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Applying for a State Company License
This section explains what the Company Form (MU1) is and how to apply for a state license or registration for your company in NMLS.
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.
Gathering ESB Requirements
Learn how to identify and gather the electronic surety bond requirements your company must meet for licensing in NMLS.

Applying for a State Company License
This section explains what the Company Form (MU1) is and how to apply for a state license or registration for your company in NMLS.
- Filing the Initial Company MU1 Form for a New Application
  Explains the idea of creating a new Company Form (MU1) filing in NMLS when applying for a new license or registration, as well as the distinction between your NMLS record and a filing in NMLS. Provides context around the relationship between the Company Form (MU1), Individual Form (MU2), and Branch Form (MU3).
- Creating a Company MU1 New Application Filing
  How to create a new Company Form (MU1) filing in NMLS.
- Selecting Relevant Business Activities
  Choose the business activities that accurately reflect the services your company provides to ensure proper license application and regulatory oversight.
- Requesting a Company License or Transition
  Learn how to request a company license or transition an existing license onto NMLS.
- Adding Other Trade Names
  Enter any additional trade names your company uses to ensure they are properly recorded and displayed in NMLS and on public records.
- Identifying Resident Agents
  Provide the contact details of registered agents authorized to receive legal and regulatory documents on behalf of your company in each state where a license is requested.
- Identifying Contact Employees
  Learn how to add or edit company contact employees in the Contact Employees section of the Company (MU1) Form in NMLS.
- Providing Books and Records Information
  List the location(s) where the company’s books and records are stored, along with contact details and related information, in the MU1 filing.
- Providing Approvals and Designations
  Identify and document all approvals and designations held by the company in the MU1 filing, including any required explanations or related business disclosures.
- Indicating Legal Status
  Enter your company's legal status, fiscal year-end, and formation details as required for a new Company (MU1) filing.
- Identifying Affiliates and Subsidiaries
  Learn how to complete the Affiliates and Subsidiaries section of the MU1 form by disclosing related entities that share common ownership or control with your company.
- Identifying Financial Institutions
  Learn how to complete the Financial Institutions section of the MU1 form by listing banks, credit unions, and other financial entities affiliated with your company.
- Answering Disclosure Questions
  Learn how to accurately respond to the Disclosure Questions on the MU1 form to report any legal, financial, or regulatory issues affecting your company or its principals.
- Providing Disclosure Explanations
  Provide explanations for all disclosure questions answered “Yes,” optionally clarify selected “No” responses, and manage supporting documentation in the MU1 filing.
- Identifying Direct Owners and Executive Officers
  Identify all individuals and entities that meet NMLS definitions for direct owners and executive officers, and complete the required fields in the MU1 filing.
- Identify Indirect Owners
  Use the Indirect Owners section of the Company (MU1) Form to disclose any individuals or entities that indirectly own or control 25% or more of the applicant.
- Identifying Qualifying Individuals
  Identify and maintain the company’s Qualifying Individual (QI) in the MU1 filing; updates may require advance notice and trigger an MU2 filing for the individual.
- Managing Document Uploads
  Learn how to upload, organize, and manage the required supporting documents within NMLS to complete your license application successfully.
- Managing MU2 Forms for Company Representatives on the Company MU1 Form
  Learn how to manage MU2 forms for company representatives by linking and updating their information within your company’s MU1 form in NMLS.
- Attesting and Submitting a New MU1 Application
  Complete the final step of the MU1 new application process by legally attesting to the filing information and submitting it to state regulators through NMLS.
- Submitting Your Initial Financial Statement in NMLS
  Submit your company’s initial financial statement in NMLS when applying for a new license to meet state requirements.
- Managing Individual MU2 Filings (Company)
  Understand the process for managing individual MU2 filings, including submitting, updating, and tracking licensing information for company representatives in NMLS.
- Completing Application Requirements Submitted Outside of NMLS
  Understand the application requirements that companies must complete outside of NMLS, including fingerprinting, background checks, and submitting state-specific documentation.
- Determining Application Status
  Learn how to determine your company’s application status using the Composite View and Company Dashboard in NMLS for easy tracking and management.
- Responding to License Items
  Review and internally respond to license items placed on your company, branch, or sponsored individual licenses.
- 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.
  - Gathering ESB Requirements
    Learn how to identify and gather the electronic surety bond requirements your company must meet for licensing in NMLS.
  - Granting Authority to Your Surety Bond Issuer
    Learn how to grant authority to your surety bond issuer in NMLS, enabling them to submit and manage your electronic surety bond for state licensing compliance.
  - Removing Authority from a Surety Bond Issuer
    Learn how to remove authority from a surety bond issuer in NMLS to revoke their ability to manage your company’s electronic surety bond for state licensing.
  - Executing a Bond
    Learn how surety bonds and bond riders are executed in NMLS, including company and Control Person signature workflows.

Gathering ESB Requirements

Learn how to identify and gather the electronic surety bond requirements your company must meet for licensing in NMLS.

About this task

Before submitting an electronic surety bond (ESB) in NMLS, companies must determine which state agencies and license types require a bond, as well as any adoption timelines or conversion plans. Requirements differ for existing licensees and new applicants. Refer to the NMLS Resource Center for additional ESB resources and updates.

Procedure

Consult the ESB license requirements to identify the participating state agencies, license types, and applicable deadlines.See the License Requirements and Fees Chart and State Licensing Checklist Compiler for detailed requirements.
For existing licensees, review the ESB Page on the NMLS Resource Center to determine bond conversion obligations.
For prospective applicants, review the New Application Checklists for each license type. Access these checklists on the State Licensing Checklist Compiler.

Contact the NMLS Call Center with any questions: 1-855-665-7123
Monday - Friday from 9:00AM to 9:00PM ET
Available from all U.S. States and Territories.