Do I Need a Mortgage Loan Originator License in Texas?

A mortgage loan originator (MLO) license is required in Texas for any individual who provides or offers to provide the following services:

  • Accept applications for mortgage loans
  • Negotiate terms for residential mortgage loans on behalf of a borrower or lender

What is a Texas-OCCC License?

A TX-OCCC (Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner) MLO license focuses on:

  • Secondary Mortgage Loans
  • Home-Equity Loans
  • Residential Property Tax Loans
  • Manufactured Housing Loans

Because this license type only serves non-primary mortgage loans, there is no additional state-specific pre-license education required, only the 20-hour general requirement.

How Do I Obtain a Texas-OCCC License?

Getting your Texas-OCCC license is a multi-step process, but it's relatively simple! Here's what you need to do:

  1. Complete at least 20 hours of pre-licensure education (PE) within three (3) years of the initial application submission.
  2. Schedule and pass an MLO license test, also known as the SAFE (Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing) Test.
  3. Submit an Individual Form (MU4) through NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry).
    1. Undergo a criminal background check by submitting your fingerprints.
    2. Authorize a credit report
    3. Answer background disclosure questions
    4. Provide employment history details
  4. Get an employer sponsorship and give your current or future employer NMLS access.

Does a Texas-OCCC License Require Any State-Specific Education?

No. The Texas-OCCC license only requires that you complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-license education. Completing our 20-Hour National MLO Pre-License Course satisfies this requirement.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Texas-OCCC License?

To comply with the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act, you need at least 20 hours pre-license education (PE) before applying for a Texas-OCCC license.

After you have finished the PE, it depends on how quickly you complete all the steps in the application process (see above). Your state's application processing time also varies.

Is There a Completion Deadline for the 20-Hour National MLO Pre-License Course?

Yes. Due to NMLS regulation, the national course includes assessments that must be graded by an AYPO instructor before a student can continue. After starting the course, students have a maximum of 14 days to complete it. If the course is not completed within 14 days, the student will need to start over.

Will AYPO Report My Course Completion to NMLS for Free?

Yes! We report your successful completion to NMLS at no additional cost.

Can Texas-OCCC MLO Pre-License Education Expire?

Yes! Pre-license education (PE) expires after three (3) years. It must be retaken if:

  • The student doesn't become a licensed MLO within three years of completing the PE
  • An MLO doesn't renew their license within three years of it expiring