How to Get a Mortgage loan originator License in Texas (2026)

Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML); Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC)

Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML); Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC)

In Texas, there are two (2) agencies who issue Mortgage Loan Originator licenses. … TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING & … TEXAS OFFICE OF CONSUMER CREDIT

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.sml.texas.gov/mortgage-origination/faqs/

You must apply for the license through NMLS.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.sml.texas.gov/mortgage-origination/licensing/

All new applications, renewals and changes for companies or individuals must be submitted online through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

SML license: at least 20 hours NMLS-approved prelicensing education plus 3 hours on Texas laws, rules and origination practices.

SML license: at least 20 hours NMLS-approved prelicensing education plus 3 hours on Texas laws, rules and origination practices.

Applicants seeking licensure are required to complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, plus an additional 3 hours of education relating to the laws, rules, and practice considerations governing residential mortgage loan origination in Texas.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

8 hours

8

A license holder must complete 8 hours of continuing education annually through a course provider approved by NMLS in order to renew the license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Inactive licenses may renew November 1 through December 31 if all maintenance requirements, including CE, are met.

If your license is in an inactive status, you may continue to renew the license by timely requesting renewal during the annual renewal period (November 1 to December 31) and meeting all requirements to maintain the license (including taking all required continuing education). Applies to: SML residential mortgage loan originator annual renewal, including inactive licenses

If your license is in an inactive status, you may continue to renew the license by timely requesting renewal during the annual renewal period (November 1 to December 31) and meeting all requirements to maintain the license (including taking all required continuing education).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

SML credits SAFE Act prelicensing coursework from another jurisdiction but excludes hours dedicated to that jurisdiction's laws.

SML credits SAFE Act prelicensing coursework from another jurisdiction but excludes hours dedicated to that jurisdiction's laws.

The Department recognizes pre-licensing education coursework taken in another jurisdiction that is subject to the requirements of the federal SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq.). … However, the Department will not recognize those hours of pre-licensing education taken in another jurisdiction the content of which was dedicated to education specific to that jurisdiction.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The education and renewal fields describe the SML pathway. Texas has two licensing agencies; verify the correct agency before applying.

The education and renewal fields describe the SML pathway. Texas has two licensing agencies; verify the correct agency before applying.

In Texas, there are two (2) agencies who issue Mortgage Loan Originator licenses. Before applying, verify the correct agency you need to apply with to avoid any potential delays.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

OCCC licenses originators of secondary mortgage, home-equity, residential property-tax and manufactured-housing loans, with SML exceptions for secondary and home-equity lending.

OCCC licenses originators of secondary mortgage, home-equity, residential property-tax and manufactured-housing loans, with SML exceptions for secondary and home-equity lending.

Secondary Mortgage Loans – Exception: If you currently hold any license from the TX Dept of Savings & Mortgage Lending, you must apply for secondary loans with TX-SML. … Home-equity loans – Exception: If you currently hold any license from the TX Dept of Savings & Mortgage Lending, you must apply for your Home Equity License with TX-SML. … Residential Property Tax Loans … Manufactured Housing Loans

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Apply to OCCC through NMLS when that agency's license is required.

Apply to OCCC through NMLS when that agency's license is required.

To obtain a license from the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, you must apply through NMLS.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Under SML guidance, taking a residential mortgage application or negotiating or offering terms on a client's behalf requires an RMLO license, subject to statutory exemptions.

Under SML guidance, taking a residential mortgage application or negotiating or offering terms on a client's behalf requires an RMLO license, subject to statutory exemptions.

If you either take a residential mortgage loan application or negotiate or offer terms of a residential mortgage loan on your client’s behalf, you must be licensed by the Department as an RMLO.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

SML applications require a criminal-history check and fingerprints in NMLS; the department also reviews credit history.

SML applications require a criminal-history check and fingerprints in NMLS; the department also reviews credit history.

All individuals seeking licensure as an RMLO must authorize a criminal history background check in NMLS. The criminal history background check requires the submission of fingerprints. … The Department conducts a credit history background check of each applicant for an RMLO license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026