NMLS License Arizona: Get Your Arizona Mortgage Loan Originator License in 2026!

In an effort to curb the predatory lending practices that led to the demise of the housing and residential mortgage industry in 2008, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE) was enacted. This opened up a world of opportunity to those driven to attain a mortgage loan officer license and then work hard to match people with loan products.

The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions requires that four elective hours must cover Arizona-specific regulations and laws. Mortgage Educators includes all of this bundled together, making it easy to keep track of your educational progress. Every state has a unique set of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (also known as the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System or NMLS) requirements concerning mortgage education to obtain a mortgage loan originator license. New mortgage loan originators are required to complete a 20-hour NMLS course, which is standard across the country. Obtaining an Arizona mortgage loan originator license requires 20 total hours of pre-license education. The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions does not require any additional pre-license education. After completing your mortgage education courses, you are required to take and pass an NMLS mortgage licensing exam. This ensures that you understand the laws and regulations that a mortgage company and mortgage loan officer are held to. In addition to mortgage license education, Mortgage Educators also offers exam prep to help you prepare for the exam.

If you complete the required 20 hours of education but do not obtain your license for a 3-year period, you'll need to repeat the coursework. The same applies if you let your license lapse for 3+ years before you want to get back into the industry.

A “mortgage broker” refers to an individual or an organization that connects consumers with mortgage loans from a variety of companies. Mortgage brokers frequently employ loan officers. In contrast, a loan officer is an employee who regularly works with borrowers and provides loans that are originated by their employer. Brokers and loan officers need different types of licenses.

Earning your mortgage broker license in Arizona should be considered an investment well worth your time. Here’s what to expect when it comes to licensing fees in Arizona:

You should also expect to pay a registration fee to obtain your mortgage license in Arizona. This fee depends on the month your license will be issued and are as follows.

On an annual basis, Arizona MLO license holders must complete 8 total hours of Comprehensive Continuing Education that must cover:

Mortgage Educators and Compliance is here to answer any additional questions you may have regarding your Arizona mortgage license. For additional questions, feel free to email [email protected] or use our Wizmo online chat during business hours for assistance.