
To become a mortgage loan originator in Texas, you'll need to obtain a license from the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.
The Texas Mortgage Loan Originator License is required for anyone who wants to originate, broker, or sell mortgage loans in the state. This includes loan officers, mortgage brokers, and other professionals who facilitate mortgage transactions.
The license requires a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing education, which covers topics such as federal and state laws, ethics, and mortgage products. You'll also need to pass a national mortgage loan originator exam and a Texas-specific exam.
To apply for the license, you'll need to submit an application, pay the required fee, and provide proof of completing the pre-licensing education and passing the exams.
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Education Requirements
To become a mortgage loan originator in Texas, you'll need to meet the education requirements set by the state and the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). You'll need to complete 23 hours of coursework for licensure with Texas-SML or 20 hours for licensure with Texas-OCCC.
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The specific courses required for each agency are different, but both require 3 hours of Federal Law and 3 hours of Ethics. You'll also need to complete 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending and 12 hours of General Electives.
Here's a breakdown of the specific education requirements for each agency:
Once you've completed the required coursework, you'll need to schedule an appointment to take the National Test Component with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account.
Licensing Process
To get a mortgage loan originator license in Texas, you'll need to go through the licensing process. First, you'll need to register with the NMLS by applying online for an account and NMLS ID number.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 changed the way mortgage loans are processed, requiring registration both federally and at the state level through the NMLS. This means you'll need to complete 23 hours of SAFE education, which includes 20 hours of required education and 3 hours of elective education, before you can apply for your license.
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You'll also need to pass the National Test with at least a 75% or greater score, as failing the test will require you to take it again. The first-time pass rate is around 58%, but don't be discouraged if you don't pass right away.
To finalize your application, you'll need to pay several non-refundable fees, including an application fee, filing fees, and a criminal background check, which will also review your credit report.
Here's a breakdown of the fees you'll need to pay:
After paying the fees, you'll need to apply for your Texas SML mortgage loan originator license through the NMLS licensing portal. You'll also need to associate your NMLS account with your employer, which will let the government know that an employer is supervising your individual license.
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Pre-Licensure Education
To become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in Texas, you'll need to complete a certain amount of pre-licensure education.
You'll need to complete this education through one of two NMLS-approved licensing agencies: Texas-SML or Texas-OCCC.
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Texas-SML requires 23 hours of coursework, while Texas-OCCC requires 20 hours.
The required courses for Texas-SML include 3 hours of Federal Law, 3 hours of Ethics, 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending, 12 hours of General Electives, and 3 hours of Texas-specific defined electives.
Here are the specific education requirements for each licensing agency:
The Texas-specific 3-hour course is required by the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.
One Stop for Training
To get your mortgage loan originator license in Texas, you'll need to focus on your education and training. You must complete at least 20 hours of pre-license education.
The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner requires passing results on the National and Texas State components of the SAFE Test, among other conditions. You can meet these requirements by passing the National Test Component with Uniform State Content.
To ensure you're meeting the necessary requirements, you can enroll in the 20 hour SAFE course through an NMLS approved mortgage school. This will cover the minimum SAFE Act requirements.
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Here are the steps to follow for the 20 hour SAFE course:
- Enroll in the 20 hour SAFE course through an NMLS approved mortgage school
- Complete the required pre-license education
- Schedule an appointment to take the National Test Component with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account
- Apply for your mortgage loan originator license on the NMLS website once you've completed the required courses and achieved passing scores
You can also find NMLS-approved training and education through a one-stop shop that has helped over 300,000 mortgage brokers begin and advance their careers.
Becoming a Loan Officer
To get your mortgage loan originator license in Texas, you'll need to focus during instruction and study hard for the licensing exam. The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner requires at least 20 hours of pre-license education.
You'll also need to meet one of the three conditions listed by the TX-OCCC to pass the SAFE Test, which includes passing results on both the National and Texas State components, or passing results on both the National and Stand-alone UST components, or passing results on the National Test Component with Uniform State Content.
All states require 20 hours of mortgage education from an NMLS-approved mortgage school, which is in addition to your state-specific education requirements. You'll need to enroll in the 20-hour SAFE course and complete your pre-license education.
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Once you've completed your pre-license education, you'll need to schedule an appointment to take the National Test Component with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account. After achieving passing scores on the National and any applicable state required tests, you'll be able to apply for your mortgage loan originator license on the NMLS website.
Here are the steps to become a loan officer in Texas:
- Complete 20 hours of pre-license education from an NMLS-approved mortgage school
- Meet one of the three conditions listed by the TX-OCCC to pass the SAFE Test
- Pass the National Test Component with Uniform State Content
- Apply for your mortgage loan originator license on the NMLS website
Government Agencies
In Texas, the primary government agency responsible for regulating residential mortgage loan originators is the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC). They oversee the licensing process for mortgage loan originators.
The OCCC's rules for residential mortgage loan originators can be found in the Texas Administrative Code, specifically in Title 7, Chapter 2. This chapter outlines the requirements for licensing, registration, and other regulations.
The U.S. Government Publishing Office is also a key resource for federal statutes and rules that apply to residential mortgage loan originators.
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Statutes & Rules
In Texas, residential mortgage loan originators must comply with a range of statutes and rules.
The primary state statute is the Texas SAFE Act, found in Chapter 180 of the Texas Finance Code.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCCC) has its own set of rules, specifically Title 7, Chapter 2 of the Texas Administrative Code.
Federal statutes and rules are also applicable, as outlined by the U.S. Government Publishing Office.
Consumer Credit Office
The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (TX-OCCC) plays a crucial role in regulating residential mortgage loan originators. They require at least 20 hours of pre-license education.
To get licensed, you'll need to meet one of the three conditions listed by the TX-OCCC. This includes passing the SAFE Test with specific results. You can choose from three options to demonstrate your knowledge.
The TX-OCCC License is required for individuals who take residential mortgage loan applications or negotiate terms of a loan. This includes originators of liens on mobile homes or manufactured homes used as a residence.
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The TX-SML License is required for employees of licensed or registered corporations, companies, partnerships, associations, or sole proprietorships. This license is also necessary for those who take residential mortgage loan applications or offer or negotiate terms of a loan.
To get a TX-SML License, you'll need to work for a company that's licensed or registered under Texas Finance Code Chapter 156 or Chapter 157.
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Savings and Lending Department
The Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (TX-SML) requires a significant amount of education and training to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO). You'll need to take at least 23 hours of pre-license education, with 3 hours being Texas-specific.
To apply for your Texas MLO license, you'll need to log in to your NMLS account and follow a series of steps. This includes selecting the filing tab, individual application, and requesting a new license.
The SAFE act established licensing and registration standards for all MLOs. To receive your Texas MLO certification, you'll need to provide certain information and pay associated fees.
Here are the required fees for your Texas MLO certification:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mortgage loan officer make in Texas?
A Mortgage Loan Officer in Texas earns an average annual salary of $74,369, which translates to approximately $35.75 per hour.
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