Easiest States to Get an MLO License in 2026
Because the SAFE Act sets a uniform federal baseline for MLO licensing -- 20 hours of pre-licensing education, the SAFE Act exam with 75% passing score, background check, and credit report -- the "easiest" state depends on what each state adds beyond that baseline. Some states stick close to the federal minimum, while others add education hours, surety bonds, and higher fees.
This guide ranks all 51 states by accessibility, factoring in additional education hours, surety bond requirements, fees, and other state-specific requirements. Data is pulled directly from our verified state databases.
What Makes a State "Easy" for MLO Licensing?
Every state requires the same federal core. We rank states based on what they add beyond that:
Additional Education Hours
27 of 51 states require more than the 20-hour SAFE Act minimum. 24 states stick to 20 hours exactly.
Surety Bond
43 of 51 states require a surety bond, adding annual premium costs. States without a bond requirement have lower ongoing costs.
State Fees
Total initial fees (NMLS + state) range from $226.25 to $811.25. Lower fees mean less upfront investment.
Other Requirements
Some states have net worth requirements for the sponsoring company, additional exam components, or other unique requirements.
Key Statistics
24
States at 20hr Minimum
27
States with Extra Hours
8
States w/o Surety Bond
$396
Median Initial Fees
Top 8 Easiest States for an MLO License
These states have the fewest requirements beyond the federal baseline:
Oregon
Oregon requires only the 20-hour federal minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs. Initial fees of $276.25 are below the median of $396.
Georgia
Georgia requires only the 20-hour federal minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs. Initial fees of $296.25 are below the median of $396.
Kansas
Kansas requires only the 20-hour federal minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs. Initial fees of $296.25 are below the median of $396.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires only the 20-hour federal minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs.
Florida
Florida requires only the 20-hour federal minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs.
Ohio
Ohio requires 4 hours beyond the federal minimum for a total of 24 hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs.
Idaho
Idaho requires 2 hours beyond the federal minimum for a total of 22 hours. No surety bond is required, reducing ongoing costs.
Kentucky
Kentucky requires only the 20-hour federal minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state hours. Initial fees of $246.25 are below the median of $396.
Complete State Rankings
The table below ranks all 51 states by our accessibility score. Click any state for the full requirements breakdown.
| Rank | State | Total Hours | Extra Hours | Bond | Initial Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | 20 | 0 | No | $276.25 |
| 2 | Georgia | 20 | 0 | No | $296.25 |
| 3 | Kansas | 20 | 0 | No | $296.25 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 20 | 0 | No | $418.25 |
| 5 | Florida | 20 | 0 | No | $435.25 |
| 6 | Ohio | 24 | +4 | No | $396.25 |
| 7 | Idaho | 22 | +2 | No | $526.25 |
| 8 | Kentucky | 20 | 0 | Yes | $246.25 |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 20 | 0 | No | $796.25 |
| 10 | New York | 23 | +3 | Yes | $457.25 |
| 11 | North Dakota | 20 | 0 | Yes | $226.25 |
| 12 | Arkansas | 20 | 0 | Yes | $246.25 |
| 13 | Iowa | 20 | 0 | Yes | $246.25 |
| 14 | Missouri | 20 | 0 | Yes | $246.25 |
| 15 | South Carolina | 20 | 0 | Yes | $246.25 |
| 16 | Alabama | 20 | 0 | Yes | $271.25 |
| 17 | Maine | 20 | 0 | Yes | $276.25 |
| 18 | Minnesota | 20 | 0 | Yes | $286.25 |
| 19 | Colorado | 22 | +2 | Yes | $244.25 |
| 20 | Indiana | 22 | +2 | Yes | $246.25 |
| 21 | Wyoming | 20 | 0 | Yes | $316.25 |
| 22 | South Dakota | 20 | 0 | Yes | $346.25 |
| 23 | Virginia | 20 | 0 | Yes | $346.25 |
| 24 | Vermont | 22 | +2 | Yes | $296.25 |
| 25 | New Hampshire | 22 | +2 | Yes | $326.25 |
| 26 | Illinois | 20 | 0 | Yes | $396.25 |
| 27 | Louisiana | 20 | 0 | Yes | $396.25 |
| 28 | Nebraska | 22 | +2 | Yes | $346.25 |
| 29 | Texas | 23 | +3 | Yes | $341.25 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | 20 | 0 | Yes | $446.25 |
| 31 | North Carolina | 24 | +4 | Yes | $321.25 |
| 32 | Washington | 24 | +4 | Yes | $321.25 |
| 33 | Tennessee | 22 | +2 | Yes | $396.25 |
| 34 | New Jersey | 24 | +4 | Yes | $346.25 |
| 35 | Michigan | 22 | +2 | Yes | $421.25 |
| 36 | Connecticut | 21 | +1 | Yes | $496.25 |
| 37 | West Virginia | 24 | +4 | Yes | $396.25 |
| 38 | Mississippi | 24 | +4 | Yes | $397.25 |
| 39 | Alaska | 20 | 0 | Yes | $546.25 |
| 40 | California | 22 | +2 | Yes | $496.25 |
| 41 | Maryland | 25 | +5 | Yes | $421.25 |
| 42 | District of Columbia | 23 | +3 | Yes | $496.25 |
| 43 | Nevada | 30 | +10 | Yes | $271.25 |
| 44 | Oklahoma | 20 | 0 | Yes | $656.25 |
| 45 | Montana | 22 | +2 | Yes | $596.25 |
| 46 | Delaware | 20 | 0 | Yes | $696.25 |
| 47 | New Mexico | 23 | +3 | Yes | $596.25 |
| 48 | Arizona | 24 | +4 | Yes | $696.25 |
| 49 | Hawaii | 23 | +3 | Yes | $796.25 |
| 50 | Utah | 35 | +15 | Yes | $396.25 |
| 51 | Massachusetts | 23 | +3 | Yes | $811.25 |
States at the Federal Minimum (20 Hours Only)
These 24 states require only the 20-hour SAFE Act minimum for pre-licensing education with no additional state-specific hours:
- Alabama -- $271.25 (bond required)
- Alaska -- $546.25 (bond required)
- Arkansas -- $246.25 (bond required)
- Delaware -- $696.25 (bond required)
- Florida -- $435.25
- Georgia -- $296.25
- Illinois -- $396.25 (bond required)
- Iowa -- $246.25 (bond required)
- Kansas -- $296.25
- Kentucky -- $246.25 (bond required)
- Louisiana -- $396.25 (bond required)
- Maine -- $276.25 (bond required)
- Minnesota -- $286.25 (bond required)
- Missouri -- $246.25 (bond required)
- North Dakota -- $226.25 (bond required)
- Oklahoma -- $656.25 (bond required)
- Oregon -- $276.25
- Pennsylvania -- $418.25
- Rhode Island -- $796.25
- South Carolina -- $246.25 (bond required)
- South Dakota -- $346.25 (bond required)
- Virginia -- $346.25 (bond required)
- Wisconsin -- $446.25 (bond required)
- Wyoming -- $316.25 (bond required)
States Requiring Additional Education Hours
These 27 states require education beyond the 20-hour federal minimum:
- Connecticut -- 21 total hours (+1 state-specific)
- Idaho -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Colorado -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Indiana -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Vermont -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- New Hampshire -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Nebraska -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Tennessee -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Michigan -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- California -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- Montana -- 22 total hours (+2 state-specific)
- New York -- 23 total hours (+3 state-specific)
- Texas -- 23 total hours (+3 state-specific)
- District of Columbia -- 23 total hours (+3 state-specific)
- New Mexico -- 23 total hours (+3 state-specific)
- Hawaii -- 23 total hours (+3 state-specific)
- Massachusetts -- 23 total hours (+3 state-specific)
- Ohio -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- North Carolina -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- Washington -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- New Jersey -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- West Virginia -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- Mississippi -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- Arizona -- 24 total hours (+4 state-specific)
- Maryland -- 25 total hours (+5 state-specific)
- Nevada -- 30 total hours (+10 state-specific)
- Utah -- 35 total hours (+15 state-specific)
What "Easy" Does Not Mean
A state with fewer requirements beyond the federal baseline is not necessarily the best place to start your MLO career. Consider:
- Market opportunity: Some higher-requirement states have larger mortgage markets and more lending opportunities.
- Multi-state licensing: Through NMLS, you can hold licenses in multiple states. Many MLOs eventually get licensed in several states to serve more borrowers.
- Employer location: You need to be licensed in states where your borrowers are located, not just where you live.
- Competition: Easier states may have more licensed MLOs competing for the same borrowers.
Tips for Getting Licensed Efficiently
- Get licensed where your borrowers are. MLOs must be licensed in the state where the borrower's property is located.
- Start with one state, then add more. Get your first license to start working, then add states as your business grows.
- Choose an education provider wisely. Pick one that covers multiple state modules so you can add licenses without repeating coursework. See our MLO license cost comparison for cost details.
- Let your employer guide you. Most mortgage companies will tell you which states to get licensed in based on their lending territory.
Start your MLO pre-licensing education
The CE Shop offers NMLS-approved pre-licensing courses in every state — browse by state to find your approved course package.
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Next Steps
Click any state in the ranking table above to see its complete requirements. Also explore our other MLO licensing guides:
- How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in 2026
- MLO License Cost by State: Complete Fee Breakdown
Sources
Requirements, fees, and education data are sourced from the NMLS, the CSBS, and official state regulatory agencies. Accessibility rankings reflect the data in our database as of the verification dates listed on each state page.
- Individual state regulatory agency websites (cited on each state page).
- Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) -- application fees and requirements.
- Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) -- SAFE Act guidance.
Data was last verified in February 2026. Requirements can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current requirements with NMLS and your state's regulatory agency before beginning the licensing process.
Save 35% on MLO Courses
The CE Shop offers state-approved mlo pre-licensing online — self-paced with a pass guarantee. Discount applied with code LicenseMap35.
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Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $79,580 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Texas | $63,770 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Florida | $71,340 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| New York | $98,940 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $61,470 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $75,960 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $69,220 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $72,250 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $75,820 | — | 6 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $72,680 | — | 6 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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