2026 data New York board official source

New York Mortgage Loan Originator License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Helps borrowers obtain home loans. Requires SAFE MLO Test.

What the New York data shows for Mortgage Loan Originators

To practice as a mortgage loan originator in New York, the state licensing board requires 20 documented education or training hours, a passing score on SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under New York's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "NMLS Pre-License Education (20 hours federal requirement)".

Upfront cost is $454, with renewal running $307 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.

For mortgage loan originators, the reciprocity picture is: SAFE Act: federal license recognized across states via NMLS.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
49/100
Mortgage Loan Originator · New York

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
$454
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$307/yr
$307 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 New York

Education / Training Hours
NMLS Pre-License Education (20 hours federal requirement)
20 hours
Exam Requirement
SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$454
Renewal Fee
$307
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New York licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Mortgage Loan Originator in New York?
New York requires 20 education/training hours, passing an exam (SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test), and an initial fee of $454. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Mortgage Loan Originator in New York?
New York licenses mortgage loan originators who complete its requirements (20 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the New York licensing board.
Can I transfer my Mortgage Loan Originator license to New York from another state?
Reciprocity for mortgage loan originators nationally works like this: SAFE Act: federal license recognized across states via NMLS. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into New York. Verify the specifics with the New York licensing board.
Does New York require a background check for Mortgage Loan Originator licensing?
Yes, New York 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 New York?
New York ties continued mortgage loan originator licensure to 8 continuing-education hours, due every 1 year, alongside a $307 renewal fee.

What to do with this mortgage loan originator license

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

  • See how New York'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 New York's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. New York overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the New York 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.