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State Cert Guide

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What do I need for a Michigan mortgage loan originator license?

Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) says that, generally, originating one residential mortgage loan requires a license. NMLS lists 20 hours of approved education for a new Michigan MLO, 2 of them on Michigan law. Then you pass the SAFE MLO Test.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
20 hours of NMLS-approved education, 2 on Michigan law, as NMLS lists itThe split by topic is in the questions below.
mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org (opens website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cost
$110 for the SAFE MLO Test, as NMLS lists it. This is not the course priceWe haven't confirmed a course price from a source.
NMLS Resource Center · SAFE MLO Test overview (opens website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Agency
Consumer Finance Licensing Unit at 877-999-6442DIFS gives this number in its mortgage loan originator FAQ.
Verified. www.michigan.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check whether you need the license. DIFS says that, generally, originating one residential mortgage loan requires licensure under the state’s MLO licensing act, the MLOLA.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from the NMLS course provider list. NMLS lists 20 hours of approved education for a new state-licensed MLO. Two hours must cover Michigan law, through a Michigan comprehensive course or a state-specific elective course.

  3. Step 3. Take the 20 hours. NMLS says all prelicensing education categories can be delivered in a classroom or a classroom equivalent (webinar) format.

  4. Step 4. Pass the SAFE MLO Test. NMLS says an MLO seeking state licensure needs 75% or better.

Before you pay

Before you pay, check that the course is on the NMLS course provider list and covers the 2 Michigan law hours.

Questions

How do the 20 hours split?

NMLS lists 3 hours of federal law, 3 of ethics, 2 of non-traditional mortgage lending, 10 of electives and 2 of Michigan law.

Do I need continuing education the year I get licensed?

Not if you complete pre-licensure education that year. DIFS says every Michigan licensed MLO completes at least 8 hours of NMLS approved continuing education a year, with that exception.

Does seller financing a sale require a license?

DIFS says that, unless other evidence points the other way, an individual whose only activity is seller financing is not considered to be in the business of originating with three or fewer such loans in a 12-month period from January 1 to December 31. From four, DIFS presumes a license is required.

Can a criminal record keep me from a Michigan license?

DIFS says a felony conviction, or a guilty or no contest plea, in the ten years before you apply makes you ineligible. A felony or misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty, a breach of trust, money laundering, embezzlement, forgery, a financial transaction or securities makes you ineligible no matter when it happened. DIFS weighs other convictions case by case.

What is on the test?

NMLS lists 120 questions and 190 minutes to finish, with 115 of the questions scored. The five unscored pre-test questions do not change your pass or fail result.

What to do next

Start with the DIFS mortgage loan originator FAQ. Then pick a course from the NMLS list.

www.michigan.gov

Sources we read