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CALIFORNIA NMLS
MORTGAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Everything you need to renew or obtain your NMLS license in California for 2026
CALIFORNIA CE AT A GLANCE
Total Hours
8 Hours
Courses Required
2 Courses
Renewal Deadline
Dec 31
NMLS CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES YOU NEED FOR CALIFORNIA
California has two regulatory agencies for mortgage loan originators: the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the Department of Real Estate (DRE). Your CE requirements depend on which agency you're licensed under.
If you're licensed under CA-DFPI:
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8-Hour Federal CE Course (covers 3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours non-traditional lending)
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1-Hour California DFPI State-Specific Course
If you're licensed under CA-DRE:
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8-Hour Federal CE Course (covers 3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours non-traditional lending)
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1-Hour Elective (any NMLS-approved elective course)
Not sure which regulator you're under? Check your NMLS account or look at your license documentation. It'll say either "CA-DFPI" or "CA-DRE." Both paths require a total of 8 hours and must be completed by December 31 each year. We recommend finishing by December 5 to ensure your completion is reported to NMLS before the renewal deadline.
For more information on California Licensing requirements, visit the official NMLS State-Specific Requirements page.
CALIFORNIA PE AT A GLANCE
Total Hours
8 Hours
Courses Required
2 Courses
Renewal Deadline
Dec 31
NMLS PRE-LICENSING EDUCATION COURSES YOU NEED FOR CALIFORNIA
New California MLOs must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education before obtaining a license. Your required courses depend on which agency licenses you.
CA-DFPI Pre-Licensure Requirements (Total: 20 hours)
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3 hours of federal law
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3 hours of ethics, including fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending
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2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
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2 hours of CA-DFPI state-specific law
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10 hours of electives
The CA-DFPI state law requirement can be satisfied with either a comprehensive CA-DFPI course or a state-specific elective course.
CA-DRE Pre-Licensure Requirements (Total: 20 hours)
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3 hours of federal law
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3 hours of ethics, including fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending
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2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
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12 hours of electives
CA-DRE does not require state-specific instruction.
Not sure which agency you're under? Check your NMLS account or your license documentation — it will show either CA-DFPI or CA-DRE.
For more information on California Licensing requirements, visit the official NMLS State-Specific Requirements page.