D.C. MLO License Requirements
District of Columbia mortgage loan originators are required to be licensed. In order to apply for a license, new applicants will complete 23-hours of NMLS approved education. Our MA online MLO courses are fully approved to meet this requirement.
3 Easy Steps to obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License in Washington D.C.
1
Complete our NMLS Approved 20-hr Course and our NMLS approved 3-hr DC MLO laws Course. We provide both for just $189!
ENROLL HERE and start the course anytime!
2
Pass your national mortgage exam:
Exam prep included free of charge (unlike other schools)
3
Apply for the MLO License:
We report your hours to the NMLS free of charge
23 Hours SAFE Comprehensive: Washignton DC MLO Courses
This is the course needed to obtain your DC MLO license. Unlike most competitors, we don’t have confusing packages. We include your 3-hour Washington D.C. Laws Course AND our Exam Prep Course FREE, so you have everything in one package designed to get your license!
- 20 Hour Approved Course #16623
- 3 Hour DC MLO Laws Course #18558 ($49 value)
- Bonus Exam Prep Course Included FREE ($149 value)
- NMLS Hours Reporting Included Free ($30 value)
- Online Prerecorded Instructor Led Videos
- E-textbook Included
- Unlimited Phone & Email Support
- Bonus Marketing Videos Included FREE ($236 value)
If you already have an MLO license in another state and want to get a Washington DC License too, you can enroll in our 3-hr DC MLO laws course for $49 by calling student support at (888) 405-4453.
Why so inexpensive compared to other mortgage schools?
Since we only offer online courses, we can keep our costs low and our price affordable unlike most of our competitors. Therefore, we get to train more students than the other schools, which is a win for us. By keeping our costs lower, we help you get started in a great career as an MLO without having to take out a loan for your training, so everybody wins.
Best Training - Best Service - Best Value
Our 20-hour NMLS Approved National Course will fully prepare you to pass the license exam. Once you complete this course, you will have immediate FREE ACCESS to our 3-hour Washington D.C. Approved Mortgage Laws Course and a full Exam Prep Course. All three courses for just $189. Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) in Washington, D.C. are regulated by the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). The DISB’s Banking Bureau oversees non-depository financial institutions, including mortgage brokers and lenders, to make sure loan officers are in compliance with District laws and regulations. License applications are filed through your individual NMLS account.
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Washington DC 3-hour Mortgage Laws Course and Exam Prep Included Free
Our 3-hour District of Columbia Mortgage laws course is included with the purchase of our 20-hour course. We also include our exam prep material in one easy to access package. We provide all of the training online needed to get your Washington DC MLO License.
A message from our Mortgage Loan Originator Education Instructor Rich Leffler about the DC Mortgage Loan Officer training program
The Path to Becoming an MLO in DC and the DMV
Launching a career as a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in the Washington D.C. metro area offers a unique level of professional stability, regardless of the current economic cycle. The “DMV”—comprising the District, Maryland, and Virginia—remains one of the most resilient real estate markets in the nation, driven by a steady influx of high-income professionals and government-sector stability. Navigating the licensing requirements across these three jurisdictions is the first step toward long-term success. While federal guidelines provide the foundation, mastering the specific nuances of DC’s local regulations alongside the reciprocity rules of Maryland and Virginia allows you to serve the entire capital region seamlessly. By focusing on the core fundamentals of mortgage law and local DMV market dynamics, you can build a future-proof career that thrives on helping residents achieve homeownership in our nation’s capital, no matter how the broader market shifts.
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Washington DC NMLS Education FAQ
What are the specific MLO education requirements for Washington, D.C.?
To obtain your MLO license in the District of Columbia, 24hourEDU students must complete a total of 23 hours of NMLS-approved Pre-Licensing Education (PE). This curriculum is broken down into:
- 3 Hours of Federal Law
- 3 Hours of Ethics (including fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending)
- 2 Hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
- 12 Hours of General Electives
- 3 Hours of D.C. State-Specific MLO Law (Required by the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking)
What is a mortgage loan originator (MLO)?
A mortgage loan originator (MLO) is a professional who helps borrowers apply for and obtain mortgage loans. They assess borrowers’ financial situations, recommend appropriate loan products, and guide clients through the mortgage application process. Many people refer to the individual MLO as a mortgage loan officer or mortgage broker.
Do I need a license to become a mortgage loan originator?
Yes, you need a license to become a mortgage loan originator in the United States. This requirement was established by the SAFE Act of 2008 to ensure that MLOs meet minimum standards for education, testing, and background checks.
How much does it cost to get a mortgage license in D.C.?
- D.C. Application Fee: $300
- NMLS Processing Fee: $30
- SAFE MLO National Test Fee: $110
- FBI Background Check/Fingerprinting: $36.25
- Credit Report Fee: $15
- Education Course: $189 when you Enroll Here
Can I get a MLO license for the DMV?
If you complete all of the licensing requirements to become a DC MLO, you will already be qualified to apply for a Virginia MLO license too. Maryland licensing requires an additional 5-hour MD Mortgage laws course and then you will be qualified to apply in MD too.
Do I have to pass three state exams to get licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia?
DC, Maryland, and Virginia all allow a passing score on the SAFE MLO National Test with Uniform State Content Outline. You will only have to pass the test one time with a 75% or greater score in any state. 24hourEDU includes a full exam prep course to all pre-license students to help you pass the test on your first try.
More FAQs about 24hourEDU and How to Get your Mortgage License
How much does a mortgage loan originator make on average in the United States?
According to a study performed by GLASSDOOR on June 6th, 2024, the average salary for a mortgage loan originator is around $177,000 per year with the top MLO’s making over $240,000 per year.
What does mortgage license training involve?
Mortgage license training involves completing the 20-hour pre-licensure education course, passing a national exam, and meeting state-specific requirements. The training covers topics such as federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, loan origination, and consumer protection.
How long does mortgage license training typically take?
The duration of mortgage license training can vary, but most aspiring MLOs can complete the required pre-licensure education in 20-30 hours. This includes additional time for exam preparation. 24hourEDU includes a complete exam prep course for the SAFE MLO National Exam free of charge with our 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course.
- 3 hours of ethics
- 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
- 12 hours of electives – Our online MLO course dedicates all of these hours to preparing you for the SAFE MLO test for mortgage loan originator licensing.
What are the educational requirements for mortgage license training?
The SAFE Act requires a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensure education, which includes 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, plus 12 hours of general mortgage origination electives. Other states may require additional hours.
How much does 24hourEDU’s mortgage license training cost?
The 24hourEDU 20-hour course costs just $189! The cost of mortgage pre-licensure education with other courses can range from $300 to $800 plus they have additional costs for exam prep courses and NMLS hour reporting fees. 24hourEDU does not nickel and dime you on this. We include exam prep and the NMLS hour reporting fees in our tuition. Some students also ask: Why is 24hourEDU so cheap? By keeping our tuition affordable, we get to train more MLO students than any other school, so that is a win for us. By having the best price, we also help students get their mortgage license without spending an arm and a leg on the training. Everybody wins.
Can I complete mortgage license training online?
Yes, the 24hourEDU NMLS-approved course offers online mortgage license training. This allows for flexible scheduling and online learning, making it convenient for those who are working or have other commitments. Per NMLS regulations, the 20-hour course must be completed in 14 days or less from the start date. All of the training and testing to pass your 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course will be done online in our learning management system.
Is there an exam I need to pass after completing mortgage license training?
Yes, after completing the pre-licensure education, you must pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test. Our training includes guidance to study for the national component and, for many states, a state-specific component. The exam tests your knowledge of mortgage lending practices and relevant laws.
What topics are covered in mortgage license training courses?
Mortgage license training courses typically cover federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, loan origination processes, financial calculations, credit analysis, types of mortgage products, and fair lending practices. 24hourEDU has specifically designed our course to prepare you for the SAFE MLO National Exam.
How often do I need to renew my mortgage loan originator license?
MLO licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal process involves completing state continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee. The NMLS Annual Renewal Period begins Nov. 1 each year. The renewal deadline each year is December 31st.
What is the NMLS, and how does it relate to mortgage license training?
The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) is the system of record for MLO licensing and registration. It manages the pre-licensure education, testing, and continuing education requirements for MLOs across the United States. You will learn all about the NMLS while completing our 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course.
Can I work as an MLO while completing my mortgage license training?
You cannot work as an MLO while completing your training. You must first complete the pre-licensure education, pass the SAFE MLO test, and obtain your license before you can legally originate mortgage loans.
Are there different mortgage license training requirements for each state?
While the SAFE Act establishes minimum national standards that cover this state, other states have additional requirements for MLO licensing. These may include a few more hours of state-specific pre-licensure education, or a different process for background check requirements.
What career opportunities are available after completing mortgage license training?
After completing mortgage license training and obtaining your license, you can work as an MLO in various settings, including banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, or as an independent broker. With experience, you might advance to roles such as team leader, branch manager, or even open your own mortgage brokerage.
Is 24hourEDU legit? Can I get my mortgage license hours by taking an online course?
Yes, the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course by 24hourEDU is 100% approved by the NMLS so you can get the core hours required to apply for a mortgage loan origination license. 24hourEDU is an approved NMLS Course Provider listed in the NMLS list of approved online mortgage education providers under ID: 1405107.
