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Before You Apply
Before you apply for an individual license or registration in NMLS, there are a several tasks you need to complete.
Working with Your Employer for License or Registration Applications
Before beginning your application, check with your employer to understand how they may support or participate in the process.
Getting Sponsored by Your Employer
Explains the purpose and workflow of sponsorship in NMLS, including the steps of granting access to a company, establishing a relationship, and initiating sponsorship by an employer.

Before You Apply
Before you apply for an individual license or registration in NMLS, there are a several tasks you need to complete.
- User Accounts and Profiles
  This section introduces individual user accounts and profiles in NMLS, including how accounts are created, managed, and updated. It provides an overview of related tasks and explains where users can find detailed instructions for completing common account and profile activities.
- Working with Your Employer for License or Registration Applications
  Before beginning your application, check with your employer to understand how they may support or participate in the process.
  - Determining Who Is Responsible for Payment
    Before submitting your Individual MU4 application, determine whether you or your employer is responsible for paying the associated fees.
  - Granting Access to Your Company
    Provide your company access to your NMLS record so that they can sponsor your license (if their license is managed through NMLS).
  - Getting Sponsored by Your Employer
    Explains the purpose and workflow of sponsorship in NMLS, including the steps of granting access to a company, establishing a relationship, and initiating sponsorship by an employer.
- Gathering Requirements
  Understand how to identify and collect the information and documents needed to complete filings in NMLS.
- Completing Pre-Licensure Education
  Understand the process for completing Pre-Licensure Education in pursuit of an individual NMLS license.
- Passing the SAFE MLO Test
  Understand the requirements and structure of the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Test, and how to prepare for and schedule your exam.

Getting Sponsored by Your Employer

Explains the purpose and workflow of sponsorship in NMLS, including the steps of granting access to a company, establishing a relationship, and initiating sponsorship by an employer.

Before a company can sponsor an individual's mortgage loan originator (MLO) license, the individual must first grant the company access to their NMLS record, and the company must establish a relationship with the individual in the system. Sponsorship is required in most states for MLOs to originate loans under a company license and ensures that the sponsoring company takes responsibility for the individual's compliance and supervision.

The sponsorship process involves three sequential steps:

Granting Access: The individual must log in to NMLS and grant access to the employing company, which allows the company to view and manage the individual’s record. For step-by-step guidance, see Granting Access to Your Company.
Establishing a Relationship: Once access is granted, the company must create a relationship in NMLS that links the individual to the company’s record. This step is necessary before sponsorship can be initiated. For more details, refer to the Company Relationship.
Sponsorship: After a relationship is established, the company can submit a sponsorship request through NMLS. This request will be visible to the individual and must be approved by the state regulator. The license status will update once the sponsorship is approved. See Sponsoring a License for more information.

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.