Get Your Washington MLO License
Washington mortgage loan originators are required to be licensed. In order to apply for a license, applicants must complete 24-hours of NMLS approved education. Our online MLO courses are fully approved to meet the Washington & NMLS education requirements.
3 Easy Steps to obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License in Washington
1
Complete our NMLS approved 20-hour Online MLO Course ($275 $189) & then pass the 4-hour Washington Laws Course (included free)
ENROLL HERE to start the 20-hour course instantly
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
20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Washington MLO Course + 4-Hours of WA Mortgage Laws
This is the course needed to obtain your Washington license. Unlike most competitors, we don’t have confusing packages. We include our Washington laws course and our MLO exam prep course free, so you have everything in one package designed to get your license!
- 20-Hour NMLS Approved Course #16623
- 4-Hour WA Laws Course Included #17501 ($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 (Downloadable PDF)
- Unlimited Phone & Email Support
- Bonus Marketing Videos Included FREE ($236 value)
- Fully Updated for 2026
If you already have an MLO license in another state and want to get a Washington License too, you can enroll in our 4-hr Washington MLO course for $49 by calling student support at (888) 405-4453.
Best Training - Best Service - Best Value
Our 20-hour NMLS Approved National Course will fully prepare you to pass the SAFE MLO Exam. Once you complete this course, you will have immediate FREE ACCESS to our 4-hour Washington Approved Mortgage Laws Course and a full Exam Prep Course. All three courses for just $275 $189. You will be able to apply for a license with the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Your WA license application will also be submitted and recorded using the NMLS system.
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Washington 4-hour Mortgage Laws Course Included Free
Our 4-hour Washington 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. You will get everything you need to become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Washington.
A message from our Mortgage Loan Originator Education Instructor Rich Leffler about the training program
The Rewards of Becoming an MLO in Washington State
Becoming a mortgage loan originator in Washington state offers rewarding prospects in a dynamic, high-demand housing market. The state’s vibrant mix of tech-driven urban centers like Seattle and Bellevue, manufacturing communities in Everett and Renton, and popular vacation areas around Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains creates diverse lending opportunities. Washington’s strong commitment to homeownership, rapidly appreciating property values, and innovation-based economic foundation provide exceptional business potential. The state’s distinctive Pacific Northwest climate drives unique market cycles, allowing loan originators to develop expertise in various scenarios – from high-end condo financing for tech professionals to waterfront property loans in the San Juan Islands to affordable housing solutions in growing communities like Spokane and Vancouver – making it an appealing market for establishing a lucrative mortgage career. Whether you want to become a mortgage broker in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Spokane, or Vancouver, our Washington mortgage loan originator course will get you the education you need to secure your license in this thriving market.
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Frequently asked Questions about Getting a Washington MLO License
Why does 24hourEDU include the Exam Prep Course along with the 20-hour mortgage broker course for Washington students?
We made sure the NMLS required 20-hours of studying includes the information needed pass the SAFE MLO Exam. To ensure students have an opportunity to continue to study, we provide everyone with a 600 page e-book, 500 exam prep questions, and a 30-page study guide specific to the test. We want every student to have the material needed to pass their exam. It is included, because you will need it to study as a resource after your 20-hour mortgage loan office course.
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 in Washington?
Yes, you need a license to become a mortgage loan originator in the of Washington. This requirement was established by the SAFE Act of 2008 to ensure that MLOs meet minimum standards for education, testing, and background checks.
What are the pre-licensing education requirements for a Washington State MLO license?
To obtain your Washington State Mortgage Loan Originator license, you must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. This includes 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, plus 12 hours of general mortgage knowledge. Washington also requires an additional 4 hours of state-specific education covering Washington mortgage laws and regulations.
How much does Washington State MLO education and licensing cost?
The typical cost for Washington State MLO pre-licensing education ranges from $300-$500 for most providers. 24hourEDU does not nickel and dime you on extras. We include everything you need for education including the 20-hour course, 4-hour Washington Mortgage Laws Course, and Exam Prep for just $189!
Can I take my Washington State MLO education courses online?
Yes, most NMLS-approved education providers offer Washington State MLO pre-licensing and continuing education courses in online formats. State law courses can be completed at your own pace, though some have live instruction components such as written assignments and the ability to work with your instructor on content related questions. The SAFE Act requires that all 20-hour pre-license education hours be completed as instructor-led training, which can be delivered via classroom or online formats. Our 20-hour course is online with pre-recorded video lessons.
What is the average salary of a Washington Mortgage Loan Originator?
Washington State consistently ranks among the top housing markets in the nation, with Seattle and surrounding areas commanding premium home prices. Licensed MLOs in Washington enjoy higher-than-average commission potential, with experienced originators often earning $100,000+ annually. The state’s robust tech industry and influx of high-income professionals create ample opportunities for jumbo loans and higher commission structures compared to many other states.
Why do MLOs like to do business in Washingtion?
A Washington MLO license allows you to operate throughout the entire state, giving you access to diverse markets ranging from the bustling urban centers of Seattle and Bellevue to growing suburban communities like Vancouver and Spokane. This geographic diversity provides resilience against localized market fluctuations. Washington’s varied landscapes—from coastal properties to mountain retreats—create specialized lending opportunities that cater to different client bases and lifestyle preferences.
Can I have an MLO license in Washington and other states at the same time?
Washington participates in the NMLS multi-state licensing program, making it easier to expand your business across state lines. Through license reciprocity agreements, Washington MLOs can more easily obtain licenses in neighboring states like Oregon and Idaho with reduced additional educational requirements. This portability gives Washington-based mortgage professionals flexibility to follow clients who move across state lines or to tap into multiple regional markets.
Is a Mortgage Loan Officer position considered a reputable job in WA state?
Washington State has implemented robust consumer protection regulations that, while requiring compliance diligence, ultimately enhance the professional reputation of licensed MLOs. These consumer safeguards help build trust with clients and reduce the risk of problematic loans. Licensed Washington MLOs benefit from operating in a regulatory environment that weeds out unethical competitors, creating a more level playing field for those committed to professional standards.
Frequently asked Questions about 24hourEDU and Earning a 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 $275 $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.