensing costs paid at license application:

NV Mortgage Loan Originator License Fees submitted via the NMLS

  • NMLS Initial Processing Fee: $30
  • Nevada Application Fee: $75.00
  • Credit Report: $15
  • FBI Criminal Background Check: $36.25
  • Renewal: Once licensed, you’ll need 8 hours of continuing education annually to renew by December 31.

That’s it! Once approved, you can work as a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in Nevada, assisting clients in securing mortgage loans. Please let me know if you need details on any step.

  • Create an NMLS Account. Set up an individual account on the NMLS website to receive a unique NMLS ID number. 
  • Complete Pre-License Education (PE). Complete 30 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, comprising 20 hours of general mortgage-related coursework and 10 hours of Nevada-specific content. 
  • Pass the SAFE MLO Exam and the National SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account. The exam consists of 115 scored questions, costs $110, and requires a score of 75% or higher to pass. 
  • Submit Your License Application (MU4 Form) - File the Individual Form (MU4) on the NMLS website, providing your details, and paying the required fees. Authorize a credit report and submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. 

I just wanted to let you know that this checklist is not a substitute for reviewing the applicable statutes and rules.

MLOs and the public may rely on information provided in the NMLS to demonstrate and verify license status. Sponsoring companies will receive an email notification indicating the issuance of licenses for new applicants. Individuals will receive notice via the NMLS concerning the change in status to “Approved.”

Once these steps are completed, secure sponsorship from a licensed Loan Originator, lender, or company, and wait for approval from the Nevada Department of Financial Institutions.