Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)

For information about transitioning a license or registration to NMLS, CLICK HERE.

The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) is a secure, web-based, nationwide licensing system that allows companies to apply for, update, and renew their license authorities in one or more states conveniently and safely online. NMLS itself does not grant or deny license authority. NMLS began operations on January 2, 2008. Currently, fifty nine state agencies (including the Bureau) and six federal agencies use the system to accept and process license applications and registrations.

The Bureau currently issues the following licenses and registrations through NMLS:

  • Consumer Reporting Agencies
  • Debt Collectors (Including Collection Agencies, Debt Buyers, and Repossession Companies)
  • Debt Management Service Providers
  • Loan Brokers (Including Refund Anticipation Loan Facilitators)
  • Money Transmitters
  • Mortgage Loan Originators
  • Payroll Processors
  • Student Loan Servicers
  • Supervised Lenders (Including Payday Lenders and Insurance Premium Finance Companies)

The Bureau anticipates transitioning the following license types to NMLS soon:

  • Cash-Dispensing Machines (Non-bank ATMs)
  • Check Cashers and Foreign Currency Exchangers
  • Creditors (including consumer loan servicers, general creditors, manufactured housing dealers, new and used auto dealers, pawnbrokers, rent-to-own businesses, and sales finance companies
  • Real Estate Settlement Agencies
  • Residential Real Estate Property Preservation Providers
  • Student Financing Companies

Please note: as transition dates for other industries become available, they will be published on the Bureau's website HERE.