Can I Transfer My Mortgage License to Another State? Here’s How
- Nathan Knottingham
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Thinking about moving—or maybe expanding into multiple states? Then you’ve probably asked yourself:
👉 “Can I transfer my mortgage license to another state?”
The quick answer: Yes… but not the way you think.
Unlike your driver’s license, your NMLS mortgage license doesn’t magically carry over when you move. Every state has its own rules, and while some are easier than others, you’ll still need to go through a process to get licensed.
At MLO Force, we make sure MLOs don’t get lost in the licensing maze. Here’s how to expand into a new state without losing your sanity.
Step 1: To "Transfer Mortgage License" Know Your New State’s Rules
Each state plays by its own playbook. That means you can’t just “transfer” your license—you have to apply for a new one.
Here’s what to check before you start:
✅ Extra Pre-License Education (PE) required?
✅ How many Continuing Education (CE) hours for renewal?
✅ State-specific exams or tests?
✅ Background check + fingerprinting rules?
✅ Application fees?
💡 Pro Tip: You can dig through the NMLS Resource Center for every detail—or just let us at MLO Force hand you the cheat sheet.
Step 2: Apply Through NMLS
Once you know what’s required, head into your NMLS account and submit a new license application for your target state.
That means:
1️⃣ New application + fees
2️⃣ Required PE (if needed)
3️⃣ Any state-specific exam
4️⃣ Background + credit check
5️⃣ Employer sponsorship (more on that below)
🚨 Important: Want to keep working in your current state too? You’ll need to hold active licenses in both.
Step 3: Handle Pre-License Education & Exams
Some states will wave you through with your existing SAFE test. Others? They’ll want more.
For example:
Texas → Florida: add 2 hours of Florida law
California → Georgia: new PE + state test
New York → anywhere else: brace yourself; New York does things differently
Not sure? That’s literally what we do—cut through the fine print and get you only the hours you actually need.
Step 4: Don’t Forget CE
Multi-state licensing = multi-state CE headaches. But here’s the gist:
✔️ Federal CE usually covers your base.
✔️ Some states pile on extra CE hours.
✔️ Miss the December 31 deadline? You may owe CE to both states.
💡 At MLO Force, we map your exact CE requirements and bank your credits fast—no surprises, no reinstatement panic.
Step 5: Get Sponsored
Most states won’t let you fly solo. You’ll need a sponsoring company to finalize approval.
👔 Moving to a new company? They sponsor you.
👔 Staying with your current one? They sponsor you in the new state too.
Some states allow “independent MLOs,” but that’s the exception—not the rule.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Once your paperwork’s in, regulators review everything before they give you the green light. Processing can take days…or weeks. Pour yourself some coffee and be patient.
Can You Work in Multiple States?
Absolutely. In fact, many MLOs do it to:
✔️ Expand their client base
✔️ Help relocating borrowers
✔️ Work with investors + second-home buyers
✔️ Increase their earning potential
💡 Pro Tip: If you live near state borders (think Texas + Oklahoma + Arkansas), getting licensed in all three is a power move.
FAQs About Transferring an MLO License
Q: Do I have to retake the SAFE Exam?
✔️ No—if you’ve already passed the national SAFE exam, you’re set. Some states may tack on their own test though.
Q: Do I need a license in every state I work in?
✔️ Yes. No shortcuts here.
Q: How long does it take?
⏳ Depends. Some states approve in days, others take weeks.
Q: Will I always need extra education?
📝 Not always, but some states require it. That’s where we step in.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Licensing Slow You Down
Moving or expanding into new states is exciting—but the licensing process can feel like quicksand. Here’s the smart way through:
🔹 Learn the state rules
🔹 Knock out required PE or CE
🔹 Apply + get sponsorship
🔹 Get approved, then get back to closing deals
🚀 Ready to expand? Let MLO Force handle the licensing and CE details so you can focus on growing your business.