Criminal Background Check 

NMLS provides functionality within the system to process fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining a federal criminal background check (CBC) through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Using this functionality, mortgage loan originators will be able to authorize a single federal background check as part of a filing to one or more states. The criminal history record information check response from the FBI will be attached to the mortgage loan originator's NMLS record.

• New mortgage loan originator (MLO) license applicants will be required to request a CBC in connection with the submission of a license request.
• Existing MLO licensees must request a CBC prior to the deadline(s) imposed by the state(s) in which they are licensed.  Access the MLO SAFE Compliance Requirement Chart for state CBC deadlines.

Fingerprinting is a 4 step process:

1. Log in to your NMLS account and request a federal CBC (see Submitting a CBC Request Quick Guide).

2. Access the CBC Certificate after submission or in NMLS Composite View to obtain the PIN.

3. Schedule an appointment with the NMLS-approved fingerprinting vendor (follow the instructions in the Submitting a CBC Request Quick Guide) and have your fingerprints captured (vendor locations can be viewed when you enter the scheduling site).

4. Fingerprints are automatically processed with results reported back to NMLS and available to relevant regulators.  NOTE: If the FBI determines that the prints are illegible, you will receive a system notification and be required to request and pay for a new CBC.

Note: If your jurisdiction specific requirements mandate a state background check, you must do this outside of NMLS.

For information on group appointments click here.

Fees

The CBC Processing Fee is assessed each time a new license request is submitted unless a previously submitted CBC Authorization is in a “Pending” status.

**Paper Card Capture costs more due to the manual processing of fingerprints. For more details see Electronic vs Paper.

Refund Policy

Individuals who have requested and paid for a second criminal history background check through NMLS may be entitled to a refund if:

• Their fingerprints were taken through an NMLS-approved Livescan location
• Their submission was rejected by the FBI as illegible
• The $39 fee was paid twice through NMLS

To request a refund:

• Individuals who paid a second $39 fee prior to March 10th can expect a refund within 60-90 days without taking any further action
  Note:  No call to the call center is required 
• Individuals who are required to pay a second $39 fee after March 10th must call the NMLS Call Center at 240-386-4444 to request a refund.  Please have the MLO’s NMLS ID# ready when making the request.

Individuals or the company who submitted the request must contact the NMLS Call Center to request a refund.  The refund will be issued to the original payee.

Fingerprints taken by print card are not eligible for a refund.