West Virginia Mortgage Broker License Requirements
Navigate West Virginia's mortgage broker license requirements. Understand NMLS application, education, financial, and background checks for WV licensure.
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To get a mortgage broker license in West Virginia, you apply through NMLS, meet education and financial requirements set by the WV Division of Financial Institutions, pass the SAFE MLO exam, and maintain a surety bond.
Quick Answer: West Virginia Mortgage Broker License Overview
The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) regulates mortgage brokers in the state. This regulation falls under the West Virginia Residential Mortgage Lender, Broker and Servicer Act (West Virginia Code Chapter 31, Article 17). All license applications are submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS).
The process requires:
- NMLS account and application: Your company and any individual mortgage loan originators (MLOs) must register and apply through NMLS.
- Pre-licensure education: Complete NMLS-approved education hours. This includes a state-specific component.
- SAFE MLO exam: Individual originators must pass the National SAFE MLO Test.
- Financial responsibility: Meet surety bond and net worth requirements. Submit financial statements.
- Background checks: Owners, officers, and MLOs undergo fingerprinting and a criminal history review.
- Business entity registration: Register with the West Virginia Secretary of State before applying.
- Ongoing compliance: Renew your license annually through NMLS. Complete continuing education and report material changes to WV DFI promptly.
For the most current requirements, consult the WV DFI directly. Also, review the NMLS West Virginia State-Specific Requirements page on the NMLS website.
Sources & Verification (9)
- SAFE Act (Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, 12 U.S.C. §5101 et seq.) — federal MLO licensing baseline; states must meet or exceed.
- Truth in Lending Act / Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026) — mortgage origination disclosure, Loan Estimate, Closing Disclosure, ability-to-repay (ATR), and Qualified Mortgage rule (12 CFR §1026.43).
- Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act / Regulation X (12 U.S.C. §2601 et seq.; 12 CFR Part 1024) — settlement disclosure, anti-kickback (Section 8), servicing rules.
- NMLS Federal Registry — registration of MLOs employed by federally regulated depository institutions per 12 CFR §1007.
- Division of Financial Institutions rule relating to residential mortgage lenders, brokers, and loan originators
- Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker
- Relating to requirements for licensure as a mortgage lender or broker
- Relating to authorizing the Division of Financial Institutions to promulgate a legislative rule relating to residential mortgage lenders, brokers, and loan originators.
- Reorganizing the Board of Banking and Financial Institutions, the Division of Financial Institutions, and the Lending and Credit Rate Board
Last verified: June 7, 2026
Editorial process: See methodology →
How we verify: 9 source adapters (FAA, DSIRE, IRS, OpenStates, etc.) → AI draft → AI editor → AI polish → spot human review.
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- SAFE MLO National Test Prep — 20-Hour Course Study GuideCovers the 20-hour SAFE Act pre-licensing curriculum required for the national NMLS test. Most candidates pair this with the OnCourse Learning course before scheduling Prometric.
- The Mortgage Originator Success Kit — Darrin SeppinniDay-one operations playbook for newly-licensed MLOs: bond setup, NMLS sponsorship transfer, RESPA-safe marketing.
- NMLS SAFE Mortgage Test FlashcardsSpaced-repetition cards for the national + state-specific UST elements. Cheapest way to drill terminology before exam day.
- RESPA & TILA Compliance ManualReg X / Reg Z / TRID disclosure timing — the rules every loan originator misquotes. Cited in most CFPB enforcement actions.