Annual NMLS Mortgage Continuing Education State Deadlines

Complete Your State’s NMLS Continuing Education Requirements

Per the SAFE Act, every Mortgage Loan Originator, including Mortgage Loan Officers and Mortgage Brokers, must complete their annual renewal in a timely manner. In many cases, the renewal requirements include at least 8 hours of Continuing Education from an NMLS-approved course provider to maintain licensure, among other conditions such as paying state-specific application fees.

Did You Know?

The titles “Mortgage Loan Officer” and “Mortgage Loan Originator” are often used interchangeably. To learn the slight differences between these roles, check out this blog.

To avoid any lapse in licensure, NMLS recommends that licensees have all renewal courses and renewal applications completed by the SMART Deadline of December 10th. If you happen to miss that deadline, the At-Risk-To-Miss Deadline is December 17th. If you don’t finish your CE before the At-Risk-To-Miss Deadline, your license may not renew on the first of the year.

Finally, you’re guaranteed to miss a January 1st renewal if you submit your renewal application after December 31st. Keep in mind that you can face late fees and won’t be able to originate any loans until your MLO license is renewed.

Not sure what your state’s (or territory’s) NMLS renewal requirements are? Here’s a quick guide for your reference:

• SMART Deadline - December 10th

• At-Risk-To-Miss Deadline - December 17th

• Guaranteed To Miss Renewal - December 31st

NMLS CE License Renewal Deadlines

For a complete state-specific renewal checklist, including NMLS processing fees, company renewals, CE requirements, and other renewal information, please visit the NMLS Resource Center.

Late MLO Continuing Education Requirements

As if missing out on the opportunity to do your job wasn’t enough, missing the Mortgage Loan Originator License renewal period can severely hinder your entire renewal process. Of course, the late application process is determined by your state’s regulator, but in many cases, you’ll be required to complete CE, as well as pay any renewal fees associated with a late application.

Should you fail to meet the specific requirements to renew with both the state and NMLS, you may be required to retake your initial Continuing Education and re-complete the initial state licensing requirements.

The best method, as always, is to always use the renewal checklist on the NMLS website and make sure your renewal request is submitted in full before the SMART date.