Step 1 - Get your checklist
Go to the State Licensing Requirements Page for the state in which you are requesting a license (or transitioning an existing license). Print the appropriate checklist, follow the instructions and begin gathering any documentation that you will need to send to the state agency using the contact information on the checklist. This will need to be mailed once you submit your application (Form MU4) through NMLS. To review detailed requirements and deadlines for Testing, Education, and Criminal Background Checks (Professional Requirements) see the 
SAFE Requirements Chart.
Step 2 - Speak with your company
NMLS is an official system of record with your state regulator so it is important that you coordinate your use of this system with your employer. If your company is licensed/registered in a state through NMLS, either you or your company can complete your first application form (Form MU4) in NMLS. The entity who creates the first Form MU4 will be the entity required to pay when it is submitted to the regulator(s). If your company is creating your first Form MU4, you should STOP here and wait for notification from your company. If your company is not licensed/registered in the same state or has directed you to submit the MU4 you can do so without your company’s assistance.
Step 3 - Create an Account
Before logging in to NMLS you will need to create an account. Click on the "Log in to NMLS" button above and then select “Create an Individual Account.” The Quick Guide: Creating an Individual Account will help walk you through setting up your account.
Step 4 - Getting Prepared
The following resources will help you prepare to use NMLS:
Quick Guides - Quick and handy "How To" guides for key tasks.
Form MU4 - Review a printable version to see what information will need to be gathered.
Tutorials - Interactive training tutorials on using NMLS.
Professional Requirements - Information on requirements such as Testing, Education and Criminal Background Check.
Step 5 - Log In & Complete or Review Your Record
You are now ready to log into NMLS.
If your company is creating your first Form MU4, you should wait for notification from them that they have created it and sent it to you. Once they have sent it, you will now need to log into NMLS, review your Form MU4, and attest to its accuracy. Simple instructions on this procedure can be found on the Attestation Quick Guide.
If you are completing your first Form MU4, you should login to NMLS, identify the jurisdictions in which you are or would like to be licensed, complete Form MU4, pay any associated fees and submit it to the relevant regulator(s). Simple instructions on this procedure can be found here: Loan Originator Form MU4 Filing Quick Guide.
Step 6 - SAVE YOUR USER ID AND PASSWORD!
You will need to access the NMLS whenever you update your record, enroll in a test, change companies, and at least once a year to renew your license. Keep your User ID and Password in a secure place but not so secure that you forget it!