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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 Document Uploads
Learn how to upload, organize, and manage the required supporting documents within NMLS to complete your license application successfully.
Document Upload Descriptions and Examples
Descriptions and examples of the different types of documentation available for upload to NMLS.
Documents Available for Upload to Company and Branch Filings (MU1/MU3)
Descriptions and examples of the different types of documentation available for upload to Branch Filings in NMLS.
Branch Written Agreement
The contract between the branch manager and licensee, and the leasing agreement between the property owner and the branch, but does not include company level lease agreements.

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.
  - Document Upload Descriptions and Examples
    Descriptions and examples of the different types of documentation available for upload to NMLS.
    - Documents Available for Upload to Company and Branch Filings (MU1/MU3)
      Descriptions and examples of the different types of documentation available for upload to Branch Filings in NMLS.
      - ACN Related Documents
      - Additional Requirement(s)
        These are state-specific requirements, such as state-specific forms, proof of workers compenation, state-specific polices, etc.
      - AML/BSA Policy
        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Policy
      - Branch Written Agreement
        The contract between the branch manager and licensee, and the leasing agreement between the property owner and the branch, but does not include company level lease agreements.
      - Business Continuity Plan
        A Business Continuity Plan is the process and documentation that describes how a company plans, prevents, maintains, and/or recovers essential functions, systems, processes, and other business operations involving threats to the business, including during a disaster.
      - Business Continuity Operational Status Report
        A Business Continuity Operational Status Report provides specific detail on a company’s implementation of its Business Continuity Plan during a specific critical threat, including a disaster.
      - Business Plan
        A business plan outlining marketing strategies, products, target markets, fee schedule and operating structure the applicant intends to employ.
      - Certificate of Authority / Good Standing
        A state-issued and approved document (typically by the Secretary of State’s office), dated not more than 60 days prior to the filing of the application through NMLS that demonstrates authorization to do business.
      - Company Staffing and Internal Policies
        Document(s) shall include information on staffing and internal organizational policies and procedures.
      - Debt Management Agreement
        A written contract, plan or agreement between a debt management provider and a consumer for performance of debt management services.
      - Designation of Branch Qualified Employee
        The Designation of Qualified Employee for the Branch location is a document required by a small number of states.
      - Document Samples
        Copies of sample documents, contracts and agreements used in the regular course of business. This does not include Debt Management Agreements, Mortgage Servicing Agreements, Policies and Procedures or any document that contains a date of birth (DOB) or social security number (SSN).
      - Errors and Omissions (Insurance Policy)
        Upload proof of errors and omissions insurance protecting the applicant from liability arising from a negligent act, error or omission in the performance of professional service. If applicable, include power of attorney (POA).
      - Fidelity Bond
        Upload a fidelity bond in the amount required by the applicable State. The name of the principal insured on the bond must exactly match the Full Legal Name of the applicant.
      - Flow of Funds Structure
        This document is only required by a small number of states providing a description of each type of transaction or service to be conducted.
      - Formation Document
        A state certified copy of the corporate charter or articles of incorporation (if a corporation), or the articles of organization and operating agreement (if a limited liability company), or the partnership agreement (if a partnership of any form).
      - Management Chart
        The management chart displays the applicant’s directors, officers, and managers (individual name and title) and identifies the compliance reporting and internal audit structure.
      - Mortgage Servicing Agreement
        Any written agreement or contract related to mortgage servicing rights.
      - Organizational Chart/Description
        A chart showing the ownership percentages of direct and indirect owners, affiliates, and subsidiaries.
      - Permissible Investments
        A list of the company's permissible investments, and the book or market value of such investments as of the date of the most recent audited financial statement and as of the date of the unaudited interim financial statement.
      - Surety Bond
        Copies of the original surety bond, riders, verification, and continuaiton certificates.
      - Surety Bond – Alternate Security Device
        This document should be provided when an alternate device other than an electronic surety bond is permitted per jurisdiction requirements.
      - Trade Name/Assumed Name Registration Certificates
        A state-issued document demonstrating authorization to do business under an Other Trade Name.
      - Trust Account Authorization
        Authorization allowing examination of trust accounts used for the purpose of holding funds belonging to others.
      - Warehouse Line of Credit Documentation
        Documentation of Warehouse Lines of Credit. Add documentation of new active lines of credit and remove terminated or expired (inactive) lines of credit.
    - Documents Available for Upload to Individual Filings (MU2/MU4)
      Descriptions and examples of the different types of documentation available for upload to individual filings in NMLS.
  - About the Document Library
    Document requirements are determined by the specific license requirements outlined in the Agency Guidance section of your MU4 filing. There are no standard documents required for every application; required uploads vary depending on your agency’s licensing guidance.
- 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.

Branch Written Agreement

The contract between the branch manager and licensee, and the leasing agreement between the property owner and the branch, but does not include company level lease agreements.

General/State-Specific

General

Document Description(s)

Branch Manager Document: A copy of the signed contract between the branch manager and the licensee.

Leasing Agreement Documents: A copy of the signed leasing agreement between the property owner and the branch authorizing it to work out of the physical location.

File Name Format

Branch Manager Document: [Branch NMLS ID#]

Branch Manager Agreement Leasing Agreement:[Branch NMLS ID#] Leasing Agreement

Amendments

Branch Manager Agreement: Existing Branch Manager Agreement Upload should be replaced if a New Branch Manager Agreement is entered into.

Leasing Agreements: Existing Lease Agreement Upload should be replaced if a New Lease Agreement is entered into

Does Not Include

Company level lease agreements or any other type of document

Upload Location

BRANCH FILING (MU3)

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.