Official sources and verification (16)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
BoardWashington Department of Financial Institutions
Washington Department of Financial Institutions
The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is committed to efficient and predictable licensing processing times.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Official agency pageOpen the official agency page
https://dfi.wa.gov/loan-originators/mortgage-loan-originators-licensing
The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is committed to efficient and predictable licensing processing times.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Apply with the agencyOpen the official agency page
https://dfi.wa.gov/loan-originators/mortgage-loan-originators-licensing
Set up an account with NMLS All applications for a MLO license must be made through this computer system.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / Required hours22 hours
22
MLO applicants must complete 22 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensing education, including 4 hours in Washington Law.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / EducationA high-school diploma or GED is required, with alternatives under WAC 208-660-350(1) or WAC 208-620-710. Prelicensing education includes 4 hours Washington law.
A high-school diploma or GED is required, with alternatives under WAC 208-660-350(1) or WAC 208-620-710. Prelicensing education includes 4 hours Washington law.
MLO applications must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) in order to apply. See WAC 208-660-350(1) or WAC 208-620-710 for alternative to the diploma. MLO applicants must complete 22 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensing education, including 4 hours in Washington Law.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / ExamPass the National Test with Uniform State Test, or satisfy one of the agency's accepted combinations of earlier test results.
Pass the National Test with Uniform State Test, or satisfy one of the agency's accepted combinations of earlier test results.
As a result, MLO applicants can meet testing requirements in one of the following three ways: Pass both the National Test and Washington State Test* Pass both the National Test* and Stand-alone Uniform State Test Pass the National Test with Uniform State Test * The National Test and Washington State Test were retired effective March 31, 2013, but passing results are still valid for new applicants.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / Application$155
155
The application fee is $155 including the $30 NMLS System Fee.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / Renewal$160
160
Mortgage Loan Originator Dec 15 $160* plus credit report and CBC fee NMLS
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
RenewalMortgage Loan Originator Dec 15 $160* plus credit report and CBC fee NMLS
Mortgage Loan Originator Dec 15 $160* plus credit report and CBC fee NMLS Applies to: MLO renewal for the 2027 license year; late fees apply after the published deadline
2027 License Renewals - Start Preparing Now … Mortgage Loan Originator Dec 15 $160* plus credit report and CBC fee NMLS … *Renewal submitted by deadline. Late renewals are subject to late fees.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education hours9 hours
9
MLO licensees are required to complete 9 hours of Continuing Education.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education topics3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours nontraditional lending, 1 hour Washington law and 1 elective hour.
3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours nontraditional lending, 1 hour Washington law and 1 elective hour.
The 9 hours must cover 3 hours in Federal law and regulations, 2 hours in ethics, 2 hours in lending standards for nontraditional mortgage products, 1 hour in Washington law and the final 1 hour is an elective.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceUnder the Mortgage Broker Practices Act, a person engaging in mortgage brokerage or loan origination must obtain and maintain a license unless specifically exempt.
Under the Mortgage Broker Practices Act, a person engaging in mortgage brokerage or loan origination must obtain and maintain a license unless specifically exempt.
A person, unless specifically exempted from this chapter under RCW 19.146.020 , may not engage in the business of a mortgage broker or loan originator without first obtaining and maintaining a license under this chapter.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceAn active MLO license requires an employer sponsorship request; an inactive license is available without a sponsor.
An active MLO license requires an employer sponsorship request; an inactive license is available without a sponsor.
If you want an active MLO license, you must grant your employer access so they can submit a sponsorship request. Granting Access Quick Guide . You can get an inactive license if you do not have a sponsor.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceNew applications require fingerprinting and a credit report through NMLS.
New applications require fingerprinting and a credit report through NMLS.
All new applications require fingerprinting through NMLS. Fingerprint Information . Credit Report All new applications require a credit report through NMLS.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceMortgage Loan Originator Dec 15 $160* plus credit report and CBC fee NMLS
The posted 2027 renewal amount excludes credit-report and criminal-background-check fees.
Mortgage Loan Originator Dec 15 $160* plus credit report and CBC fee NMLS
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceLicensees whose NMLS prelicensing education completion year is the current year do not need CE to renew.
Licensees whose NMLS prelicensing education completion year is the current year do not need CE to renew.
While the majority of MLO licensees must take Continuing Education to renew, those who have a Pre-Licensing Education completion year (on their NMLS record) of the current year do not have to take Continuing Education to renew.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026