montana – mortgage broker and loan originator licensing
Transcription
montana – mortgage broker and loan originator licensing
ALABAMA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Alabama Mortgage Brokers Licensing Act, Ala. Code §5-25-1 et seq.1 Yes, if the person directly or indirectly solicits, processes, places or negotiates mortgage loans for a borrower. Mortgage loans include 1st or subordinate loans on 1-4 family owneroccupied dwellings in Alabama, if occupied as principal residence of the borrower. Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers No. Education Required 12 hours of approved continuing education in primary and subordinate financing transactions (to be completed by officers and principals of the licensee who are actively involved in daily operations of the licensee). Surety Bond Required for Brokers No. Minimum Net Worth Required? Financial statement submitted with license application must demonstrate minimum tangible net worth of $25,000. Financial statement must be not more than 90 days old and prepared by a CPA (per the license application form, 3/03 version). In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Yes. All licensed mortgage brokers must maintain a principal place of business in Alabama. Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are annual and expire 12/31. License Related Fees $100 license investigation fee; $500 initial license fee. Annual license renewal fee = $500.2 There is a 10% penalty for late renewals. Comments & Other Licensed mortgage brokers must appoint a registered agent. Application for license must include resumes of principals/officers, brokerage agreement to be used with customers, letters of reference, and general plan of business. Application must be submitted on the Department’s yellow form, NOT photocopied form. Mortgage broker licensees must notify regulator of specified events including change of address, filing of bankruptcy, institution of license revocation proceedings, or felony conviction of its officers or directors (15 day notice), change of principals or directors (30 day notice). Banking Department may examine licensees as necessary, but at least every 24 months. Licensee pays the examination fee. Civil penalty up to $3,000 may be imposed for violation of a Banking Department cease-anddesist order, or $15,000 if the violations are “knowing.” Willful violations of licensing law are misdemeanors. Regulatory Agency Alabama State Banking Department Bureau of Loans 401 Adams Avenue Suite 680 Montgomery AL 36130 (334) 242-3452 (334) 353-5961 (fax) http://www.bank.state.al.us/ 1 Those who make consumer loans from a principal place of business in Alabama are required to be licensed by the Banking Department under the Consumer Finance Law, Ala. Code §5-19-1 et seq. 2 Licensee may claim exemption from renewal fee if 50% or more of its loans are made to low and moderate income borrowers and licensee is not subject to enforcement action by any government agency. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved ALASKA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law None License Required? No Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers N/A Education Required N/A Surety Bond Required for Brokers N/A Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) N/A N/A Duration of License & License Renewal Dates N/A Comments & Other License Related Fees N/A N/A Regulatory Agency N/A all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved ARIZONA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Bankers Act, Ariz. Rev. Stat. §6-901 et seq. See also regulations of the State Banking Department, Ariz. Admin. Code tit. 20 Art 9. Yes, if the person directly or indirectly makes, negotiates, or offers to make or negotiate a mortgage loan, for compensation. Mortgage loans include all loans secured by mortgages or deeds of trust on Arizona property, not just residential mortgage loans. A licensee must appoint a “responsible individual” who is a resident of Arizona with the required experience. The responsible individual must be in active management of the licensee’s office. Mortgage broker licenses issued to entities cover the entity’s officers, directors and employees, but independent contractors are not considered employees. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §6-903 (E). Loan originators are not individually licensed but a licensee may not hire a person without conducting a reasonable background investigation (the results must be kept for at least 2 years). 3 Experience Required for Brokers Three years experience in mortgage brokerage, lending or a related business, during the 5 years immediately preceding the application for a mortgage broker license. Partial credit toward experience is available if one has experience as member of the bar, paralegal, loan underwriter, real estate broker, escrow officer, and the like. Education Required 24 hours of classroom education and success on a test administered by the State Banking Department. Coursework must include mortgage law, negotiable instruments, mortgage broker law, escrow agent law, recordkeeping requirements, principal and agent law, arithmetical computations, real estate lending principles, RESPA, TILA and securities law.3 Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000 for brokers whose investors are solely “institutional investors” and $15,000 for others. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §6-903 (H). Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No, but an applicant for a license must submit current financial statements with the application. Yes; each licensee must maintain a principal place of business in the state. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §6-904(F). Licenses are annual; license year is October 1 through September 30. Licenses not renewed by October 31 expire. License Related Fees Comments & Other $800 application fee for the 1st office and $250 for each additional office, plus $29 fingerprint processing fee for each set of fingerprints submitted. License renewals due annually; renewal fee is $250 if the broker negotiates or closes 50 or fewer loans in the preceding calendar year,4 and $500 otherwise, plus $200 for each branch. Knowing failure to comply with the Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Bankers Act subjects a person to a $5,000 civil penalty. Notice of change of a licensee’s office location must be given to the Banking Department within 5 days of the change; if the responsible individual changes, notice of the fact must be given within 10 days. A licensee has 90 days to replace its responsible individual. Mortgage broker licenses are not transferable. Regulatory Agency Arizona State Banking Department 2910 N. 44th Street Suite 310 Phoenix AZ 85018 (602) 255-4421 (602) 381-1225 (fax) http://www.azbanking.com/ The examination and course of study requirements can be waived for a person applying for a mortgage broker license who has been a licensee or a responsible person within the six months immediately prior to the submission of the application. 4 Loans included in the calculation of volume include all loans, not just Arizona loans, per Arizona Banking Department’s Substantive Policy Statement No. MB-4 (9/29/95). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved ARKANSAS – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Fair Mortgage Lending Act, Ark. Code Ann. §2339-501 et seq. See also administrative rules of the Arkansas Securities Commissioner as applicable to mortgage broker (effective 4/1/03). Yes, if the person directly or indirectly does any of the following for compensation: (1) accepts or negotiates mortgage loans; (2) solicits or offers to solicit mortgage loans; (3) negotiates the terms or conditions of mortgage loans; (4) issues loan commitments or rate lock guarantees to borrowers. Ark. Code Ann. §2339-502. Loan originators are individually licensed by the Arkansas Securities Commissioner. Mortgage brokers’ employees whose duties are merely clerical and administrative are not required to be licensed. A mortgage broker that employs loan officers must provide a list of the loan officers to the Arkansas Securities Department, and ensure that each loan officer is licensed. If a loan officer’s employment terminates, the employer must notify the Securities Department within 30 days. Experience Required for Brokers At least 3 years of mortgage lending experience. (If the applicant is a corporation or partnership, one of its partners or officers must have the required experience.) Education Required N/A Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $25,000 No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are renewed annually within 120 days of the licensee’s fiscal year-end. License Related Fees $750 nonrefundable license application fee for the main office, plus $100 for each branch office. License renewal fee is $350 for the main office and $100 for each branch. (There is a $50 per day late fee for renewals filed late, up to 30 days maximum; after 30 days, the unrenewed license expires.) Application for loan officer license requires $50 fee and $50 annual renewal. Change of control application requires payment of a $100 fee Comments & Other Each branch must have a branch manager; the branch manager is responsible for the business conducted at that location. Changes in branch managers must be reported to the Securities Commissioner within 30 days. Mortgage broker licenses are not transferable. Other changes that must be reported are changes in address, location of records, and change in control of the licensee. Regulatory Agency Arkansas Securities Department Heritage West Building Suite 300 201 E. Markham Little Rock AR 72201 (501) 324-9260 (501) 324-9268 (fax) www.state.ar.us/arsec all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved CALIFORNIA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING (REAL ESTATE BROKER LAW) Licensing Law5 License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Real Estate Broker Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §10130 et seq. See also regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner, Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 6, Art. 16. Yes, if the person (1) brokers or negotiates loans6 secured directly or collaterally by liens on real property, or (2) buys and sells promissory notes secured by real estate. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 10131 (d), (e). Persons who negotiate loans on behalf of licensed real estate brokers (i.e., mortgage brokers licensed under the real estate law) must be individually licensed as real estate salespersons. Each real estate broker licensee (other than a sole proprietor) must have a “designated officer” who is responsible for the supervision and control of the licensee’s business. A designated officer must have his or her own real estate license. Experience Required for Brokers At least 2 years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the 5 years prior to applying for a real estate broker license. Education7 or equivalent experience may be substituted for the 2 years’ experience. Education Required Licensed real estate brokers must complete 45 hours of continuing education over the 4-year license period. Surety Bond Required for Brokers No Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No Yes; a licensed real estate broker must maintain a place of business in California for the transaction of business. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §10162. License period is 4 years. Renewals may be filed 90 days before the license expires. License Related Fees $165 for a corporate applicant for a real estate license. $120 for a real estate license issued to an individual. Late renewal fee is $248 for brokers and $180 for salespersons. Comments & Other If a real estate broker does business using a fictitious or trade name, the trade name must be filed with the county clerk in the counties where the name is used. Branch offices are separately licensed. A person acting as a real estate broker without a license is subject to a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both. (The fine is up to $50,000 if the offender is a corporation.) Real estate broker licenses are not transferable. Real estate brokers must notify the Commissioner of Real Estate within 5 days of employing any salesperson. If the designated officer changes, the real estate broker must file change forms with the Department of Real Estate. Regulatory Agency Department of Real Estate 2201 Broadway P.O. Box 187000 Sacramento CA 95818(916) 227-0931 (916) 227-0777 (fax) www.dre.ca.gov 5 The real estate law applies to those mortgage brokers who do not lend money, make the credit decision in a mortgage transaction or service mortgage loans. The term “negotiation” excludes certain activities when performed by employees of a licensed real estate broker, including preparing ads for loan transactions, distributing circulars or flyers relating to loans, providing factual information about loans if the information is prepared by the real estate broker/employer, entering information on application forms or into computer databases, and preparing and mailing verification of mortgage, employment, deposit and rent forms. These and other limited activities do not rise to the level of “negotiation” requiring a license. See Cal. Code Reg. tit. 10 §2841. 7 Education in lieu of the required experience can include any of the following: (1) college graduation with A.A. degree plus completion of real estate courses and 1 year full-time employment as licensed California sales-person; (2) 4-year college degree + completion of 8 required courses; or (3) admission to practice law in any state. 6 all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved COLORADO – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law None License Required? No Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers N/A Education Required N/A Surety Bond Required for Brokers N/A Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) N/A N/A Duration of License & License Renewal Dates N/A License Related Fees N/A Comments & Other Colorado has a mortgage broker law that defines a mortgage broker as a person, association or firm that negotiates or attempts to negotiate a loan for a borrower for a fee or commission, but this law does not require mortgage brokers to be licensed. See Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-40101(6). Regulatory Agency N/A all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved CONNECTICUT – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required?8 Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers For brokering first mortgage loans: Nondepository First Mortgage Lenders and Mortgage Brokers Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §36a-485 et seq. For brokering first mortgage loans: Yes, if the person directly or indirectly negotiates, solicits, arranges, places or finds a first mortgage loan to be made by a lender, and earns compensation for the effort. Loan originators must be registered with the Department of Banking by their mortgage broker employer. A loan originator may not originate loans for more than one employer simultaneously. Conn. Gen. Stat. §36a-486(b). Loan officers do not include the officers of a corporation licensed as a mortgage broker, the general partner of a partnership licensed as a mortgage broker, the members of a limited liability company licensed as a mortgage broker, or the sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship licensed as a mortgage broker. At each licensed location of the mortgage broker, a supervisor with at least 3 years of experience in the mortgage business. Required experience must be gained in the previous 5 years (per license application). (Experience must be documented on the license application form.) For brokering second mortgage loans: Second Mortgage Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §36a-510 et seq. For brokering second mortgage loans: yes, same definition as above, but for second mortgages. Education Required No Surety Bond Required for Brokers $40,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $25,000 (documented by financial statement not more than 6 months old) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses expire on September 30 of evennumbered years. Renewals due by September 1. License Related Fees $400 nonrefundable application fee; annual license renewal fee = $400. Fee to register a loan originator (first mortgages) = $100 (paid every two years, along with the broker’s license renewal). Loan originator registration (second mortgages) = $50. Comments & Other When a loan originator’s employment is terminated, the employing mortgage broker must notify the Department of Banking. License applicants who are sole proprietors must provide their social security number and federal tax ID number. Licenses are not transferable. Separate license required for each branch office. Each first mortgage loan made or brokered without a license subjects the person to a civil penalty up to $7,500. Regulatory Agency Connecticut Banking Department Consumer Credit Division 260 Constitution Plaza Hartford CT 06103 (860) 240-8299 (860) 240-8178 (fax) http://www.state.ct.us/dob/ Late filing fee for late renewal of license = $100. 8 Although there are two separate licensing laws depending on whether first or secondary mortgage loans are brokered, a person licensed under the secondary mortgage loan act is not required to have a license to originate first mortgage loans if he originates or brokers loans under the second mortgage license and the number of first mortgages brokered is fewer than 12 in a period of 12 consecutive months. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved DELAWARE – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Loan Broker Act, 5 Del. Code §§21012115. See also operating regulations adopted by the State Bank Commissioner, Del. Admin. Code tit. 5 §2101.9 Yes, if the person does the following for compensation or gain, either directly or indirectly: (1) negotiates or offers to negotiate, arrange or solicit mortgage loans on behalf of borrowers; or (2) holds himself out as able to serve as agent for any person in an attempt to obtain a mortgage loan; or (3) holds himself out as agent to negotiate the terms and conditions of mortgage loans on behalf of a lender, if not the employee of the lender. N/A (employees of licensed mortgage brokers are exempt from licensing and may act under their employer’s license) Experience Required for Brokers None Education Required No Surety Bond Required for Brokers $25,000 (letter of credit for $25,000 may be substituted) Minimum Net Worth Required? No In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are annual and expire on 12/31. License Related Fees Comments & Other $250 investigation fee for application for licensure; $250 annual license fee. If licensee maintains its loan files outside Delaware, annual supervisory fee of at least $1,000 is charged ($500 minimum if loan files maintained in state). Licensed mortgage brokers must maintain agent for service of process in Delaware. License applicant must provide 3 business references. Each branch office must have a separate license. (Licenses will not be issued to net branches.) Licenses are not transferable. Changes of name, address, and changes of partners, officers, and directors must be provided to the State Bank Commissioner. Regulatory Agency Delaware State Bank Commissioner 555 E. Loockerman Street Suite 210 Dover DE 19901 (302) 739-4235 (302) 739-3609 (fax) www.state.de.us/bank/ Violations of the Mortgage Loan Broker Act subject to fine of $50$200 for each offense, plus imprisonment up to 3 months. 9 Mortgage Loan Broker Act applies to both first and second mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied Delaware residential real property. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Mortgage Lender and Broker Act, D.C. Code Ann. §26-1101 et seq. See also administrative rules of the Department of Banking and Financial Institutions (Code of District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Tit. 26A, Ch. 11, “Mortgage Lenders and Brokers”).10 Yes, if the person, for compensation, directly or indirectly accepts or offers to accept an application for a mortgage loan,11 solicits or offers to solicit a mortgage loan on behalf of a borrower, or offers to negotiate terms and conditions of a mortgage loan on behalf of a lender. D.C. Code §26-1101 (10). If the loan is payable to the mortgage broker, the broker must be licensed as a lender, not a broker (i.e., table-funding brokers are considered lenders). Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers None specifically required, but applicant must have “sufficient financial responsibility, business experience and general fitness” to engage in business as a mortgage broker. License applicant must sign an affidavit that he/she meets these criteria (attachment “E” of license application form). Education Required No Surety Bond Required for Brokers Bond amount depends on volume of business in previous 3 years: if none, bond is $12,500. If up to $1MM, bond is $12,500; if greater than $3MM, bond is $50,000 (maximum bond for a single office). Maximum bond for multiple offices applying for licenses simultaneously = $200K. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) License applicant must capitalize the business with at least $10,000. D.C. Code Ann. §261103(b)(3). In lieu of capital the broker can submit evidence of a bank line of credit for at least $10,000 (per license application form). No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses expire one year after their effective date. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 26A, R. 1102. Annual fees are assessed on or before 4/25 annually and assessment must be paid by 5/25. License Related Fees Non-refundable license investigation fee = $100; non-refundable application fee = $500. Annual license fee = $500. (Total of $1,100 must be submitted with application for license.) License renewal fee = $400 + $6.60 per loan brokered in the previous license period.12 D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 26A, R. 1104. Late fee for late filing of renewal application = $300. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 26A, R. 1103.2. Late fee for failure to file annual report timely: $50 per business day the report is late. Comments & Other Each branch office must have its own license. Licenses are not transferable; notice must be given to the Superintendent of Banking upon change of location, closing of any office, identity of any new principal officer, member, partner or director. Each director, senior officer, partner and principal must consent to a background check (per license application) and provide a personal financial report and biographical information. Company credit report must be provided with license application. Corporations, LLCs, etc. must provide evidence of good standing (authority to do business in DC). Licensed mortgage brokers must maintain resident agent in D.C. Penalty for acts in violation of licensing law while unlicensed = $1,000 per violation. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 26A, R. 1117. Regulatory Agency Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking13 810 First St. NE Washington DC 20002 (202) 727-1563 (202) 727-1290 (fax) www.dbfi.dc.gov 10 Effective date of the Municipal Regulations is March 5, 2004. 11 “Mortgage loan” is limited to 1-4 family residential properties; a license is not required to broker commercial mortgage loans. 12 Maximum annual assessment regardless of number of loans brokered in previous license year is $50,000. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 26A, R. 1104.3. 13 Formerly known as the Department of Banking and Financial Institutions; On March 1, 2004, the Council of the District of Columbia adopted a law combining the Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation with the Department of Banking and Financial Institutions. The new agency is the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved FLORIDA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Brokerage and Lending Act, Fla. Stat. §494.001 et seq.15 See also administrative rules of the Department of Financial Services, Fla. Admin. Code Ch. 3D-40 (“Rules Regulating Mortgage Brokerage”). Yes, if the person is engaged for compensation either directly or indirectly in acceptance of applications for mortgage loans, solicitation of mortgage loans on behalf of borrowers, negotiation of terms or conditions of loans on behalf of lenders, or negotiation of sales of existing mortgage loans to institutional lenders. Each “associate” of a mortgage broker must be identified to the Department of Financial Services by his or her employing mortgage broker and if the associate acts as a mortgage broker (see definition in previous column), he or she must be individually licensed as a mortgage broker. An associate is a person employed by or acting as independent contractor for a mortgage broker. The report of associates must be updated quarterly and include the person’s social security number, name and other identifying information.16 Experience Required for Brokers The principal broker for a licensee must have at least 1 year of experience as a principal broker or have been actively involved in the mortgage business for 1 year. Education Required14 Pre-requisite to licensing: 24 hours of classroom education on primary and subordinate mortgage financing, plus success on an examination.17 Fla. Admin. Code §§ 3D40.026, 3D-40.027. Continuing education during license period: 14 hours of education of which at least 4 cover the Mortgage Brokerage and Lending Act and its regulations.18 Fla. Admin. Code § 3D40.0271. Surety Bond Required for Brokers No Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No No (in-state office requirement was repealed in 1999). Licenses issued to individual mortgage brokers are renewed biennially beginning 9/1 of each oddnumbered year.19 Fla. Admin. Code § 3D-40.043. Licenses issued to mortgage brokerage businesses are renewed biennially beginning 9/1 of each evennumbered year. Fla. Admin. Code § 3D-40.053. License Related Fees Mortgage broker license issued to a natural person: $200 application fee; $23 fingerprint processing fee. Mortgage broker business license: $425 application fee for main office + 23 fingerprint processing fee for each 10% or greater owner, CEO and each director. Application fee for branch office license = $225. Renewal fee is $375 for principal office, $225 for each branch. Comments & Other Regulatory Agency An individual may obtain a license as a mortgage broker; a business that employs mortgage brokers is licensed as a “mortgage brokerage business.” A person licensed as a mortgage broker cannot be simultaneously associated with more than one licensed brokerage. A mortgage brokerage business must have a designated principal broker; this person must be in control of and supervise the business. A mortgage broker must notify the Department of Financial Services within 30 days of any change in its principal broker. Other changes that must be reported include change of address, officer or director, conviction of any crime involving fraud, and bankruptcies. Fla. Admin. Code § 3D-40.099. Licenses are not transferable. Department of Financial Services Office of Financial Regulation 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee FL 323990375 (850) 410-9500 (850) 410-9914 (fax) www.fldfs.com/OFISR Branch offices are separately licensed. Each branch must have designated branch broker who is in control of the business. Fla. Admin. Code § 3D-40.165. A fictitious name used by a licensee must be filed registered with the Florida Secretary of State. Acting as a mortgage broker without a license is 3rd degree felony. 14The required education must be taken at an accredited school. 15 The licensing law covers those who broker residential mortgage loans, and loans on commercial property or property containing 5 or more residential dwelling unites if the borrower is a natural person or the lender is a non-institutional investor. Fla. Stat. §494.001(18). Lien priority of the loan is immaterial. 16 A mortgage broker who violates the rule on reporting associates may be fined up to $500 and his license may be suspended. Fla. Admin. Code R. 3D-40.022(5). 17 Test-taker must achieve 75% correct answers on a test of 100 multiple-choice questions, taken within 3 hours. Passing score is good for 1 year from test date. Fla. Admin. Code §3D-40.025. Cutoff date for the test is the 15th of the month preceding the month in which the applicant desires to take the test (per bulletin of the Department). Testing conducted at sites throughout Florida. Test must be passed within 90 days of Department’s consideration of license application. 18 Licensee must keep records of the completion of the continuing education for at least 4 years. 19 An initial mortgage broker license is valid for the remainder of the biennial license period for which it is issued (Mortgage Broker Application Instructions, p. 2). Example: if license issued on 12/103, it is valid until 9/1/05. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved GEORGIA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Georgia Residential Mortgage Act, Ga. Code Ann. §7-11000 et seq. See also rules of the Department of Banking, Ga. Admin. Code ch. 80-11-1 and 8011-4, which apply to licensed mortgage brokers. Yes. Residential Mortgage Act requires the licensing of persons who broker loans made to natural persons if the loan is secured by an interest in 1-4 family residential property located in Georgia, excluding rental homes and second homes. Mortgage brokers and loan processors are licensed. “Loan processors” are persons who collect and/or verify information necessary to underwrite a loan application, including those who review applications, order credit reports, surveys and the like; obtain verifications of income or deposits, provide escrow account analyses or disclosure forms for the loan, and so forth. Ga. Comp. R & Regs R. 80-11-4-.07. The employees of a licensee are not required to be separately licensed if they work exclusively for the licensee under the supervision of the licensee and compensation is not reported on a Form 1099. Experience Required for Brokers Yes; mortgage brokers must have at least 2 years of verifiable full time experience. Ga. Comp. R & Regs R. 80-114-.01. This experience must be documented with a letter from the previous employer and W-2 wage statements. Education Required Yes; licensees must complete at least 40 hours of education as a condition of licensing. Four of the hours must be on Georgia law and regulations. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 unless the applicant has minimum net worth of $100,000. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $100,00020 unless the applicant provides a surety bond of $50,000. Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Georgia has reciprocity; an out of state mortgage broker can obtain a Georgia license without an in-state office if the home state of the applicant permits Georgia mortgage brokers to obtain a license without maintenance of an in-state office. Ga. Code §7-11003.1. Licenses are annual and expire on June 30 with renewals available from April 1. There is a $300 fee for late renewals. License Related Fees $250 nonrefundable license investigation fee + annual license fee of $500.21 $30 fee for each processing of fingerprint cards, if required. Branch office license fee is $350; if an individual mortgage broker has more than 1 location, additional locations after the 1st pay a $25 fee per license year. Comments & Other License application must include the applicant’s policies for handling consumer complaints. Principal officers, directors and 10% or greater shareholders must provide background statements, authorization for credit checks and financial statements; the Department may also require fingerprints. A licensee must check background of his employees within 90 days of their hire date, and do a criminal background check of branch managers. The criminal background check and credit report check on branch managers must be submitted to the Department. Certain changes must be reported to the Department, including change of location, opening of new office, change of owners or management, entry of judgment against the licensee, or claims against the licensee’s surety bond. Violation of the licensing law is a misdemeanor, subject to fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 1 year or both. Regulatory Agency Georgia Department of Banking and Finance 2990 Brandywine Road Suite 200 Atlanta GA 30341-5565 (770) 986-1269 (770) 986-1654 (fax) www.state.ga.us/dbf 20 Minimum net worth was increased from $25,000 to $100,000 effective July 1, 2003. 21 Annual license fee was increased from $400 to $500 effective August 17, 2003. See Ga. Comp. R & Regs R. 80-5-1-.02(4). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved HAWAII – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Brokers and Solicitors Act, Haw. Rev. Stat. §454-1 et seq. Yes, if the person does the following, directly or indirectly, for gain or compensation: makes, negotiates, acquires or offers to make, negotiate or acquire a mortgage loan on behalf of a borrower. “Mortgage solicitors” are individuals not licensed as mortgage brokers, but who perform the services of a mortgage broker. Employees of licensed mortgage brokers who act as loan solicitors must be separately licensed. Experience Required for Brokers At least 1 officer or member of the applicant must have 2 years of experience in primary or subordinate mortgage financing. Education Required N/A Surety Bond Required for Brokers $15,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates N/A Yes; every licensed mortgage broker must maintain a principal place of business in Hawaii. Haw. Rev. Stat. §4543(i). The place of business must comply with local zoning codes (see the application form, “Instructions”). Biennial licenses expire on 12/31 of even numbered years. Failure to renew by 12/31 in evennumbered years is an automatic forfeiture of the license (per application instructions). License Related Fees Mortgage brokers: If license applied for between 1/1 of odd-numbered year and 12/31 of odd-numbered year, $320; if license applied for between 1/1 of even-numbered year and 12/31 of even-numbered year, $185. Mortgage solicitors: If license applied for between 1/1 of odd-numbered year and 12/31 of odd-numbered year, $145; if license applied for between 1/1 of even-numbered year and 12/31 of even-numbered year, $85. Comments & Other A mortgage broker must be at least 18 years old. Branch offices are separately licensed. Corporations and partnerships must be registered with the Business Registration Division, Department of Commerce, as a condition to licensing. Business entities applying for a license must appoint a “designated principal” -- this is the person that must satisfy the experience requirements. Regulatory Agency Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu HI 96801 (808) 586-3000 (808) 586-3031 (fax) www.state.hi.us/dcca/pvl If a licensed mortgage solicitor terminates employment with a licensed mortgage broker, the solicitor’s license must be returned to the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Changes in office location must be reported to the regulator. Violation of the licensing law is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved IDAHO – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Idaho Residential Mortgage Practices Act, Idaho Code §263101 et seq. Yes, if the person does the following for compensation or gain: directly or indirectly accepts applications for 14 family residential loans, assists or offers to assist in preparation of loan applications on behalf of borrowers, or offers to negotiate the terms of loans with any person making loans. Persons employed on a full-time basis by a licensed mortgage broker, and persons employed by not more than 1 licensed mortgage broker on a parttime basis, are exempt from licensing (they may act under their employer’s license). Idaho Code §263103(7). Experience Required for Brokers A mortgage broker and the person in charge of the mortgage broker’s principal place of business must have at least 3 years’ experience in residential mortgage lending. Idaho Code §263108(2). Education Required N/A Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000 plus an additional $10,000 bond for each branch office. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $10,000 No. Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are annual and must be renewed by 8/31. License Related Fees $200 nonrefundable application fee; annual fee of $100 for the license. Comments & Other Department of Finance may examine licensed mortgage brokers at its discretion; licensee pays the cost of the examination. Applicant for a license must submit forms to be used in its business along with the license application. Licensees must report certain changes to the regulator, including change of address, consolidation of locations, closing any office, and changes in management. Failure to obtain a license, if one is required, is a felony. Department of Finance may seek fine up to $5,000 for each violation of the licensing law. Regulatory Agency Idaho Department of Finance P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0031 (208) 332-8000 (208) 332-8099 (fax) http://finance.state.id.us/cons umer/consumer_home.asp all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved ILLINOIS – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules22 Illinois Residential Mortgage License Act, 205 ILCS 635/1 et seq. See also the rules of the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate, 205 Ill. Admin. Code tit. 38, §1050 et seq. Yes, if the person brokers a loan to or for the benefit of a natural person and the loan is made primarily for personal, family or household purposes and is secured by a mortgage on residential real property or certificates of stock in a cooperative housing corporation. Loan originators are required to be licensed individually unless (1) employed by a licensed mortgage broker, and (2) registered by the employer with the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate.23 Employees of licensed real estate brokers that do not hold their own licenses may not act for more than one licensed mortgage broker. 205 ILCS 635/14(d) (3). Also, the application form for the license requires the applicant to list all independent brokers or agents who are compensated for assistance in performance of regulated acts (including name, address and social security number). Experience Required for Brokers Officers and directors of the applicant must have at least 3 years’ experience in real estate finance and fair lending or have completed a course of study in real estate finance within 9 months of receiving a license. Education Required No Surety Bond Required for Brokers $20,000. Ill. Admin. Code tit. 38 §1050.490. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates $35,000 for a mortgage broker not engaged in mortgage lending. This will increase to $50,000 two years after the effective date of P.L. 093-00561 (Laws of 2003). Audited financial statements are required of new license applicants (dated within 90 days). No, if the mortgage broker has net worth of at least $100,000 and a $100,000 fidelity bond; otherwise, the broker must have a “full service” office in Illinois. A fullservice office is one with staff adequate to handle communications with borrowers and answer questions on the loan applications. Licensees are biennial. Renewal fee is $2,600 for a 2year period. Renewals filed late are subject to $500 fine for first 30 days and $1,000 thereafter until renewed. Individual branches are individually licensed. “Notice of Intent to Establish Additional Full Service Office” must be accompanied by $250 fee.24 License Related Fees Non-refundable license application fee = $1,500 (certified check or money order); license fee = $1,200.25 For “provisional registration” of loan originators (from 7/1/04 to 12/31/04), a fee of $125 per loan originator. (See footnote 1 below.) License fees are processed in Springfield IL office and should be mailed to that office (see “Regulatory Agency” column). Comments & Other Licensed mortgage brokers must maintain a fidelity bond of $100,000 covering employees in a position to receive or handle money or make entries in the licensee’s books. Licensee must report certain situations to the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate, including change of address or name, change in officers or directors, change in information reported on an application for a license, occurrence of bankruptcy, or demand for repurchase of a loan. Foreign corporations seeking licenses must obtain certificate of authority to do business in Illinois (per license application instructions). Regulatory Agency Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Banks and Real Estate 310 South Michigan Avenue Suite 2130 Chicago IL 60604 (312) 793-3000 (312) 793-1490 (fax) www.obre.state.il.us/ Address for license fees: Office of Banks and Real Estate Bureau of Residential Finance 500 East Monroe Street Springfield IL 62701 22 The Office of Banks and Real Estate adopted emergency rules for registration of loan originators, effective April 30, 2004 providing for “provisional registration” of loan originators. The provisional registration period is July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. After December 31, 2004, a regular certificate of registration is required in order for a person to act as a loan originator. See Ill. Admin. Code tit. 38, §1050.2200 et seq. 23 The requirement for a licensed mortgage broker to register its loan originator employees with the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate became effective on June 1, 2004. 24 With the notice of full service office, the office lease and employment contract with the office manager must be included (per instructions to the application form). 25 The $1,200 license fee is billed to the applicant when the application is approved and must be paid within 10 days or the approval of license will be cancelled (per the application form). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved INDIANA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Loan Broker Act, Ind. Code §23-25-1 et seq. Yes, if the person promises to procure a loan for any person or assist a person in procuring a loan from a third party, or if the person promises to make a loan to any person or is involved in loan origination activities. Loan originators employed by loan brokers must be registered with the Securities Commissioner. Ind. Code §23-2-5-4. Experience Required for Brokers No Education Required 24 hours of academic instruction in loan brokerage is required for all persons who originate loans or negotiate loan terms with borrowers. Ind. Code §23-2-510(d). Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No Yes (application form requires applicant to list place of business to be maintained by the loan broker in Indiana). Licenses expire on January 1 in the year after the year in which they were issued. License Related Fees Initial fee for filing a license application = $200. License renewal fee = $200. Comments & Other Loan brokers must appoint an agent for service of process. If a loan originator employed by a licensed loan broker terminates his employment, that fact must be reported to the securities commissioner. Securities commissioner may impose a civil penalty up to $10,000 for each violation of the Loan Broker Act. Ind. Code §23-2-5-14(a). Regulatory Agency Secretary of State Securities Division 302 West Washington St. Room E-111 Indianapolis IN 46204 (317) 232-6681 (317) 233-3675 (fax) www.state.in.us/sos all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved IOWA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Act, Iowa Code §535B.1 et seq. Yes, if the person negotiates, arranges or attempts to negotiate or arrange more than 4 first mortgage loans on Iowa residential property. Originator Licensing and Rules N/A -- a person who acts solely as an employee or agent of a licensed mortgage broker is not required to be separately licensed. Experience Required for Brokers No Education Required No Surety Bond Required for Brokers $15,00 for mortgage brokers engaged only in brokerage; $30,000 if the mortgage broker is also engaged in mortgage banking. Minimum Net Worth Required? No (but a recent financial statement must accompany the application for a license). The financial statement must be “audited” or “reviewed” by an independent CPA. In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses expire on 6/20 in the year after they are issued. Renewal applications must be filed by June 1. License Related Fees $500 application fee; $200 license renewal fee. Comments & Other Foreign corporation applicants for mortgage broker license must be qualified to do business in Iowa. Mortgage brokers must identify on the license application those institutions to whom they have brokered loans in the past 12 months. Regulatory Agency Iowa Division of Banking 200 E. Grand Avenue Suite 300 Des Moines IA 50309 (515) 281-4014 (515) 281-4862 (fax) www.idob.state.ia.us all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved KANSAS – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Kansas Mortgage Business Act, Kan. Stat. Ann. §9-2201 et seq. See also administrative rules of the State Bank Commissioner applicable to mortgage brokers, Kan. Admin. Code §17-24-1 et seq. Yes, a mortgage broker license is required if the person is engaged in mortgage business, meaning, for compensation or gain, directly or indirectly making, originating, servicing, soliciting, placing, negotiating, acquiring, selling, or arranging 1-4 family residential loans for others. A mortgage broker’s loan originators must be registered. Loan originators must be individually registered with the Department of Banking. Registration is accomplished by identification of the loan originator on the license application of the employing mortgage broker and submission of “Form G” with the application. The Department of Banking may conduct a “records investigation” on any loan originator.26 Experience Required for Brokers N/A Education Required Loan originators must complete at least 8 hours of education annually. Surety Bond Required for Brokers Varies, depending on whether the broker maintains an office in Kansas. If yes, bond is $50,000. Otherwise, bond is $100,000 plus minimum net worth of $50,000. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Depends on whether the mortgage broker maintains a Kansas office. If so, no minimum net worth required. Otherwise, $50,000. No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are biennial and are renewed in oddnumbered years. Renewal applications must be filed at least 30 days before a license expires. (Renewal forms are mailed 60 days before license expiration according to the application form “instructions.”) License Related Fees $600 nonrefundable application fee for the principal place of business + $200 for each branch office. There is a $75 registration fee per registered loan originator. There is a $25 fee to amend information provided on a license application. Biennial license renewal fee is $400. Comments & Other A loan originator may be employed by only 1 mortgage broker at a time. The General Instructions to the application form (rev. 6/2003) states that “It is the opinion of the Kansas Secretary of State that companies exclusively engaged in the mortgage business are exempt from registering with the Kansas Secretary of State as foreign corporations.” Regulatory Agency Kansas State Bank Commissioner 700 SW Jackson Street Suite 300 Topeka KS 66603-3714 (785) 296-2266 (785) 296-0168 (fax) www.osbckansas.org/ 26 A loan originator means a person whose job responsibilities include direct contact with borrowers during the loan origination process, including soliciting, negotiating, acquiring, arranging or making mortgage loans for others, obtaining personal or financial information from borrowers, assisting with preparation of loan applications or other documents, quoting loan rates or terms, or providing required disclosures. Loan originators do not include persons whose responsibilities are solely clerical. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved KENTUCKY – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Loan Companies and Loan Brokers Act, Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. §294.010 et seq. See also regulations of the Office of Financial Institutions on mortgage brokers, Ky. Admin. Regs. (KAR) 12:002 to 12:095. Yes, if a person brokers mortgage loans on 1-4 family residential property in Kentucky, or holds himself out as an agent of borrowers or lenders. Loan officers are required to be registered with the Office of Financial Institutions effective July 1, 2004.27 Loan officers must be W-2 employees of licensed mortgage brokers, according to the Department of Financial Institutions; independent agents may not act as loan officers unless licensed as mortgage brokers. Experience Required for Brokers No. Education Required For mortgage brokers, a 30 hour training course, unless the applicant for a mortgage broker license has held a mortgage broker license from another state for at least 1 year. Ky. Rev. Stat. §294.032(6). For loan officers, at least 12 hours of education annually, at least 6 of which are in the classroom effective July 1, 2005. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 (a letter of credit or escrow agreement for a savings certificate may be substituted for the bond). Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No, but per the instructions to the license application, a new venture “must be capitalized sufficiently to carry on a new business.” Initial balance sheet and 12month projected cash flow statement must be included with the application form. Yes, since September 24, 2003, a mortgage broker must have a physical office in Kentucky. The physical office cannot be a post office box; it must have a street address and be accessible to the general public, holding itself open at regular business hours. Licenses expire on June 30 and must be renewed annually by June 20. Late renewals result in a $250 reinstatement fee. There are special requirements for use of a residence as a place of business (must comply with zoning requirements, etc.). KAR 12:075. License Related Fees Initial investigation fee $350 for principal office + $250 for each branch office. Initial license fee = $450 per year for the principal office + $250 per year for each KY branch office licensed simultaneously, if application filed between July 1 and December 3, and $150 per year for the principal office of the mortgage broker + $100 per year for each KY ranch office licensed simultaneously, if application filed between January June 30. Comments & Other Persons whose responsibilities are merely clerical and loan processing personnel are not considered loan officers. A loan processor can work under the supervision of a mortgage broker or loan officer to gather information, request information, assemble loan files and the like, without registration. Foreign corporations seeking mortgage broker licenses must qualify to do business in Kentucky. The foreign corporation qualification must have been in place for at least 6 months before the application is filed. Persons with more than 10% ownership in an applicant, and the applicant’s officers and directors, must agree to authorize a credit report. Greater than 10% owners must provide signed, current financial statements. If applicant plans to have branch offices, the branch office manager must be identified for each branch. Regulatory Agency Department of Public Protection Office of Financial Institutions 1025 Capital Center Drive Suite 200 Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 573-3390 (502) 573-8787 (fax) www.dfi.state.ky.us/ Loan officer registration fee is $50. Those filing claim of exemption from licensing must pay $150 fee.28 27 The requirement for registration of loan officers was added by Ch. 64, Laws of 2003 (H.B. 287), effective June 24, 2003. 28 HUD approved mortgagees are exempt from licensing but must file exemption certificate and pay exemption fee (per information on website, http://dfi.ky.gov/legislation.htm, visited 6/15/04). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved LOUISIANA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Residential Mortgage Lending Act, La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §6:1081 et seq. Yes, if the person is engaged, for compensation, in direct loan origination and funding, or offering to negotiate, place or find a residential mortgage loan for another person. Yes, an originator must be licensed. An “originator” is a person who interviews consumers in connection with applications for mortgage loans; but not a person whose responsibilities are merely clerical. A W-2 employee of a licensed mortgage broker who operates under the control of the licensee and works for only one licensee is not an originator required to have an individual license. (Policy Statement, Office of Financial Institutions, August 2003.) Loan originators must file a separate license application form and provide consent for a background investigation. Experience Required for Brokers N/A Education Required 10 hours of continuing education per license year. La. Rev. Stat. §6:1094.C (1). There is reciprocity with other states whose continuing education requirements are equivalent to or higher than Louisiana's. [La. Rev. Stat. §6:1094.D. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 as substitute for minimum net worth of $50,000; otherwise, no surety bond required. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $50,000 or more as evidenced by a financial statement prepared by an independent CPA.29 (Pledge of deposit account or $50,000 surety bond may substitute.) No. Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses expire annually on December 31; renewal filings are due on December 1. License Related Fees Initial application fee for mortgage broker license = $400; annual license renewal = $300. Initial application fee for loan originator license = $100. Fee for change of employment of licensed originator = $50. Comments & Other Foreign corporations applying for mortgage broker license must be qualified to do business in Louisiana. All corporate entities may engage in mortgage brokerage only through individual licensees with mortgage broker or originator licenses. An agent for service of process in Louisiana must be appointed. If a loan originator changes his employment, notice of that fact must be given to the Commissioner of Financial Institutions within 30 days. Filing fee is $50 ($100 if the filing is late). Regulatory Agency Office of Financial Institutions P.O. Box 94095 Baton Rouge, LA 708049095 (225) 925-4660 (225) 925-4548 (fax) http://www.ofi.state.la.us/ Those exempt from licensing but subject to registration must pay a $400 registration fee. 29 Financial statement showing the required minimum net worth cannot be more than 18 months old at time of license renewal. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MAINE – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Maine Consumer Credit Code, Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 9-A §10-101 et seq. (dealing with credit service organizations). Yes, for persons who arrange extensions of credit or provide assistance to consumers seeking extensions of credit. Such persons are licensed as “credit services organizations.” Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers No Education Required No Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses must be renewed by 1/31 annually. Annual renewal fee is $100. License Related Fees $200 application fee for credit services organization license. Annual renewal fee is $100. Comments & Other Application for a credit services organization license must include the forms and sample agreements the broker will use with consumers. Regulatory Agency Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Office of Consumer Credit Regulation 35 State House Station Augusta ME 04333-0035 (207) 624-8527 (207) 582-7699 (fax) http://www.state.me.us/pfr/cc p/ccp_index.htm all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MARYLAND – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required?30 Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Lender, Law, Md. Fin. Inst. Code §11501 et seq. See also regulations of the Division of Financial Regulation (Code of Maryland Regulations), COMAR §09.03.06. Yes, if the person for a fee or consideration, directly or indirectly aids or assists a borrower to obtain a mortgage loan if the person providing the assistance is not named as the lender in the loan agreement. (If the person arranging the loan is the payee of the loan, even in a tablefunded transaction, he is a lender, not a mortgage broker.) N/A. Employees acting within the scope of their employment for a person who is either licensed or exempt from licensing are not required to be individually licensed. Experience Required for Brokers An individual or sole proprietor applicant for a mortgage broker license must have at least three years of business experience, documented by a current resume showing positions held, duties and responsibilities, and beginning and ending dates. From the Division of Financial Regulation’s website, http://www.dllr.state. md.us/finance/mortga gel.htm#corp, visited 7/14/04. No statutory requirements for experience of applicants that are entities (corporations, partnerships, LLCs). Education Required Surety Bond Required for Brokers “Covered employees”31 must complete at least 20 hours32 of continuing education in connection with their employer’s license renewal. COMAR §09.03.06.17.33 Yes; amount depends on whether the broker has done business in the previous 36 months: if not, $15,000. Otherwise, bond depends on volume of business in Maryland, ranging from $25,000 (aggregate amount of all Maryland loans under $3MM) to $75,000 (more than $10MM in business in Maryland).34 Bond runs concurrently with license period. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No, but financial statements dated within 12 months must be provided with license application. No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Mortgage broker license is valid for 2 years and expires on 12/31 of oddnumbered year following its issuance. License Related Fees Investigation fee for filing license application = $100. License fee = $1,000 if application for license filed during evennumbered year; $500 otherwise. (Same fees for branch offices.) License renewal fee = $1,000. Comments & Other If the mortgage broker’s principal place of business is outside Maryland, he must appoint an agent for service of process in Maryland. All out-ofstate applicants must obtain a good standing certificate from Department of Taxation. Applicant for license must provide fingerprints and criminal history records check (this applies to president, officer, director and principals of a corporate applicant). Branch offices are separately licensed.35 Business credit report must be provided with license application (if a new business, personal credit report on president and 10% or greater shareholders). Willful violation of Mortgage Lender Law is a misdemeanor, subject to fine up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 1 year or both. Unlicensed person cannot collect a mortgage brokerage fee, interest or costs on a loan. Licensee must notify the regulator of changes of control, relocation of office, and similar. Regulatory Agency Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Division of Financial Regulation 500 North Calvert Street Room 402 Baltimore MD 21202 (410) 230-6100 (410) 333-3866 (fax) www.dllr.state.md.us/finance/ 30 License application can be filled out and submitted electronically through this webpage: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/fin_reg/mortlend/mdfinreg.html 31 Branch manager and persons who accept mortgage loan applications or negotiate loan terms with borrowers are “covered employees.” However a "covered" employee does not include an employee who has been employed by the licensee for less than six months before the expiration of the licensee’s current license, and has no prior experience as a covered employee with any other licensee (per the regulator’s website, viewed 7/14/04). 32 The 20 hours must include at least the following: Ethics—2 hours; Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) compliance—2 hours; Federal Truth in Lending compliance—2 hours; Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act/Fair Lending compliance—2 hours; Maryland law update—2 hours; Federal law update—2 hours; Electives—8 hours. 33 There is a reduced continuing education requirement (6 hours) for a person who was a covered employee with any licensee for the immediately preceding 10 years, as follows: Ethics—2 hours; Maryland law update—2 hours; Federal law update—2 hours. 34 The bond applies to each office, but if 5 or more license applications or license renewals are filed simultaneously, a bond of $375,000 will cover all offices regardless of volume of Maryland business or number of offices. Md. Fin. Inst. Code §11-508. The bond amount must be recalculated on 12/31 of each even-numbered year and licensee must provide a bond rider adjusting the amount if appropriate. COMAR §09.03.06.15. 35 However, bond for multiple branches may be provided through a single “blanket bond” if licenses applied for or renewed simultaneously. See column on surety bonds. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MASSACHUSETTS – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required?36 Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Lenders and Brokers Act, Mass. Gen. L. ch. 255 E. See also regulations of the Commissioner of Banking, 209 Code of Mass Regs (CMR) ch. 42 and regulations of the attorney general, 940 CMR ch. 8.00. Yes, if the person brokers a loan to a natural person and the loan is made primarily for a personal, family or household purpose and the loan is secured by residential property located in Massachusetts.37 Regulations define brokering as directly or indirectly negotiating, placing, assisting in placement, finding or offering to negotiate, place, assist in placement or finding mortgage loans. 209 CMR §42.02. N/A. An employee of a licensed mortgage broker or mortgage lender is not required to obtain an individual license if he acts as a mortgage broker under the direction of his employer. This exemption is available if the individual loan originator acts exclusively for his employer and the employer completes a “Statement of Accountability” in which he assumes responsibility for the acts of the employee. Experience Required for Brokers Mortgage brokers: At least 1 year of experience working for a mortgage lender, mortgage broker or loan agency, financial institution or similar + working knowledge of laws and regulations governing mortgage transactions.38 See Regulatory Bulletin 5.1-102. Education Required Formal training may substitute for required experience (see previous column). Mortgage brokers who supervise other mortgage brokers: At least 2 years of experience.39 Surety Bond Required for Brokers No Minimum Net Worth Required? None specified in statute, but regulator has stated that “zero” or “negative” net worth is unacceptable.40 License application states “new entities must be capitalized with sufficient capital to maintain a positive net worth.” Financial statements for previous two years must be provided with license application. In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses expire annually on June 1. License Related Fees Investigation fee = $115; license fee = $500 for principal office + $50 for each branch office. $50 per day fine for failure to file annual report timely. Comments & Other A licensee that does not have an office in Massachusetts must appoint an agent for service of process in the state. Foreign corporations must be qualified to do business in Massachusetts. Mortgage broker license applicants must list on the application identity of lenders for Massachusetts loans because table funders are considered lenders, not brokers. Branch offices are not separately licensed but are listed on the applicant’s license application form (“Supplemental License Application”). Recordkeeping plan and 3 letters of reference must be filed with application for license. Licensee must notify the regulator in advance of changes in location or ownership. Other significant events, such as bankruptcy, must be reported. Mortgage broker licenses are not transferable or assignable. Failure to obtain license subject to fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both. Conducting business with an unlicensed mortgage broker is a violation of the Attorney General’s regulations. 940 CMR §8.06(9). Regulatory Agency Office of the Commissioner of Banks Division of Banks and Loan Agencies Consumer Compliance Division One South Station, 3rd Floor Boston MA 02110 (617) 956-1500 (617) 956-1599 (fax) www.state.ma.us/dob 36 Commissioner of Banking is authorized to issue temporary licenses (3 months) in order to conduct further background investigation of licensee. 37 A broker license is not required to broker loans secured by commercial property. 38 Applicants with less than 1 year of experience may substitute formal training for up to 6 months of the required experience. 39 Application form requires manager of a licensed location to provide a resume or summary of professional experience including employers, dates of employment, and relevant business and educational experience. 40 If a licensee has sizable off balance sheet or funding risks, excessive interest rate risk or similar, the Commissioner of Banking may require the licensee to have a fixed minimum net worth. 209 CMR §42.08A(1). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MICHIGAN – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING41 Licensing Law Mortgage Brokers, Lenders and Servicers Licensing Act, MCLA § 445.1651 et seq. License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers Yes, if the person directly or indirectly serves as an agent for any person in an attempt to obtain a mortgage loan; or services as an agent for any person who makes or offers to make residential (1-4 family) first mortgage loans on Michigan property. The law defines the term “residential mortgage originator” (a person who assists another person in obtaining a mortgage loan) but does not require originators to obtain licenses separate from their employer’s license, if employed full-time by a licensee.42 A residential mortgage originator must be individually licensed in order to receive any compensation from a mortgage broker or lender other than his employer. None (but business experience and employment record of sole proprietor or officers, members, directors, partners, directors and 20% or greater shareholders must be described in the license application).43 Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers Minimum Net Worth Required? $25,00044 if mortgage broker receives advance deposits from prospective borrowers; otherwise, none. If no bond provided, license applicant must file “Statement of Exemption of Proof of Financial Responsibility Deposit” (Form FIS 1018). In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates $25,000 if mortgage broker receives advance deposits from prospective borrowers; otherwise, none.45 No (but a registered agent for service of process in Michigan must be appointed). Licenses expire June 30 annually; renewal applications are due by June 15 before expiration. License Related Fees $450 investigation fee; $450 annual license fee. $450 fee for registration (in lieu of licensing, for those approved by secondary market agencies). Operating fee paid annually based on volume of business in previous year. $100 non-refundable administrative fee if license applicant deposits funds with the state in lieu of surety bond. $25 per day fee for late renewal of license. Comments & Other Foreign corporations must qualify to do business in Michigan as prerequisite to licensure. If trade name is used, it must be registered with county clerk in county(ies) where used. Those approved by secondary market agencies may register, rather than become licensed (a streamlined process). Licensee must notify the regulator of branch offices, although these are not separately licensed. Licenses are not transferable or assignable without consent of regulator. Willfully engaging in the business of a mortgage broker without a license is punishable by a fine up to $5,000, imprisonment up to 3 years, or both. Regulatory Agency Department of Labor and Economic Growth Office of Financial and Insurance Services P.O. Box 30220 Lansing MI 48909 (517) 373-0220 (517) 373-1224 (fax) www.michigan.gov/cis 41 This chart reflects the requirements applicable to brokers of residential first mortgage loans under the Mortgage Brokers, Lenders and Servicers Licensing Act, MCLA § 445.1651 et seq. Brokers of second mortgage loans are licensed and regulated under the Secondary Mortgage Loans Act, MCLA § 493.51 et seq. et seq. (a separate licensing scheme, not discussed in this chart). 42 The Department of Consumer and Industry Services clarified the “full time employee” issue in a bulletin dated December 3, 2003, in which it lists the factors that characterize an employee (including W-2 compensation, supervision and control by the employer; benefits paid by the employer; unemployment contributions made by the employer, etc.). 43 The Commissioner of Financial and Insurance Services is required by statute to evaluate the license applicant’s experience in the licensed area. 44 License applicant may deposit funds with the State of Michigan in lieu of providing a surety bond. There is a fee associated with this substitution (see “License Related Fees”). 45 Items excluded from calculation of net worth include assets pledged to secure obligations of persons other than the licensee; assets except construction loans receivable secured by first mortgages from related companies, due from officers or stockholders or those in which officers or stockholders have an interest; amounts in excess of the lower of cost or market value of loans in foreclosure or REO; investments in joint ventures, subsidiaries or affiliates; goodwill or value placed on insurance renewals, property contract renewals, or similar; and organization costs. (See Section III, “Net Worth Requirements” from the license application form.) all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MINNESOTA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Residential Mortgage Originator and Servicer Licensing Act, Minn. Stat. ch. 58. Yes, a person must be licensed as a “residential mortgage originator” to broker mortgage loans, i.e., to directly or indirectly for compensation, solicit or offer to solicit, accept or offer to accept an application for a mortgage loan (a loan made primarily for personal, family or household purposes secured by residential real property or cooperative shares).46 Employees of licensed residential mortgage originators are not required to be separately licensed.47 They may act under their employer’s license. “FAQs” of the Department of Commerce indicate that independent contractors (i.e., those whose wages are not on a W-2 basis) of residential mortgage originators must themselves be licensed as residential mortgage originators. Experience Required for Brokers Education Required None (but applicant must describe his experience in the license application form). None (per “FAQs” on the regulator’s website, visited 7/16/04). Surety Bond Required for Brokers Minimum Net Worth Required? No, unless the broker services mortgage loans, in which case a $50K bond is required (unless the broker is approved as a seller/servicer by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in which case no bond is required). No (but applicant for a license must be financially solvent and comply with federal and state tax laws). In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No (see “FAQs” of the Department of Commerce website). Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are valid for 2 years and expire on July 31 in oddnumbered years. Renewal applications must be filed by July 15; renewal is effective August 1. Exemptions are continuous and do not expire; exemptions are valid as long as the information contained in the exemption application is current. License Related Fees Initial license fee = $850 ($425 if license expires less than 12 months after it is issued). Renewal license fee = $500. One-time nonrefundable fee for filing exemption certificate (“Residential Mortgage Originator Certificate of Exemption Application”) = $100. Comments & Other Branch offices are not individually licensed, because it is the residential mortgage originator (whether a person or an entity) that is licensed, not the location where such person works. If trade name is used, it must be registered with Minnesota secretary of state.48 Criminal background investigation conducted on licensee’s partners, officers, directors, managers, control persons, 10% or greater shareholders. Commissioner of Commerce may impose a penalty up to $2,000 for failure to comply with licensing law. Material changes to information provided in the license application must be reported to the regulator within 10 days after the change, but bankruptcies must be reported immediately. Regulatory Agency Department of Commerce Financial Examinations Division 85 Seventh Place East Suite 500 St. Paul MN 55101-2198 (651) 296-4026 (651) 296-8591 (fax) www.commerce.state.mn.us 46 Persons who broker only commercial mortgage loans are not subject to licensing under the Residential Mortgage Originator and Servicer Licensing Act. 47 An employee means an individual who is treated as an employee by the residential mortgage originator or servicer for purposes of compliance with federal income tax laws. See “FAQs” of the Department of Commerce website at http://www.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?subchannel=-536881535&programid=536885405&sc3=null&sc2=null&id=-536881352&agency=Commerce, visited 7/16/04. 48 Only one assumed name is allowed under a single license; if more than one assumed name is used, separate licenses are required. See “FAQs” of the Department of Commerce website, visited 7/16/04. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MISSISSIPPI – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers Education Required Mortgage Consumer Protection Law, Miss. Code Ann. §81-18-1 et seq. See also administrative regulations of the Department of Banking, Miss. Admin. Code 03 000 106.50 Yes, if the person directly or indirectly solicits, processes, places or negotiates loans for others and does not close the loan in his own name or not use his own funds. Loan originators employed by licensed mortgage brokers are registered with the Department of Banking by their employer. Miss. Code Ann. §81-18-5. (A loan originator is an individual employed by or acting as exclusive agent for a single mortgage company, whose job responsibilities include direct contact with borrowers during the loan origination process, assisting with preparation of loan applications, quoting loan rates or terms, or providing loan disclosures.)51 At least 2 years of experience in mortgage lending (this applies to at least one executive officer of an applicant that is a business organization; the person with the required experience should be named on the application as the “principal officer”).52 12 hours of continuing education per year in primary or subordinate mortgage financing (to be completed by loan originators and principal officers of the licensee who are actively involved in the mortgage business in Mississippi). Evidence of completion of education must be provided with license renewal. A “principal officer” must be designated on the license application; this person must have the required experience and be authorized to sign documents on behalf of the licensee. The “principal officer” is not required to be registered as a loan originator. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $25,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? No In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Yes. The place of business in Mississippi must comply with local zoning laws, have at least 1 enclosed room in which negotiations may be conducted in privacy, and display a permanent sign visible to the general public. Miss. Code Ann. §81-18-25; Miss. Admin. Code 03 000 016 §7. The Mississippi office does not have to be the main office of the applicant, however; if the main office is elsewhere, the Mississippi office can be a branch office of the licensee. Licenses and loan originator registrations are annual and must be renewed by September 30. License Related Fees49 Mortgage broker license: $750 initial license fee; $475 annual license renewal fee (the renewal fee is $750 + a $25 daily late fee if renewal application is filed late). Loan originator registration: Initial registration fee = $100. Annual renewal = $50 (the renewal fee is $100 if renewal application is filed late + a $25 daily late fee). Comments & Other A foreign corporation seeking a mortgage company license must qualify to do business in Mississippi. Officers, directors, owners, partners, members, 25% or greater shareholders, and those actively engaged in daily operations of the applicant must provide fingerprint cards. Written approval required for a licensee to open a branch office. Advance permission of regulator required for change of control. Written notice must be given of change in name or location of the business. Notice must be given when a registered loan originator changes his employer. Civil penalty up to $500 per violation may be imposed for noncompliance with licensing law. Regulatory Agency Banking and Consumer Finance Department Mortgage Lending Division 501 N. West Street 901 Woolfolk Building Suite A P.O. Drawer 23729 Jackson MS 39225-3729 (601) 359-1031 (601) 359-3557 (fax) www.dbcf.state.ms.us Branch office application fee = $100. Branch office license renewal fee = $25. Change of control application fee = $750. Change of name or address filing fee = $100. 49 Fees must be paid by cashier’s check or money order; no personal or company checks accepted (see instructions to license application). 50 Per Department of Banking website (visited 7/16/04), new regulations are scheduled to be adopted 8/11/04; see http://www.dbcf.state.ms.us/documents/mortgage/regs04.pdf 51 Clerical employees are not considered loan originators. An employee, for the purpose of registration, can include a W-2 employee or an independent contractor. A loan originator may not work for more than one licensee simultaneously. The loan originator must work from the office for which he is registered; and his registration will not be approved if his residence address is more than 100 miles from the address of the licensee’s office at which he is registered. 52 In lieu of the 2 years of experience, the applicant can take an examination approved by the Department of Banking, on the subject of mortgage lending. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MISSOURI – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Brokers License Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. §443.800 et seq. See also administrative rules of the Division of Finance, Missouri Code of State Regulations (Mo. CSR) Tit. 4, Div. 140, Ch. 30. Yes, if the person is engaged in helping an investor, entity or borrower to obtain a real estate loan on Missouri residential property. N/A. A person employed or contracted by a licensed mortgage broker to assist in the performance of activities regulated by the mortgage broker licensing law is exempt from licensing.53 Such an employee may act only for one licensee at a time. Independent agents who are compensated in any manner for regulated activities must be identified on the license application (see question 6 of license application). Experience Required for Brokers None (but resume of education and employment must be provided on license application). Education Required Surety Bond Required for Brokers Minimum Net Worth Required? None (but resume of education and employment must be provided on license application). $20,000 (may be substituted by an irrevocable letter of credit); if the licensee has a bond for $100,000, he is exempt from the requirement to file an audit report at the end of each of its fiscal years. Mo. Rev. Stat. §443.851. $25,000 (alternatively, license applicant can document that he meets the HUD net worth requirement). Sole proprietors must provide individual financial statement; business entities must provide business financial statement. In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Yes, every licensed mortgage broker must maintain at least 1 full service office in Missouri. Mo. Rev. Stat. §443.857. Licenses expire on the first anniversary of their issuance and every 2 years thereafter. Renewal is due 60 days before license expires. License Related Fees Comments & Other Regulatory Agency License investigation fee (non-refundable) = $300. Annual license fee = $300.54 Branch offices are not separately licensed, but the addresses of Missouri branch offices are listed on the application. Mortgage broker must apply for authority to open additional offices. Fictitious names used must be filed with secretary of state’s office. Licensees are requested to notify the regulator of changes in information provided on initial license application form. Changes of name or address must be provided at least 10 days in advance of the change. Changes of officers or management must be provided within 30 days. Change of control notice must be filed 45 days in advance. License applicant must disclose ownership of related business (5% or greater ownership) such as title company, appraiser, etc. Criminal background checks may be ordered. Failure to obtain a mortgage broker license is a Class C felony. Mo. Rev. Stat. §443.810. Division of Finance Harry S. Truman Building 301 West High Street Room 630 P.O. Box 716 Jefferson City MO 65102 (573) 751-3242 (573) 751-9192 (fax) www.ecodev.state.mo.us/finance Renewal fee = $600, of which $300 is due when the license is renewed and the other $300 is due one year later. Fine for late renewal of license = $500 for first 30 days + $1,000 for each month thereafter. Fee to file notice of change of officers, managers, licensee name or office address = $50. Fee to file notice of intention to open additional fullservice office = $10. 53 Exempt persons are requested to file a letter with the Division of Finance, setting forth their exempt status and the basis of the exemption. Mo. CSR tit. 4 §140-30.120(3). 54 Per instructions to application form, http://www.ded.mo.gov/regulatorylicensing/divisionoffinance/pdfs/mtgbrokapp.pdf, (DOF-2002) viewed 7/16/04. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved MONTANA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Montana Mortgage Broker and Loan Originator Licensing Act, Mont. Code §329-101 et seq. (amended by Ch. 516, Laws of 2003).55 See also, Rules of the Department of Administration. Yes, effective 9/1/2004. (License applications may be made on or after July 1, 2004.) APPLICATIONS FOR NEW LICENSES NOT ACCEPTED DURING MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE BECAUSE OF VOLUME OF RENEWALS DURING THOSE MONTHS. Rule 2.59.1704(8). Loan originators are separately licensed. A loan originator may transact business only for his employing mortgage broker. An originator’s license is maintained by the mortgage broker employer at its main office; a copy is displayed at the office where the originator principally transacts business. If a loan originator’s employment is terminated, the broker must return the originator’s license to the regulator within 5 business days. The license may be transferred to another mortgage broker within 6 months. An originator license not transferred within 6 months of termination of employment is canceled. Mont. Code §32-9-116. Table funding requires a license. Rule 2.59.1708. Experience Required for Brokers 3 years’ experience for mortgage broker license; 6 months’ experience for loan officer license, plus exam.56 Work experience must be in a “related field.”57 Education Required 12 hours of continuing education per license year, for both mortgage brokers and loan originators. The continuing education year runs from June 1 to May 31. Rule 2.59.1704. A 10-year resume of each principal officer, director, partner and member is required with the license application. Surety Bond Required for Brokers Yes, $25,000 (N/A to loan originators). Mont. Code §32-9-123. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No Yes. A licensee must maintain at least 1 physical office located in Montana either on its own or in conjunction with another licensee in Montana. Each office location must have at least one phone line. Mont. Code §329-121. 1 year licenses expire on June 30. Renewal fee due on or before May 31. Residence may be used as business office if use complies with zoning laws and regulations. Mont. Code §32-9-115. License Related Fees $500 nonrefundable application fee for mortgage broker; $400 for loan originator, plus fingerprint processing fee of $32 for each person required to provide fingerprints. For financial examination or audit of a licensee, a fee of $300 per day for each examiner applies. Mont. Code §329-130. Comments & Other Out of state applicants for mortgage broker license must provide evidence of qualification to do business in Montana. Organizational documents must be provided with license application if applicant is not an individual. Organizations applying for mortgage broker licenses must identify a “designated manager” responsible for operating the business. If applicant uses a trade name or assumed name, it must be registered with the secretary of state. Applicant must identify agent for service of process in Montana. Licensed mortgage brokers must pay state income tax on all income earned in Montana. Mont. Code §32-9-121. Monetary penalties for acting as broker without license from $5,00020,000. Acting as originator without license is misdemeanor, penalty from $250-1,000, plus jail 90 days to 1 year. Regulatory Agency Montana Department of Administration Division of Banking & Financial Institutions 301 South Park Suite 316 P.O. Box 200546 Helena, MT 59620-0546 (406) 841-2920 (406) 841-2930 (fax) www.discoveringmontana.co m/doa/banking 55 "Mortgage broker" means a person or entity that acts as an intermediary between a borrower and a lender, for a fee, to obtain financing for the borrower where the loan is secured by a 1-4 family residential dwelling. A "loan originator" is a licensed individual employed by a mortgage broker to assist borrowers by originating residential loans. Mont. Code §32-9-103. Licensing law does not apply to those engaged solely in commercial lending. Mont. Code §32-9-104. 56 Exam covers: (a) knowledge of Montana licensing law; (b) knowledge of federal and state disclosures and borrower protections; (c) the ability to read, understand, and explain appraisal basics, credit reports, and title commitments; and (d) the ability to evaluate credit, calculate debt-to-income ratio, calculate loan-to-value ratios, and complete a basic loan application. 57 A person acting as a mortgage broker on or before 12/31/02 is not subject to the experience and education requirements. Mont. Code §32-9-111. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NEBRASKA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Bankers Registration and Licensing Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §45-701 et seq.58 Yes, if the person for compensation directly or indirectly makes, originates, services, negotiates, acquires, sells or arranges for 10 or more mortgage loans in a calendar year. N/A (an employee of a licensed mortgage banker is exempt from licensing). Likewise, independent agents for licensees are exempt if there is a written agreement between the mortgage banker and its agent stating that the agent acts exclusively for that mortgage banker in the mortgage business. Experience Required for Brokers None Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are valid from the date of their issuance until the following March 1. Thereafter they are renewable annually by March 1. License Related Fees $300 license application fee. $100 annual license renewal fee. Comments & Other Licensees (called mortgage bankers whether they are engaged in mortgage banking or mortgage brokering) must appoint an agent for service of process in Nebraska. Licenses are not transferable. Branch offices are not separately licensed. Acting as a mortgage banker without a license is a Class II misdemeanor (but the lien of the mortgage loan is not affected). Regulatory Agency Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance Financial Institutions Division P.O. Box 95006 Lincoln NE 68509 (402) 471-2171 (402) 471-3062 (fax) www.ndbf.org 58 The licensing law applies to loans on 1-4 family owner-occupied dwellings, not other types of mortgage loans. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NEVADA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Agents Act, Nev. Rev. Stat. §645B.010 et seq. See also administrative regulations affecting mortgage brokers at Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) §645B.001 et seq. Yes, if the person holds himself out as an agent for a person attempting to obtain a mortgage loan, or as an agent for any person who has money to lend for mortgage loans, or holds himself out as able to make loans, but or sell notes secured by mortgages, or offers for sale any Nevada security exempt from registration under state or federal law. Nev. Rev. Stat. §645B.0127. “Mortgage agents” (loan officers) must be registered by their employing mortgage brokers. A mortgage agent is a person employed by or contracted by a licensed mortgage broker to conduct regulated activities (see column at left for description of regulated activities). The Commissioner of Mortgage Lending investigates the background and experience of mortgage agents, but mortgage brokers are responsible for the actions of their mortgage agents. 59 Registration of mortgage agents is accomplished by identification of them on the mortgage broker’s license application. A mortgage agent cannot work for more than 1 mortgage broker simultaneously. Nev. Rev. Stat. §645B.450.60 Experience Required for Brokers Mortgage broker must have at least 2 years of verifiable experience in mortgage lending and knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the mortgage broker must designate a “qualified employee” for each licensed location and this person must be of good character & without prior convictions of mortgage laws. Education Required A mortgage broker must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education during the 12 months prior to license expiration.61 Surety Bond Required for Brokers No Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No Yes (per item 3 of the application -indicating [Nevada] “location must be confirmed before a license can be issued.”) Licenses expire annually on May 31; renewal fee is $500 for the principal office and $100 for each branch. Late renewals subject to $200 reinstatement fee. Exemption certificates are renewed annually; renewal fee is $100. Nev. Rev. Stat. §645B.050. License Related Fees $1,500 nonrefundable application fee for mortgage broker’s principal office, + $40 fee for each branch office. $70 fee for registering each mortgage agent. (This fee must come from the employing mortgage broker not from the individual mortgage agent or loan officer.) Annual license fee is $1,000 for the principal office and $60 for each branch. Persons exempt from licensing must file exemption request with fee of $200. Comments & Other A mortgage broker license application must include organizational documents of the applicant, a general business plan, a manual of policies and procedures, underwriting standards and identification of the applicant’s mortgage agents (by name, date of birth, social security number, and address). A person seeking a mortgage broker license must affirm that he is not subject to court-ordered child support payments.62 History record, and personal and financial history record required for each principal, partner, officer, trustee and director of the business who owns 25% or more of the applicant. Corporate applicant must provide evidence of its qualification to do business in Nevada (per item 9 of the application form). Notice of specified events (such as change of control, management, or principal employees) must be given to the Commissioner of Mortgage Lending. Violation of the licensing law is a misdemeanor; violation of the trust account provisions of the law is either a misdemeanor or a felony. Regulatory Agency Division of Mortgage Lending Las Vegas Office 3075 E. Flamingo #104A Las Vegas NV 89121 (702) 486-0780 (702) 486-0785 (fax) http://mld.nv.gov/ 59 The employing mortgage broker must make a reasonable background investigation of the mortgage agents he employs or contracts with, and must adopt procedures for the supervision of the mortgage agents. Nev. Admin. Code §645B.310. If a mortgage agent’s employment or contract is terminated, the mortgage broker must notify the Commissioner of Mortgage Lending within 3 days and send the terminated mortgage agent’s license or license number to the Commissioner with an explanation of the termination. Nev. Rev. Stat. §645B.450. 60 Registration of a mortgage agent is valid for only the particular location at which the agent is employed; either the licensed principal Nevada office or a branch. A mortgage agent cannot be registered with more than 1 office of the licensee (see Memorandum from L. Scott Walshaw dated May 1, 2000, to “All Mortgage Brokers,” regarding “Registering Mortgage Agents”). 61 Commissioner of Mortgage Lending has proposed amendment to administrative rules (NAC §645B) on education (hearings were held in April and May 2004); the amendments would specify the requirements for approved course providers, identify the content of approved courses (to include federal and state laws, law and ethics), provide standards for credit for education courses and the like. See http://mld.nv.gov/Documents/List%20of%20changes%20to%20LCB%20645B.pdf (visited 6/16/04). 62 Commissioner of Mortgage Lending may revoke the license of a mortgage broker who becomes subject to court-ordered child support. Nev. Rev. Stat. §645B.680. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NEW HAMPSHIRE – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING63 Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Nondepository First Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Act, N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §397-A:1 et seq. See also regulations of the Department of Banking, N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ban 2400, 2500. Yes, if the person for compensation, either directly or indirectly acts as intermediary, finder or agent of lender or borrower to negotiate, arrange, find or procure first mortgage loans or commitments for such loans; offers to serve as agent for any person attempting to obtain a residential first mortgage loan; or offers to serve as an agent for any person with money to lend for residential first mortgage loans. An “originator” is defined in 2003 amendments to the Nondepository First Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Act as an individual employed or retained by a mortgage banker or broker who, for compensation, negotiates, solicits, arranges, or finds a mortgage loan. Originators must be identified (by name, phone number, partial social security number and start and end date of employment) on the employer’s license application.64 N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §397-A:5(II). An originator may not act for more than one licensee simultaneously. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §397-A:1(IX). Experience Required for Brokers None specifically required, but experience of officers, senior managers and New Hampshire branch managers must be detailed on the license application. Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers $20,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? None for brokers (but banker/broker licensees must have $100K minimum net worth). “Financial integrity” must be documented in the license application (through financial statements). (See question 14 on the license application, revision of 11/03.) In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates License year runs from January 1 to December 31. Licenses must be renewed annually by 12/1. License Related Fees Mortgage broker license application fee = $250 for main office + $250 for each branch.65 Annual license renewal fee = $250. Year-end assessment is based on total dollar amount of NH loans made or brokered by the licensee compared to the total dollar amount made or brokered by all NH licensees in the period. Comments & Other License applicants whose principal place of business is outside New Hampshire must appoint an agent for service of process in the state. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §397-A:6(II). Foreign corporations must be qualified to do business in New Hampshire.66 When a license is surrendered, the licensee must publish notice of that fact in the newspaper. Licensees must notify regulator of certain events including change of control, location, management, filing for bankruptcy, enforcement actions, etc. Officers, directors, 10% or greater shareholders and senior managers must sign release for credit report, tax records, criminal and background check.67 Penalty for violation of the licensing law by an individual is imprisonment up to 1 year, fine of up to $2,000 or both. Violation by a corporation is an unclassified felony subject to fine up to $100,000. Commissioner of Banking may also impose administrative fine up to $2,500 per violation. Regulatory Agency New Hampshire Banking Department 64B Old Suncook Road Concord NH 03301-5127 (603) 271-3561 (603) 271-1090 (fax) www.state.nh.us/banking/ 63 This chart reflects the requirements applicable to brokers of residential first mortgage loans under the Nondepository First Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Act, N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §397-A:1 et seq. Second mortgage loans are regulated under the Second Mortgage Home Loans Act, N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §398-A:1 et seq. (a separate law, not discussed in this chart). 64 The list of originators may also be filed electronically, per the website of the Department of Banking (visited 7/13/04). 65 The principal office is licensed regardless of where it is located; branches are licensed only if they are in New Hampshire (per license application instructions, revision dated 11/03). 66 See question 7(B) on application form dated 11/03. 67 The release is not applicable to officers, directors and shareholders of publicly held corporations. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NEW JERSEY – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Licensed Lender Act, N.J. Rev. Stat. §17:11C-1 et seq. See also regulations of the Department of Banking, N.J. Admin. Code §3:1-16.1 to 3:116.11, 3:2-1.1 to 3:2-1.9, 3:15-1.1 to 3:15-12.4. Yes, if the person for compensation directly or indirectly negotiates, places or sells for others residential first mortgage loans in the primary market. Solicitors must be registered with the Department of Banking. They are defined in the law as persons not licensed as mortgage bankers or mortgage brokers who are employed by a licensee to accept loan applications or assist borrowers to complete loan applications, and whose compensation is based on the dollar amount or volume of loan applications or closing activity. A loan solicitor may be employed by only 1 licensee at a time; if his employment changes, his registration certificate is returned to the regulator. Experience Required for Brokers None expressly required, but licensee must pass a test (see next column). Education Required Applicants must pass a test on federal and state laws on mortgage lending and brokering, New Jersey real estate law, RESPA, ECOA, and Truth in Lending, plus basic knowledge of mortgage documents.68 Surety Bond Required for Brokers $100,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates $50,000 Yes, a licensee must maintain a place of business in NJ. If more than one office is maintained, one must be identified as the principal office. A residence is not a suitable place of business unless the office area is separate from the residential area and the office is accessible to the public by a separate entrance. “Executive office suite” is not considered a suitable main or branch office.69 Mortgage broker licenses (including branch licenses) are issued for the period beginning July 1 of an oddnumbered year through June 30 of the best oddnumbered year. License Related Fees License application fee for main office of sole proprietorship, corporation or entity = $300. License application fee for branch office = $200. Biennial license fee = $1,400. 70 Biennial renewal fee = $1,200. (Main and branch offices.) Loan solicitor registration fee = $100.71 Processing fee for change of name or address = $75. Fee for processing change of control application = $100. Comments & Other Mortgage broker licenses are not transferable or assignable. Foreign corporations must qualify to do business in NJ as a condition of licensing. If trade name is used, it must be filed with NJ secretary of state. A corporation is licensed through one of its officers who holds an individual mortgage broker license. If the individual licensee representing a corporation ceases his employment with that corporation, the regulator must be notified and another qualified individual appointed. Other changes that must be reported include change of address, name, etc. Sole proprietors must answer questions on court-ordered child support. Conduct prohibited by the licensing law is punishable by fine up to $5,000; a willful violation is a crime of the 3rd degree. Regulatory Agency Department of Banking and Insurance Division of Banking/Licensing Services Bureau 20 West State Street P.O. Box 040 Trenton NJ 08625-0040 (609) 292-7272 (609) 777-0107 (fax) www.njdobi.org 68 Test scheduling information is sent to the license applicant only after the application is filed with the Department of Banking. Test materials are provided with the scheduling form, but preparation courses are private and not sponsored or endorsed by the regulator. 69 Per revised instructions to license application, version dated 5/04, viewed on website on 7/13/04. 70 If application filed during the 1st 12 months of the 1st year, the full fee is due; if filed during the 2nd 12 months of the 2-year license period, fee is pro-rated to $700 for a single authority (e.g., mortgage broker license only). 71 The solicitor registration fee must be paid by check of the employer mortgage broker, not by the solicitor. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NEW MEXICO – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required?72 Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Loan Companies and Loan Brokers Act, N.M. Stat. Ann. §58-21-1 et seq. See also regulations of the Financial Institutions Division, 12 NMAC Ch. 19. Yes, if the person acts as a finder or agent of a lender or borrower for purposes of procuring a mortgage loan. N/A -- an entity licensed as a mortgage broker is not required to register or license its loan originator employees. Experience Required for Brokers None Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers $25,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? No, but financial statements must be submitted with application for registration certificate. In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates A mortgage broker registration certificate is valid for 12 months following its issuance. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before the registration expires. License Related Fees Initial registration fee = $400. Renewal registration fee = $300. Fee for late filing of renewal = $10 per day. Fee for filing notice of change of name or address = $50. Comments & Other Separate license applications must be filed for each branch office. 12 NMAC 12.19.8.8(A)(2). Changes to information provided in an application for a registration certificate must be noted on renewal application. Application for registration must include credit reports on the applicant (or its principal officers, if applicant is a corporation). Failure to obtain a registration if one is required is subject to a penalty up to $5,000 and up to 18 months in jail. Regulatory Agency New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Financial Institutions Division 2550 Cerrillos Road Santa Fe NM 87505 (505) 476-4885 (505) 476-4670 (fax) www.rld.state.nm.us 72 In New Mexico, a license is referred to as a “registration certificate.” (See “Application for Registration Certificate as a Mortgage Loan Company or Loan Broker.”) all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NEW YORK – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law Licensed Mortgage Bankers Act, N.Y. Banking Law §590. See also regulations of the New York Banking Department, Superintendent’s Regulation Part 410 (“Mortgage Bankers: Licensing Requirements; Mortgage Brokers: Registration Requirements”). License Required?73 Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers74 Education Required Yes, if the person is engaged in the business of soliciting, processing, placing or negotiating mortgage loans for others, or offers to do so. N/A (employees of a registered mortgage brokers are not required to be individually registered), but a list of the mortgage broker’s W-2 employees must be provided to the Banking Department with the application for registration. Licensed real estate salespersons must have 2 years of active participation in the mortgage brokerage business. If applicant has 2 years of credit analysis or underwriting experience with an exempt organization, the duties of the employment must be described on the registration application. Otherwise, applicant must have “other relevant business experience or education.” Applicants for registration with relevant business background or education must describe that background on the application in detail, including duties of employment and specific courses taken with dates of completion. Surety Bond Required for Brokers Effective July 1, 2004, bond depends on number of NY applications, ranging from $10K minimum bond (0-24 applications) to $100K maximum (600 applications or more).75 Pledged deposit account may be used in lieu of the surety bond. Minimum Net Worth Required? None specifically required but applicant for registration must be “financially responsible.” In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Registrations are renewed annually before December 15. License Related Fees Comments & Other Investigation fee: $500. Annual registration fee: $500 (if issued after June 30, $250). Applicant for registration as a mortgage broker (provided to the agency in duplicate) must provide fingerprints (applies to executive officer, director and 10% or greater shareholders of a business entity), credit report and consent to a background investigation.76 Foreign corporations must qualify to do business in NY. Additional full service branch offices may be applied for by letter request to Banking Department. Mortgage broker registration may be placed on “inactive” status upon request. Registrations are not transferable; change of control, officers, directors and management must be reported to the Banking Department. Superintendent’s Regulation Part 410 (§410.7). Failure to obtain a mortgage broker registration if one is required is a Class A misdemeanor; superintendent of banks may also impose a fine up to $5,000 for each violation. Full service branch annual fee = $500. Loan solicitation branch annual fee = $250. Fingerprint card processing fee = $74. (Must be paid by separate certified check, bank check, or money order.) Fee for request for additional full-service branch = $250. Late fee for late renewal of registration = $100. Regulatory Agency New York Banking Department Mortgage Banking Division One State Street New York NY 10004 (212) 618-6681 (212) 709-3520 (fax) www.banking.state.ny.us 73 Mortgage brokers are “registered” with the Banking Department, rather than “licensed.” “Licensed” is the term used for mortgage bankers under the Licensed Mortgage Bankers Act. 74 Licensed NY real estate brokers and NY attorneys are not subject to the experience and education requirements. See Superintendent’s Regulation Part 410 (§410.3(b)(1)). 75 0-24 applications, $10K; 25-99 applications: $25K; 100-299 applications: $50K; 300-599 applications: $75K; 600+ applications: $100,000. See http://www.banking.state.ny.us/mb040608.htm (viewed 7/20/04). 76 Application form for registration last revised 6/04. See http://www.banking.state.ny.us/mbd03.pdf all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NORTH CAROLINA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Lending Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. §53-243.01 et seq. See also administrative rules of the Commissioner of Banks, N.C. Admin. Code tit. 4, ch. 3M (“Mortgage Lending”). Yes, if the person for compensation directly or indirectly accepts or offers to accept mortgage loan applications, solicits mortgage loans, negotiates the terms of mortgage loans, issues loan commitments or rate-lock guarantees, or table funds mortgage loans. Individual loan officers employed by licensed mortgage brokers must be individually licensed and cannot be employed simultaneously by more than 1 mortgage broker or lender.77 Experience Required for Brokers Applicant for a mortgage broker license (or its principal officer, manager or control person) must have at least 3 years’ experience in residential mortgage lending.78 Education Required Loan officers must complete a mortgage lending fundamentals course with at least 8 hours of classroom education, and pass a written exam.79 Annually, loan officers must complete 8 hours of education as a condition of license renewal. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No Yes, a licensee must have a place of business in NC where he/she can meet with potential loan applicants; it must be at least one enclosed room. Licenses expire June 30 annually. Failure to renew timely results in late fee of $250. License Related Fees Initial mortgage broker and exclusive mortgage broker non-refundable application & license fee = $1,000 + $100 for each branch office. License renewal fee = $500 for mortgage broker and exclusive mortgage broker, $100 for branch office. Comments & Other Commissioner of Banking may conduct criminal history check on license applicants; applicants are required to provide fingerprints. Mortgage broker licenses are not assignable; change of control requires advance permission of the Commissioner of Banks. Change of location requires notice (15 days after the change). Branch offices are separately licensed and must be under the control of a person with the required 3 years’ experience; designated branch manager must be a licensed loan officer (per instructions to license application). Change of branch manager must be reported. Regulatory Agency Office of the Commissioner of Banks 4309 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699 (919) 733-3016 (919) 733-6918 (fax) www.banking.state.nc.us/ Loan officer application fee = $50. Annual license renewal = $50. 77 The licensed mortgage broker must file with the Commissioner of Banks a list of all loan officer employees. 78 License applicant without the required 3 years’ experience may be licensed as “exclusive mortgage broker” if he completes 40 hours of classroom education in residential mortgage lending and passes an exam; acts as a mortgage broker for a licensed or exempt mortgage banker whose agent he is and who is responsible for him; is compensated on a basis that is not dependent on the loan amount or loan terms; and will not handle borrower or third-party funds in connection with brokering or closing loans. N.C. Gen. Stat. §53-243.05(c)(1a). 79 The exam consists of 60 questions; 48 must be answered correctly (80% pass rate). The subject matter includes state laws, federal laws, general concepts, and lending calculations. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved NORTH DAKOTA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Money Brokers Act, N.D. Cent. Code §13-04.1 et seq. See also regulations of the Department of Banking and Financial Institutions, N.D. Admin. Code ch. 13-05-01. Yes, if the person advertises or solicits the right to find lenders or provide loans for persons or businesses wishing to obtain funds for any purpose. (Therefore, the law applies to brokers of commercial loans, not only residential mortgage loans.) N/A (individuals identified in the license application as authorized to act under the license are not required to be separately licensed). Experience Required for Brokers None specifically required by law, but Department of Banking may review the “business experience, competency and financial ability” of license applicants. Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers $25,000 N.D. Cent. Code §1304.1-04. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses expire annually on June 30. License Related Fees $700 nonrefundable application fee + $400 initial license fee. Annual license renewal fee = $200. Comments & Other Money broker license application must include names of lending institutions with which the broker does business, copies of contracts to be used by the broker, credit limits, schedule of the broker’s commissions, an organizational chart, and authorization to release credit information on the broker’s principals. Changes to information provided on the license application form must be reported to the Department of Banking within 10 days of the change. Licenses are not transferable. Regulatory Agency Department of Financial Institutions 2000 Schafer Street, Suite G Bismarck, ND 58501-1204 (701) 328-9933 (701) 328-9955 (fax) www.state.nd.us/dfi all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved OHIO – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law Mortgage Broker Act, Ohio Rev. Code §1322.01 et seq. See also rules of the Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions, applicable to mortgage brokers, in Ohio Admin. Code Ch. 1301:8-7 License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Yes, if the person does one of the following: (1) assists buyers in obtaining loans, for consideration; (2) solicits financial and mortgage information from the public and provides that information to a mortgage broker for consideration; or (3) engages in table-funding or warehouse lending origination of first mortgage loans. Individual loan officer employees of licensed mortgage brokers are required to be individually licensed and must pass a test within 90 days of approval of the license. A “loan officer” originates mortgage loans for consideration on behalf of his mortgage broker employer, or solicits financial and mortgage information from the public for sale to another mortgage broker. Ohio Rev. Code §1322.01(E). A loan officer may not be employed by more than 1 mortgage broker simultaneously. Experience Required for Brokers Operations manager for a licensed mortgage broker must have at least 3 years of appropriate experience (e.g., in mortgage brokerage or a financial institution) and pass an examination. Education Required Effective 1/1/03, the operations manager and each licensed loan officer must complete at least 6 hours of continuing education in a calendar year. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1322.052, 1322.041. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000 for the 1st licensed location and $10,000 for each additional licensed location. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No Yes, mortgage brokers must maintain a place of business in Ohio for the transaction of business. Ohio Rev. Code §1322.02. If the office is a residence, zoning must permit use of the residence for commercial purposes. A photo of the place of business must be provided with the license application. Licenses are renewed annually on or before April 30. License Related Fees Mortgage broker license application fee = $350; annual license fee = $350 per licensed location. Loan officer license application fee = $100. Comments & Other Foreign corporations applying for mortgage broker licenses must be qualified to do business with the Ohio secretary of state. Agent for service of process in Ohio must be maintained. Each office of the mortgage broker is separately licensed. A licensed mortgage broker must appoint an operations manager for each location where business is conducted. Change of operations manager must be reported to the Division of Financial Institutions. Other changes that must be reported include actions against the licensee or any loan officer, judgments entered, conviction of criminal offense, and termination of employment of a loan officer. Criminal background checks are conducted on applicants -including partners, members, sole proprietors, operations managers and top 4 officers (per license instructions). These persons must provide fingerprints. Regulatory Agency Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions 77 South High Street 21st Floor Columbus OH 43215-6120 (614) 728-8400 (614) 644-1631 (fax) www.com.state.oh.us/ODOC/ all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved OKLAHOMA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Broker Licensure Act, Okla. Stat. tit. 59 §2081 et seq. See also regulations of the Department of Consumer Credit, Ok. Admin. Code Title 160, Chapter 55 (“Mortgage Brokers”).80 Yes, if the person, for compensation, makes, negotiates or offers to make or negotiate a residential mortgage loan. Loan originators must be individually licensed (and must be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizen or lawful alien). On termination of a loan originator’s employment, the mortgage broker must send the loan originator’s license to the Department of Consumer Credit within three (3) business days. When transferring to another company, the loan originator must complete a new license application for the new mortgage broker. The old license must have been returned by the previous employer before the new loan originator license will be issued. Ok. Admin. Code tit. 160:55-310.1(b). Experience Required for Brokers At least 3 years of continuous employment or business activity in the residential loan industry during the previous 5 years.81 (For corporations & partnerships, an owner, officer or director, or one of the 3 largest stockholders can satisfy the experience requirement.) Education Required Mortgage broker must pass a test before license is issued.82 Beginning 7/1/06, continuing education will be required for license renewal. Rule will be adopted on number of hours. Surety Bond Required for Brokers No Minimum Net Worth Required? No In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Yes. Okla. Stat. tit. 59 §2085(H). Licenses are valid for 1 year and must be renewed by 12/31. If renewal not received by 12/31, license may be suspended. If not renewed by 1/31 it expires. License Related Fees Application fee = $750 (for each office, whether main office or branch office). License fee = $100. Branch office license fee = $100 per year. Annual license renewal fee for main office or a branch = $100. Loan originator license = $50 per year. Exam fee = $150. Comments & Other Licensed mortgage broker must identify a “responsible individual” in active management of the licensed location. This person must be a resident of Oklahoma. Each office of a mortgage broker must be separately licensed. Application for a license must include evidence the applicant has opened a trust account and separate operating account in Oklahoma. A mortgage broker must conduct a background check of its employees and keep the results for at least 2 years. Licensed mortgage broker must give 30 days advance written notice to the regulator of any change in its ownership or office location. All licensees must maintain agent for service of process in Oklahoma. Foreign corporation applicants must be qualified to do business with the Oklahoma secretary of state. Regulatory Agency Department of Consumer Credit 4545 Lincoln Boulevard Suite 104 Oklahoma City OK 73105 (405) 521-3653 (405) 521-6740 (fax) www.okdocc.state.ok.us/ A licensee’s officers, directors, partners and members may act under the entity’s license, but independent contractors may not act under the license unless the independent contractor has 80 The rules are likely to be amended in the near future, as a result of enactment of H.B. 1503 (Chapter 372, Laws of 2004, effective 7/1/04) because the license duration and the license fees were both changed as a result of that law, but the administrative rules have not yet been revised to reflect the new statute. 81 In lieu of the 3 years’ experience, the applicant can complete education and testing approved by the Administrator of Consumer Credit. 82 Subjects on the test include the Mortgage Broker Act, arithmetical computations used in the mortgage business, principles of real estate lending, mortgages, deeds of trust and security agreements, etc. Test is offered every 3 months; it may not be taken more than twice in a 12-month period. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers Education Required Surety Bond Required for Brokers Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates License Related Fees Comments & Other Regulatory Agency a separate license. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved OREGON – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers Mortgage Bankers, Mortgage Brokers and Loan Originators Law, Or. Rev. Stat. §59.840 et seq. See also rules of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Division of Finance, Or. Admin. Code §§ 441-860-0010 et seq., 441-8650010 et seq. Yes, if the person engages for his own account or for others, in the business of selling real estate paper to persons other than financial institutions or institutional buyers, or accepts funds from persons other than institutional buyers for investment in real estate paper, or for compensation, directly or indirectly makes, negotiates or offers to make or negotiate a mortgage loan. Loan originators are persons employed by mortgage brokers, or acting as independent contractors for mortgage brokers, or who negotiate loan terms with prospective borrowers. (Loan originators do not include persons whose duties are merely clerical.) Loan originators must be individually registered with the Department of Consumer and Business Services. They must be individually listed on the mortgage broker’s license application. Mortgage broker or its managing partner, executive officer or individual in similar position must have 3 years experience in the mortgage or equivalent lending business during 5 years preceding applying for a license. Education Required Loan officers must complete a training course and pass a test, to be established by rule of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. Surety Bond Required for Brokers Mortgage broker with 1 Oregon office, $25,000. Additional offices increase the bond by $5,000 per office, to a maximum bond of $50,000.83 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No (but financial statements must be provided with the license application) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses renewable every 2 years. Renewal is due 30 days before license expires. Or. Admin. Code § 441860-0050. License Related Fees Renewal fee for a 2-year license = $500 for the main office, $100 for a branch office. (These fees were increased by rule on 1/1/04.) Comments & Other Mortgage broker must notify the Department of Consumer and Business Services within 30 days of hiring or terminating a loan officer. Employing mortgage broker must conduct a criminal background check of each loan officer hired. Or. Admin. Code § 441-880-0050. The record of the criminal background check must be kept for 4 years after the termination of employment (2 years after it is conducted if the person is not employed). A loan officer may not be employed by more than 1 mortgage broker simultaneously. Branch offices are separately licensed. Regulatory Agency Department of Consumer and Business Services Division of Finance and Corporate Securities 350 Winter Street NE Room 410 Salem OR 97301 (503) 378-4100 (503) 378-6444 (fax) www.cbs.state.or.us/external/ dfcs 83 Irrevocable letter of credit may be substituted for the surety bond. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved PENNSYLVANIA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING84 Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Bankers and Brokers and Consumer Equity Protection Act, 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. §§ 456.301 - 456.314. Yes, if the person for consideration, directly or indirectly, negotiates or places mortgage loans for others in the primary market.85 If the mortgage broker closes loans in his own name, a lender license (not broker license) is required. Mortgage brokers, limited mortgage brokers and loan correspondents are all required to be licensed. Independent contractors (i.e., persons paid on a 1099 basis, not W2 form) acting for mortgage brokers must be individually licensed. Experience Required for Brokers None specifically required. Education Required Mortgage brokers & loan correspondents: at least 6 hours/ year. Limited mortgage brokers: at least 2 hours/year. Surety Bond Required for Brokers Mortgage brokers: $100K if advance fees from borrowers accepted. Loan Correspondents: $100K Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Limited mortgage brokers: None Yes, at least one office must be maintained as principal place of business in Pa.87 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. §456.304(d).88 Loan Correspondents: $100K Limited mortgage brokers: None86 Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Mortgage broker, loan correspondent and wholesale table funder licenses renew annually on July 1. License Related Fees Mortgage broker: initial license fee = $500 for main office + $50 for each branch. Criminal record check fee = $10 for each person investigated. License renewal fee = $200 for principal place of business, $25 for branch office. Loan correspondent: $500 for main office + $500 for each branch. Criminal record check fee = $10 for each record. Comments & Other Foreign corporation applicants for mortgage broker license must qualify to do business in Pennsylvania and maintain agent for service of process in the state. Criminal records check is conducted on all license applicants (sole proprietors, managers, partners, corporate officers). Civil penalty up to $2,000 per offense may be imposed for violation of Mortgage Bankers and Brokers and Consumer Equity Protection Act. Regulatory Agency Pennsylvania Department of Banking 333 Market Street 16th Floor Harrisburg PA 17101-2290 (717) 787-2665 (717) 787-8773 (fax) www.banking.state.pa.us Limited mortgage broker: $250 application fee; annual renewal fee = $200. 84 This chart reflects the requirements applicable to brokers of residential first mortgage loans under the Mortgage Bankers and Brokers and Consumer Equity Protection Act, 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. §§ 456.301 - 456.314. Brokers of second mortgage loans are licensed and regulated under the Secondary Mortgage Loan Act, Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 7 §6601 et seq. (a separate licensing scheme, not discussed in this chart). 85 The mortgage loans to which the licensing law applies are first lien loans on 1-4 family dwellings located in Pennsylvania. The licensing law does not apply to loans made for a commercial purpose. 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. §456.303(c). 86 Limited mortgage brokers may not receive advance fees from prospective borrowers or maintain branch offices. 87 The office must be staffed on a full-time basis by an employee paid on a W-2 wage basis. Books and records must be kept at this office unless permission is granted to keep them elsewhere. 88 A foreign corporation that acts only as a wholesale table funder is not required to have an office in Pennsylvania. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved RHODE ISLAND – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required?89 Licensed Activities Law, R.I. Gen. Laws §19-14-1 et seq. See also the Lenders and Loan Brokers Act, R.I. Gen. Laws §1914.1-1 et seq. for additional laws applicable to mortgage brokers. Yes, if the person solicits, processes, negotiates, places or sells mortgage loans for others in the primary market for compensation, or the person is the nominal mortgagee in a table funding transaction. Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers At least 5 years of experience in the lending business. Less than 5 years of experience may be adequate if applicant has education or background suitable in the discretion of the Banking Division (see p. 4 of license application form). Education Required None (but license application form indicates appropriate education may substitute for some of the required 5 years of experience in the discretion of the Banking Division). Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000, increased by $5,000 for each branch office. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $10,000 No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are continuous but must be renewed annually by March 31. Daily penalty of $25 applies to late renewals, maximum $750. License Related Fees Application investigation fee = $275; initial license fee = $550. Power of attorney filing fee = $25. Annual license renewal fee is $550. Fee for lost or mutilated license = $100. Comments & Other Licensees must appoint an agent for service of process in Rhode Island, and an agent with authority to endorse insurance proceeds checks on behalf of the licensee. The background of each person managing a licensed location and all 5% or greater shareholders is investigated in connection with the application. Criminal background check performed on general manager of the licensee. Loan broker licenses are not transferable or assignable. Branch offices are separately licensed. Application to change location of a branch office must include $250 investigation fee. Other changes (change of name, records location, etc.) must be reported to Division of Banking. If office to be licensed is a residence, zoning must permit the office use. Violation of the Licensed Activities Law is a misdemeanor, punishable by fine up to $1,000, one year’s imprisonment or both. Civil money penalties also available for violations. Regulatory Agency Department of Business Regulation Division of Banking 233 Richmond Street Suite 231 Providence RI 02903-4231 (401) 222-2405 (401) 222-5628 www.dbr.state.ri.us/ 89 Certain loans are not subject to the licensed activities law, including those made to corporations, joint ventures, partnerships, limited liability companies or business organizations; loans over $25K made to individuals for business or commercial purposes; loans secured by accounts receivable or business inventory; loans made by life insurance companies on the cash surrender value of an insurance policy; certain student loans; loans made to acquire retail or home installment contracts by investors acquiring such loans from federal bank liquidators or receivers, and others. Users of this chart should review the list of exceptions in R.I. Gen. Laws §19-14.1-10. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved SOUTH CAROLINA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Licensing Requirements Act of Certain Brokers of Mortgages on Residential Property, S.C. Code Ann. §4058-10 et seq. See also regulations of the Department of Consumer Affairs, S.C. Code Ann. Regs. §28-400. Yes, if the person is in the business of soliciting, processing, placing or negotiating mortgage loans for others, or offers to do so. This includes acceptance of applications for mortgage loans and assistance in processing loan applications, or negotiating the terms of mortgage loans with a lender on behalf of a third party. Employees of licensed mortgage brokers are not required to be separately licensed, but the term “originator” is significant for other purposes (see other columns in this chart). For example, effective 1/1/04, a loan agreement between a prospective borrower and originator must state that the originator is the agent of the borrower and owes the borrower the duty of loyalty. Experience Required for Brokers At least 2 years of experience working as an originator is required as a prerequisite to obtaining a mortgage broker license. The term “originator” means a person whose primary job responsibilities are to contact borrowers and inform them of loan rates, terms and other aspects of the mortgage, but a clerical employee is not a loan originator. S.C. Code Ann. §4058-20(14).90 Education Required At least 8 hours of continuing education annually. S.C. Code Ann. §4058-67.91 In addition, appropriate education may substitute for part of the experience required for an initial license (see footnote 1 below). Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000 (cash, securities or a bond). S.C. Code Ann. §40-5840. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates None, but application for license must include affirmation of financial solvency. If no bond maintained, $10,000 in cash or securities is required. Yes, the physical place of business must be staffed by at least 1 employee with authority to contract on behalf of the mortgage broker; this person must be authorized to accept service of process on the licensee. The S.C. place of business must be open at least 30 hours a week from Monday-Friday. Licenses renewable annually by September 30. Penalty of $250 for late renewals. $100 additional penalty to renew an expired license. License Related Fees Initial license processing fee = $200; initial license fee = $550 (total = $750). License renewal fee = $550 + $150 for each branch office or satellite location. Comments & Other Branch offices are separately licensed (same fees as principal office). Notice must be given to the Department of Consumer Affairs in advance of opening new branches or closing branches. Penalty of $50-250 if notice is not given. Violation of the licensing law is a misdemeanor, punishable by fine up to $500 and imprisonment up to 6 months. Licenses not transferable or assignable. Regulatory Agency South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Legal Division 3600 Forest Drive, Third Floor P.O. Box 5757 Columbia SC 29250-5757 (803) 734-4200 (803) 734-4286 (fax) www.state.sc.us/consumer/ 90 In lieu of the required experience, the license applicant may substitute minimum education of at least 6 hours of coursework in real estate finance, real estate law, or similar. S.C. Code Ann. §40-58-50. 91 If licensee is a corporation or LLC, the education requirement applies to its member, president, CEO or other officer with over 25% ownership. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved SOUTH DAKOTA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Mortgage Lender Business Act, S.D. Cod. Laws 54-141 et. seq. See also regulations applicable to mortgage bankers and mortgage brokers, S.D. Admin. Code Ch. 20:07:19. Yes, if the person acts as an intermediary in securing a mortgage loan, or places mortgage loans with investors for consideration. Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers No Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers No Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No No, but resident agent must be appointed for service of process in South Dakota. Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are renewable annually on July 1. License Related Fees Mortgage broker license application fee = $300; license renewal fee = $300. S.D. Admin. Code §20:07:19:02 (these amounts were increased from $150 each effective 6/15/04). Comments & Other Foreign corporation applicants for licensure must be qualified to do business with South Dakota secretary of state. Law requires licensees to pay state income tax on net income assignable to South Dakota business. S.D. Cod. Laws 54-14-6. Penalty for non-compliance with Mortgage Lender Business Act is fine of $100 + up to 30 days’ imprisonment. Doing business without a license is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Regulatory Agency Department of Commerce and Regulation Division of Banking 217 1/2 West Missouri Avenue Pierre SD 57501 (605) 773-3421 (605) 773-5367 (fax) www.state.sd.us/drr/reg/bank/ all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved TENNESSEE – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Residential Lending, Brokerage and Servicing Act, Tenn. Code Ann. §45-13-101 et seq. See also administrative regulations of the Department of Financial Institutions, Tenn. Comp. R & Regs. Ch. 0180-17. Yes,92 if the person in the regular course of business, for consideration, directly or indirectly assists a person in obtaining a mortgage loan.93 N/A (the bona-fide employees of a licensed mortgage broker may act under their employer’s license). Experience Required for Brokers Education Required None (but application form requires disclosure of business experience/employ -ment during past 10 years for all partners, directors, officers, shareholders of 10% or more). None (but application form requires disclosure of business experience/employ -ment during past 10 years for all partners, directors, officers, shareholders of 10% or more). Surety Bond Required for Brokers $90,000 (if the mortgage broker does not make or service mortgage loans).94 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) $25,000 + additional $25,000 for each branch office in the state. No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Licenses are renewable annually on December 1. Comments & Other License Related Fees Initial application investigation fee = $100; initial license fee = $500 ($600 total). License renewal fee = $500. Branch offices are covered by the main office license and the bond of the main office also covers branches located in Tennessee. Licenses are not transferable or assignable; change of control and other changes must be reported to the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. Regulatory Agency Department of Financial Institutions 511 Union Street Nashville TN 37219 (615) 741-2236 (615) 532-1018 (fax) www.state.tn.us/financialinst 92 If the mortgage broker is approved by one of the federal housing agencies or secondary market agencies, he may register, rather than obtain a license. The registration fees are lower than the license fees ($100 investigation fee + $100 registration fee). The same net worth requirement applies to registrants as licensees, however. 93 Mortgage loan means a loan secured by 1-4 family owner-occupied property, where the loan is for personal, family or household purposes. Tenn. Code Ann. §45-13-102(6). 94 A letter of credit may be substituted for the surety bond. If used, the letter of credit must be maintained for 3 years following expiration of the license. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved TEXAS – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Broker License Act, Tex. Fin. Code §156.001 et seq. Yes, if the person receives applications from prospective borrowers for the purpose of making 1st lien residential mortgage loans (however, persons with merely clerical responsibilities are not required to be licensed). A loan officer must have separate licenses from his or her employing mortgage broker. A loan officer’s license is issued to the sponsoring mortgage broker (the employer). Experience Required for Brokers95 18 months of experience in mortgage lending (unless licensed as a real estate broker or attorney with 3 years of fulltime experience) Education Required96 Mortgage broker: At least a bachelor’s degree in a financerelated area and 18 months’ experience in mortgage lending, or be licensed as a real estate broker, attorney or have 3 years of full-time experience in mortgage lending. Loan officer: Either the same qualifications as a mortgage broker, plus 15 hours of education OR 18 months’ experience as a loan officer. Surety Bond Required for Brokers No (unless the broker does not have $25,000 net worth, in which case the surety bond is $50,000). Minimum Net Worth Required? Mortgage brokers: $25,000 (unless $50K surety bond is maintained).97 In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Yes Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Mortgage broker licenses are valid for 2 years; must be renewed before the expiration date. Loan officers: None License Related Fees Mortgage broker: application fee = $280; recovery fund fee = $20. Branch office license fee = $50. Loan officer: application fee = $155, recovery fund fee = $20. FBI background check fee = $39 for each individual examined. Comments & Other Savings and Loan Commissioner examines criminal background of license applicants. If a loan officer’s employment is terminated, his license becomes inactive and the sponsoring mortgage broker must notify the Savings & Loan Commissioner. Brokers operating under assumed name must file the assumed name with the secretary of state or county clerk. Foreign corporations must qualify to do business in Texas. Commissioner may impose fine up to $2,500 for each day a person is in violation of the Mortgage Broker License Act. Regulatory Agency Texas Savings & Loan Department 2601 N. Lamar Suite 201 Austin TX 78705 (512) 475-1350 (512) 475-1360 (fax) www.tsld.state.tx.us 95 Commissioner of Savings & Loan can waive experience requirements or education requirements if the applicant has a license issued by another state with requirements substantially equal to those in Texas; Commissioner can also issue provisional license to a person licensed elsewhere for at least 2 years if that person is in good standing with the other licensing agency. 96 In addition to the education, new applicants for mortgage broker and loan officer licenses must take and pass a pre-license test to demonstrate their knowledge of the job. The test certificate is submitted to the Savings & Loan Department with the license application. 97 If the bulk of the mortgage broker’s $25,000 net worth is his investment in the mortgage brokerage, he must submit company financials with the license application (application form, “Important Notice,” page 1). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved UTAH – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Residential Mortgage Practices Act, Utah Rev. Code §61-2c-101 et seq. See also Residential Mortgage Administrative Rules, R 162-202 through R 162209. Yes, if the person is engaged in the mortgage business, which means to make or originate mortgage loans or to perform services related to the origination or funding of residential mortgage loans. N/A. Employees of persons subject to the Residential Mortgage Practices Act (including those licensed under that law) are exempt from individual licensing; they may act under their employer’s license. Utah Rev. Code §61-2c-105. If an entity acts as a mortgage broker (e.g., corporation or partnership), both the entity and the person acting as a mortgage broker must be licensed (see instructions on the Real Estate Division website).99 Experience Required for Brokers Education Required None, but a licensee (or its “control person” in case of a licensed entity) must have good moral character and be competent to conduct the mortgage business. Applicant for a mortgage broker license must pass a test approved by the Real Estate Commission.100 There is no required coursework in advance of the test; it is “selfstudy.” Surety Bond Required for Brokers98 Individuals licensed as mortgage brokers: $10,000. Business entities licensed as mortgage brokers: $25,000. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates License is valid for 2 years. License Related Fees $200 licensing fee, $39 fingerprint processing fee. Examination fee = $75. License renewal fee = $200. Comments & Other Corporations seeking licenses must qualify to do business in Utah with the secretary of state. License applicants must provide fingerprints and submit to a background investigation. Branch offices are separately licensed. Changes such as change of control, name, address, conviction of crime, bankruptcy, revocation of license and similar must be reported to the Division of Real Estate within 10 days. Regulatory Agency Utah Division of Real Estate Heber M. Wells Building 160 E. 300 South, 2nd Floor Salt Lake City UT 84111 (801) 530-6747 (801) 530-6749 (fax) www.commerce.utah.gov/dre 98 Deposit of assets or letter of credit may be accepted in lieu of the surety bond. 99 http://www.commerce.utah.gov/dre/mortlicensing.html, visited 7/12/04. 100 Description of the exam is contained in the Real Estate Divisions December 2003 newsletter at http://www.commerce.utah.gov/dre/Newsletters/MM1203.pdf. There are 2 sections to the exam; both must be passed within 6 months or test must be re-taken. Testing requirement became effective 1/1/04; all licensees must pass test by 1/1/05. An existing licensee’s failure to complete the test by 1/1/05 will result in his license becoming inactive. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved VERMONT – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Vermont Licensed Lenders Act, Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 8 §2200 et seq. See also administrative regulations of the Department of Banking, Vt. Reg. B-96-1, B-98-1. Yes, if the person, for compensation, directly or indirectly negotiates, places, assists in placement or finds mortgage loans other than commercial mortgage loans, on real property, for others. N/A (partners, officers, managers and designated employees named on the license application may act as mortgage brokers under the entity’s license, per question #25 on the license application form (version dated 5/16/2000). Experience Required for Brokers None Education Required None Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No, but if investment securities represent 25% or more of the applicant’s assets, financial statements for previous 2 years must be provided with license application (per application instructions). No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates License year is January 1 to December 31. License renewals due by December 1. License Related Fees $250 license application fee + $250 license fee.101 Annual license renewal fee = $250. Fee for notice of change of address = $100. Comments & Other Foreign corporation seeking mortgage broker license must be qualified to do business in Vermont. Branch offices are separately licensed. Application must include the brokerage agreement to be used with prospective borrowers. License applicant must certify good standing with respect to Vermont taxes. Licenses are not assignable; notice must be given to Commissioner of Banking on the occurrence of events such as change of control, management personnel, and directors, change of address. Penalty for failure to obtain a required license is up to $1,000. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 8 §2215(a)(1). Regulatory Agency Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration Division of Banking 89 Main Street, Drawer 20 Montpelier VT 05620-3101 (802) 828-3307 (802) 828-3306 (fax) www.bishca.state.vt.us/ 101 The license fee is pro-rated for applications received after September 30 (per instructions to the license application, contained on the agency website at http://www.bishca.state.vt.us/BankingDiv/lenderapplic/PROCED.PDF, visited 7/12/04. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved VIRGINIA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers Virginia Mortgage Lender and Broker Act, Va. Code Ann. §6.1-408 et seq. See also regulations of the Bureau of Financial Institutions, 10 Va. Admin. Code §§5-160-10 et seq. Yes, if the person directly or indirectly negotiates, places or finds mortgage loans for others, or offers to do so. Per interpretations of the regulator, a person engaged as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders is also a broker (such as processing and telemarketing personnel).102 N/A (Bona fide employees of an entity licensed as a mortgage broker may act under their employer’s license. Va. Code Ann. §6.1-410.)103 None, but applicant must provide at least 3 business references attesting to their character, reputation, experience and financial responsibility104 and description of experience and business qualifications of the applicant and its members, directors, officers and principals.105 Education Required Surety Bond Required for Brokers Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates No $25,000 No No Licenses are continuous and remain in force until suspended, revoked or surrendered. Va. Code Ann. §6.1416. Annual assessment is made 4/25 each year and due on 5/25. Va. Code Ann. §6.1-420. License Related Fees Non-refundable license application fee = $500; annual license fee varies with volume of loans originated, with base fee of $400 + $6.60 for each Virginia loan brokered during previous calendar year. Branch office license application fee = $150. Application fee for change of control = $250. Application fee for change of location = $150. Application for authority to act as exclusive agent of a mortgage broker = $250. Comments & Other Licenses are not transferable; change of control requires advance approval of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. Other changes, including name, address and management changes, must be reported to the regulator. Each branch office must have its own license. Extensive background and financial information must be provided on each director, senior officer, partner, 10% or greater shareholder and principal of the applicant.106 Foreign corporation applicants must be qualified to do business in Virginia. Trade names used in mortgage business must be registered with State Corporation Commission. Civil penalty for violation of the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act is $2,500 per violation. Each day a person engages in regulated activity while unlicensed is a separate violation. Acting without a license is also a Class 6 felony. Va. Code Ann. §6.1-429. Regulatory Agency State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions 1300 E. Main Street P.O. Box 640 Richmond VA 23218-0640 (804) 371-9690 (804) 371-9416 (fax) www.state.va.us/scc/divisi on/banking/ 102 Mortgage brokers that table fund loans are considered mortgage lenders and must be licensed as such. Va. Admin. Ruling BFI-AR-1601. 103 However, independent contractors for licensed mortgage brokers (those from whose compensation payroll taxes are not withheld) must be individually licensed. Va. Admin. Ruling 1605. 104 See item 16 on the license application (version of 4/03). 105 See item 18 on the license application (version of 4/03). 106 All information filed in connection with a license application becomes public information unless confidential treatment is requested for particular documents. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved WASHINGTON – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law Mortgage Broker Practices Act, Wash. Rev. Code §19.146.005 et seq. See also administrative regulations of the Department of Financial Institutions, Wash. Admin. Code (WAC) Ch. 208660. License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Experience Required for Brokers Education Required Surety Bond Required for Brokers107 Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Yes, if the person, for compensation, makes a residential mortgage loan or assists a person in applying to obtain a residential mortgage loan, or holds himself out as able to do these things. N/A (the employees of a licensed mortgage broker or a person exempt from licensing may act under their employer’s license).108 Each licensee must have a “designated principal broker.” The designated principal broker109 must have at least 2 years of experience in residential mortgage lending unless he has completed an approved licensing course. WAC 208-660-030 208660-040. Designated principal broker must complete continuing education course annually beginning on 1st anniversary date of the licensee’s license.110 WAC 208-660-042.111 Designated broker must pass a licensing test; the regulator does not provide study material. Subjects covered are described in WAC 208-660-045. $20,000 to $60,000 depending on the broker’s monthly average number of loan originators. $20,000 bond applies to 1-3 originators and maximum $60,000 bond applies to brokers with more than 15 originators. WAC 208-660080. No No Licenses are valid from the date of issuance and have no fixed date of expiration. Wash. Rev. Code §19.146.210(4). Annual assessment due no later than the last business day of the month in which the anniversary date of the issuance of the broker's license occurs. WAC 208-660060. License Related Fees Comments & Other $371.60 license application fee for the first location + $185.80 application fee for each branch office. Fees for review and processing of applications are billed to applicants at hourly rate (currently $37.16). Annual renewal fee = $513.95 for each office (principal office and branches). WAC 208-660060.112 Out of state applicants for mortgage broker license must appoint a registered agent for service of process in Washington. WAC 208-66009005. Mortgage brokers that receive fees from consumers for third party services must maintain trust accounts. Licenses are not transferable; notice must be given to the regulator when the designated principal broker changes or when ownership of the licensee changes. WAC 208-660-110. Designated principal broker must provide fingerprints, personal credit report and current employment history. Licensee must also advise regulator of other “significant developments.” Noncompliance with licensing law subject to fine of $100 for each separate violation. Regulatory Agency Department of Financial Institutions Division of Consumer Services 150 Israel Road, S.W. Turnwater WA 98501 (360) 902-8703 (360) 664-2258 (fax) www.dfi.wa.gov/ 107 Assignment of certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit may be substituted for the bond. WAC 208-660-080(5), 208-660-085. 108 In addition to employees, an individual who independently contracts with a licensed mortgage broker need not be licensed if the two parties have on file with the regulator a binding written agreement under which the licensed mortgage broker assumes responsibility for the independent contractor's violation of law or rule and the mortgage broker's bond covers the independent contractor's violations. Wash. Rev. Code §19.146.200. 109 Reference to the “designated principal broker” for experience and education purposes does not mean the “principal” of the licensee or license applicant. WAC 208-660-030. The “designated principal broker” is an individual designated by the license applicant who meets the education, experience and examination requirements for a license. WAC 208-660-010(16). 110 Evidence of completion of continuing education is submitted to the Department of Financial Institutions with the mortgage broker’s annual assessment. 111 The continuing education can consist of attendance at mortgage brokerage commission meetings, sessions sponsored by the Washington Association of Mortgage Brokers, or seminars conducted by private course providers approved by the Department of Financial Institutions (see “Mortgage Brokers Education and Testing,” update of 11/5/03). 112 These fees are anticipated to increase, per WAC 208-660-061 which states “the division intends to increase its fee and assessment rates each year for several bienniums.” A “fiscal growth factor” will be used to determine the increase. Rate increases take effect on July 1. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved WEST VIRGINIA – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Loans Act, W.Va. Code §31-17-1 et seq. See also regulations of the Division of Banking, Tit. 106, Series 5 (relating to Residential Mortgage Lender, Brokers and Loan Originators) Yes, if the person in the regular course of business, for consideration, negotiates, originates, arranges, processes or assigns a residential mortgage loan between a lender and a borrower. Loan originators must be licensed; an application for a loan originator license is submitted by his/her sponsoring mortgage broker. A loan originator may originate loans for only 1 sponsoring mortgage broker. Loan originator must have FICO score of at least 575 to satisfy “financial responsibility” requirements.113 Persons whose tasks are solely clerical are not required to be licensed as loan originators.114 Experience Required for Brokers None, but the loan originator license application form requires disclosure of relevant mortgage experience and training. Education Required Each mortgage loan originator must complete at least 7 hours of continuing education in the year prior to license renewal.115 Evidence of completion of the education is submitted with the mortgage broker’s license renewal forms. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $50,000116 Minimum Net Worth Required? $10,000 (also see item 32 on the license application). In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) No Duration of License & License Renewal Dates Mortgage broker licenses are issued for a calendar year & expire annually on 12/31. Renewals are due 90 days before expiration. $100 per day late charge for renewals filed after 10/1 (per the “Instructions and General Information, Renewal - 2004”). Loan originator licenses initially valid from period of their issuance until 6/30/05. Thereafter, they are valid for 5 years with renewal due 90 days before expiration. License Related Fees Mortgage broker: $350 license fee + cost of processing fingerprint cards ($44). Licensed mortgage brokers pay a $5 per-loan fee for each loan brokered during a calendar year. Loan originator: $150 license fee + cost of processing fingerprint card ($44). Comments & Other Foreign corporations seeking licenses as mortgage brokers must have qualified to do business in West Virginia. If a loan originator ceases employment with a mortgage broker, the regulator must be notified within 15 days and the originator’s license must be returned. Opening or relocating a branch requires 30 days’ advance notice to the regulator. Licenses are not transferable. A penalty up to $1,000 for each transaction engaged in without a license may be imposed (see instructions to application, version of 6/5/02). Regulatory Agency Mortgage Division West Virginia Division of Banking State Capitol Complex Building 3, Room 311 Charleston WV 25305 (304) 558-2294 (304) 558-0442 (fax) www.wvdob.org Change of name or location fee: $100. 113 Loan originators with FICO scores lower than 575 may submit an explanation with supporting documentation which may be considered by the commissioner of banking. The division of banking reports that the 575 FICO score is the lowest 10% of the population based on reports from Experian. 114 Unpaid interns in school programs who are not compensated for their activities are not required to be licensed as loan originators. Loan originators for lenders (as opposed to brokers) and those licensed as both lenders and brokers are not required to be licensed. 115 The continuing education must be related to the laws and regulations applicable to residential mortgage loan origination. The course provider and course of instruction must be approved by the commissioner of banking. 116 The $50,000 bond applies regardless of the number of offices maintained by the mortgage broker. However, if the broker table funds loans he is considered a mortgage lender and the mortgage lender bond is $100,000. all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved WISCONSIN – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law License Required? Originator Licensing and Rules Mortgage Bankers, Loan Originators & Mortgage Brokers Act, Wis. Stat. §224.71 et seq. See also rules of the Department of Financial Institutions, Wis. Admin. Code Ch. DFI Bkg 40 - 43. Yes, if the person finds loans or negotiates land contracts or loans, or engages in table-funding. Licensable activity includes assisting a loan applicant in finding a lender and making arrangements for a loan applicant to obtain a loan; and discussing or explaining the terms and conditions of loans or land contracts. Those who act as loan originators for mortgage brokers must be registered, whether independent contractor or employees. Employees include persons whose wages are paid on a W-2 basis with payroll taxes paid by the employer, who has the right to supervise the employee. Wis. Admin. Code DFI Bkg. 40.02(2). A loan originator may work for only one licensed mortgage banker or mortgage broker at a time. The mortgage broker must sign a statement taking responsibility for the financial and professional activities of his loan originators. Experience Required for Brokers Education Required None required by statute, but related employment and educational experience for each key officer of the applicant (or its sole proprietor) must be described on the registration application. None required by statute, but related employment and educational experience for each key officer of the applicant (or its sole proprietor) must be described on the registration application. Surety Bond Required for Brokers $10,000 (if the broker maintains a bona-fide office in Wisconsin) unless he does either of the following: (1) files a personal bond for $10,000, or (2) maintains net worth of $100,000 or more. If the broker does (1) or (2) above, the surety bond is not required. If broker has no Wisconsin office, bond of $120,000 required. Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) Duration of License & License Renewal Dates $100,000 if broker has a bona-fide Wisconsin office and does not file a surety or personal bond. Registered mortgage broker may either maintain a bona-fide office in Wisconsin118 or do both of the following: (1) file a surety bond of $120,000, and (2) document net worth of at least $250,000. Registrations are renewed every 2 years. Renewal applications are due on the 1st day of the month prior to the expiration date. If broker has a bona fide office in Wisconsin and files a surety or personal bond, none. $250,000 if the broker has no Wisconsin office. License Related Fees Mortgage broker registration fee: $750. Biennial renewal fee = $750. Loan originator registration: $250. Late registration renewal fee (mortgage broker or loan originator) = $100. Filing notice of loan originator’s change of employment - $20. Comments & Other Business entities such as corporations and partnerships must qualify to do business in Wisconsin as a prerequisite to registration under the mortgage banker and broker licensing law. Fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months may be imposed for negotiating loans without a registration. Unregistered persons may not collect commissions. Regulatory Agency Department of Financial Institutions Division of Banking 345 W. Washington Avenue P.O. Box 7876 Madison WI 53707-7876 (608) 261-7578 (608) 267-6889 (fax) www.wdfi.org NOTE: Registration forms are being updated; old registration forms will not be accepted after June 15, 2004. (New form dated 3/04, per regulator’s website.) For a partnership or corporation to register as a mortgage broker, at least one person must be designated as a loan originator.117 117 All partners, directors, employees and members who act as loan solicitors must register as such; the minimum number of persons that may be registered for any one licensee is one. 118 Criteria for “bona fide office” are set forth on the registration application (see 3/04 version, on the website at http://www.wdfi.org/_resources/indexed/site/fi/mortbank/forms/mbrok_app.pdf (visited 7/20/04). all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved WYOMING – MORTGAGE BROKER AND LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSING Licensing Law N/A License Required? No Originator Licensing and Rules N/A Experience Required for Brokers N/A Education Required N/A Surety Bond Required for Brokers N/A Minimum Net Worth Required? In-State Office Required? (Bricks & Mortar) N/A N/A Duration of License & License Renewal Dates N/A License Related Fees N/A Comments & Other Wyoming has no licensing law for residential mortgage loan brokers. Regulatory Agency N/A all_states.DOC Prepared by Buckley Kolar, LLP May 2004 ©All Rights Reserved