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Branch Licensing or Registration
Understand the purpose and process of licensing or registering branch locations through NMLS as part of the overall company licensing framework.
Applying for Branch Licenses or Registrations
Follow the structured process in NMLS to complete and submit a Branch (MU3) filing, using the topics below for each part of the application.
Filing the Initial Branch MU3 Form for a New Application
Use this section as a guide for completing and submitting the initial Branch (MU3) Form when applying for a new branch license or registration in NMLS.
Completing the Branch MU3 New Application Filing
Understand the overall process for completing and submitting a Branch (MU3) filing in NMLS.

Branch Licensing or Registration
Understand the purpose and process of licensing or registering branch locations through NMLS as part of the overall company licensing framework.
- Preparing to Apply for Branch Licenses or Registrations
  Before filing a Branch (MU3) application, gather the state-specific requirements your company must meet.
- Applying for Branch Licenses or Registrations
  Follow the structured process in NMLS to complete and submit a Branch (MU3) filing, using the topics below for each part of the application.
  - Filing the Initial Branch MU3 Form for a New Application
    Use this section as a guide for completing and submitting the initial Branch (MU3) Form when applying for a new branch license or registration in NMLS.
    - Creating a Branch MU3 New Application Filing
      Create a new Branch (MU3) filing in NMLS to begin the application process for a specific branch location.
    - Completing the Branch MU3 New Application Filing
      Understand the overall process for completing and submitting a Branch (MU3) 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 Branch License or Transition
        Learn how to request a branch license or transition an existing license onto NMLS.
      - Adding Other Trade Names
        Enter any additional trade names your branch uses to ensure they are properly recorded and displayed in NMLS and on public records.
      - Identifying Branch Managers
        Identify and maintain the Branch Manager for each licensed branch in the MU3 filing. Each Branch Manager must have an individual NMLS account and complete an Individual (MU2) Form.
      - 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 Operation Information
        Answer the branch operation questions in the MU3 filing to provide regulators with insight into the branch’s activities. Some responses may require additional documentation or information.
      - Providing Expense Information
        Provide information about entities that are responsible for branch expenses or have a financial interest in branch activities as part of the MU3 filing.
      - Managing MU2 Forms for Branch Managers on the Branch MU3 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 to a Branch New Application Filing
        Complete the final step of the MU3 application process by legally attesting to the filing information and submitting it to state regulators through NMLS.
      - Paying for a Branch MU3 New Application Filing
        Complete the one-time payment steps to submit your MU3 new application filing after attesting and submitting in NMLS.
    - Managing MU2 Individual Filings for Branch Licenses or Registrations
      Understand the role of the Individual (MU2) Form in the branch licensing process, including requirements for attestation, credit report authorization, and state-specific obligations.
    - 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.
- Renewing Branch Licenses or Registrations
  How to renew branch licenses in NMLS.
- Surrendering Branch Licenses or Registrations
  How to surrender a branch license in NMLS.

Completing the Branch MU3 New Application Filing

Understand the overall process for completing and submitting a Branch (MU3) filing in NMLS.

A Branch (MU3) filing must be completed in NMLS for each branch location where your company conducts licensable activities. The filing collects branch identifying information, the designated Branch Manager, books and records location(s), and any approvals, designations, or disclosures required by regulators. Once all sections are complete, the filing must be attested and submitted, and jurisdiction-specific checklists provided to each applicable state regulator.

The following topics provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for completing each part of the MU3 filing:

For authoritative definitions and requirements, see the NMLS Policy Guide.

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.