Managing NMLS Electronic Surety Bonds for Licensees

Understand how electronic surety bonds are managed within NMLS for company licensees, including submission, tracking, and compliance requirements.

NMLS provides an electronic surety bond (ESB) system that allows company licensees to meet state bond requirements electronically. ESB management replaces paper bond submission and enables secure, real-time communication between licensees, surety companies, and state regulators.

The ESB process in NMLS covers the full lifecycle of a bond, including:

  • Submission of new bonds and bond riders by surety companies on behalf of licensees
  • Tracking bond status and history within the system
  • Managing bond changes, such as increases or cancellations
  • Maintaining compliance with state-specific bonding requirements

Company licensees rely on ESB functionality to ensure that their required surety bonds are continuously maintained and that regulators have accurate, up-to-date information. Bond obligations vary by license type and state, so companies must understand both NMLS system processes and state regulatory requirements when managing ESBs.

For more details on managing ESBs as a licensee in NMLS, see:

For authoritative information on policy requirements, refer to the NMLS Policy Guide.