Figuring Out Which Licenses or Registrations You Need

Review and analyze your business activities and use NMLS resources to determine which licenses or registrations are required before starting a filing.

The licenses or registrations you must hold depend on the business activities you conduct. Before starting a filing in NMLS, carefully evaluate which activities apply and match them to the corresponding requirements in NMLS.

To complete this analysis:

  • Review the Business Activities Definitions to understand how NMLS defines business activities.
  • Use the State Licensing Checklist Compiler to see requirements and supporting documentation for each license type in each jurisdiction.
    Note: When browsing licenses in the Checklist Compiler, click the Information (i) icon next to the license name to read its description. This can help you confirm whether the license aligns with your company’s business activities.
  • Consult the NMLS Policy Guide for authoritative policy guidance.

Use these combined resources to ensure you request the correct licenses before proceeding with your application.