Mortgage Loan Originator / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana Mortgage Loan Originator License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Helps borrowers obtain home loans. Requires SAFE MLO Test.

What the Montana data shows for Mortgage Loan Originators

Becoming a licensed mortgage loan originator in Montana means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 20 training hours, a passing score on SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Montana regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "NMLS Pre-License Education (20 hours federal requirement)".

Budget $575 to get started, plus $386 at each renewal on a 1-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 8-hour continuing-education requirement per 1-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, mortgage loan originators should know: SAFE Act: federal license recognized across states via NMLS.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
49/100
Mortgage Loan Originator · Montana

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B
20 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$575
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$386/yr
$386 every 1 year
Continuing Education C+
8.0 hrs/yr
8 hours every 1 year
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
NMLS Pre-License Education (20 hours federal requirement)
20 hours
Exam Requirement
SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$575
Renewal Fee
$386
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Mortgage Loan Originator All Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Mortgage Loan Originator in Montana? ▼
Montana's requirements cover 20 hours of education or training, the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test exam, and an initial fee of $575. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Mortgage Loan Originator in Montana? ▼
To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Montana, you must meet the state's requirements including 20 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Montana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Mortgage Loan Originator license to Montana from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for mortgage loan originators: SAFE Act: federal license recognized across states via NMLS. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Montana licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Montana require a background check for Mortgage Loan Originator licensing? ▼
Yes, Montana requires a criminal background check as part of the mortgage loan originator licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Mortgage Loan Originator in Montana? ▼
Licensed mortgage loan originators in Montana must complete 8 hours of continuing education every 1 year. The renewal fee is $386.

Related Guides

What to do with this mortgage loan originator license

Mortgage Loan Originator in Montana, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a mortgage loan originator-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Montana's mortgage loan originator requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Mortgage Loan Originator in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state mortgage loan originator license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Montana's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Montana overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Montana licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.