Step 1: Am I required to complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) in NMLS?
Yes, every mortgage loan originator is required to complete a CBC in NMLS.
- New applicants wishing to obtain a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license are required to request a Criminal Background Check with the submission of their license application (MU4 Filing).
- Existing Mortgage Loan Originators must request a Criminal Background Check through NMLS prior to the deadline(s) imposed by the state(s) in which they are licensed, even if prints were previously processed by the state.
Access the MLO SAFE Compliance Requirement Chart for state CBC deadlines. If your jurisdiction requires a state background check, you must do this outside of NMLS. See the jurisdiction’s specific documents for each state you are licensed in for complete details.
Step 2: How to begin?
Either an individual mortgage loan originator or their employer may create the CBC request through NMLS.
- New applicants - A CBC request will be required as part of the license application process (MU4 Filing).
- Existing Mortgage Loan Originators - MLOs (or their company) can log into NMLS and submit a new MU4 Filing to create the CBC request. See the Submitting a CBC Request Quick Guide if you need help with this process.
- Once an individual or company has paid for the CBC request, print the CBC Certificate or write down the PIN number and NMLS ID from the certificate. This information will be required to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted. The PIN and individual’s NMLS ID number can also be viewed from the Composite View Tab in NMLS. See View CBC Status Quick Guide for further instruction.
Step 3: Scheduling a Fingerprint Appointment
Step 4: Viewing CBC Results in NMLS
- Fingerprints are automatically processed with results reported back to NMLS and are available to state regulators who have the rights to view your record. CBC status can be viewed through Composite View from your individual account. See the View CBC Status Quick Guide for more details.
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.
Deadlines and Costs
- Review the MLO SAFE Requirements Compliance Chart to determine your agency’s deadline for completing a CBC Authorization in NMLS.
- CBC Fees in NMLS
Live Scan
(electronic) |
$39.00 CBC Processing Fee |
| OR |
Paper Card Capture**
(if Live Scan is not selected) |
$39.00 CBC Processing Fee
$10.00 Card Packet Fee
$49.00 Total |
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
Refunds will be automatically processed and distributed 60-90 days from the date of the second payment. No call to the call center is required.
Fingerprints taken by print card are not eligible for a refund.