NMLS License Washington: Get Your Washington Mortgage Loan Originator License in 2026!
How to Get an NMLS Mortgage License in Washington
Home ownership is a huge dream for people across the nation, which makes a mortgage loan originator career both lucrative and enriching to pursue. Mortgage Educators and Compliance (MEC) is ready to help you with every step of your journey to get your license as a mortgage loan originator in Washington. We have provided the six steps below.
1. Apply for your NMLS Account and ID Number
You’ll first need to set up an account with the nationwide mortgage licensing system (NMLS) which will provide you with an NMLS ID number to start the mortgage pre-license process. To do so, go to the NMLS website.
2. Complete your NMLS Pre-License Education
After you’ve accessed your account on the NMLS website and received your NMLS ID, you can now register for and take NMLS approved pre-licensure courses for mortgage loan originators. Washington requires 22 hours (18 hours on specified topics and 4 hours of elective topics) SAFE pre-licensure education.
3. Need to Pass the NMLS Mortgage Licensing Exam
All license applicants need to schedule an appointment for and successfully complete the national test component. To pass, you must score at least a 75%. Note that this is not an easy test (the first time pass rate is generally below 60 percent), but MEC will ensure that you are well prepared to pass the NMLS exam with ease, on the first go. Find out more on how to take your NMLS exam here.
4. Complete Background Checks and Pay All Fees
TTo finalize your application and receive your license, you'll need to pay several non-refundable fees and complete a criminal background check. As part of your background check, a pull of your credit report will be required. Find out more about how to complete your background check and fingerprints here.
5. Apply for your Washington Mortgage License
After receiving a passing score on your NMLS exam, you need to apply for your Washington NMLS license, but you are well on your way to start your mortgage loan originator business! You can find more information on how to apply here.
6. Associate your NMLS Account with your Employer
Your mortgage license will be in a pending state in Washington, even after passing the national exam, until you have employer sponsorship through a mortgage company or other approved financial institution like a credit union or bank, which lets the government know that an employer is supervising your business activities as a licensed mortgage loan originator and that every financial regulation is followed. In other words, you cannot engage solely on your own; you must be supervised directly at all times once you get your mortgage loan originator license. Learn how to associate your NMLS account with your chosen employer here.
Earn Your Washington Mortgage License
While obtaining a mortgage loan originator license and becoming a mortgage loan officer in Washington is very simple and the compensation can be tremendous, it’s not for everyone. At the end of the day, you are running a loan processing business, so it takes a willingness to learn the basic ins and outs of the industry and a desire to work hard to get that next sale.
That said, the mortgage industry is a great one to get into as it provides a lot of flexibility and can be extremely rewarding. If you like to work hard, you are a people person, and you have a desire to learn, becoming a mortgage loan officer is the perfect choice for you.
Fortunately, we are here to help. MEC’s industry experts with years of experience both created all class curriculums and will serve as a live instructor for each class. This means you’ll get quality education with a live instructor. Each course is informative and entertaining. But the best part is that our experts will assist you in your first steps towards your mortgage loan originator license. Before long, you will excel in your career as a loan officer.
Washington Frequently Asked Questions
Become an MLO in Washington
Whether you are looking for a Washington mortgage license renewal or are seeking to obtain your license for the first time, our courses will help you meet all the educational requirements and prepare you to pass the national NMLS test.
If you have any questions about our courses, or about how to become an MLO, contact us today. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
