FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Division participates in the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), as contemplated by the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (“SAFE”) (H.R. 3221). Title V requires that each state enact minimum standards regarding the supervision of mortgage entities.

The NMLS is a multi-state licensing system that allows companies and individuals to apply for and manage their licenses with the Department and other participating states through a secure website. The NMLS was developed by and for state regulators to streamline the licensing process for regulators and the industry allowing all mortgage businesses to be licensed in Montana and other participating states with a minimum amount of paperwork.

Please note that the NMLSR federal registration process must be utilized if you are an employee of a bank, bank subsidiary or a credit union. As required under federal law, residential mortgage loan originators employed by banks, savings associations, credit unions, or Farm Credit System institutions must register with the registry, obtain a unique identifier from the registry, and maintain their registrations. Further information regarding the registry and the registration process is available at the registry's website: http://fedregistry.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/Pages/default.aspx.

Every mortgage company, mortgage loan originator, and other person in this state that conducts mortgage loan origination activities for residential mortgage loans, unless specifically exempt, shall register with the NMLS. Upon registration, a person creates a record with the NMLS and obtains a unique identifier.

Some persons are only required to register with the NMLS, and do not need to obtain a license under the Montana Mortgage Act, even if they conduct mortgage loan origination activities. These persons do not require a Montana license because they are already adequately regulated under another law and therefore do not require further regulation by means of licensure. These persons are either “exempt registered mortgage loan originators” or “exempt registered mortgage loan originator companies”.

The initial licensing fees are as follows:

• Montana Mortgage Broker License - $500
• Montana Mortgage Lender License - $750
• Montana Mortgage Servicer License - $750
• Montana Mortgage Broker, Lender, or Servicer Branch License: $250
• Mortgage Loan Originator License: $400
• Montana Consumer Loan License or branch - $500
• Montana Escrow License - $350
• Montana Sales Finance License or branch - $100

A mortgage broker entity owned by a Montana-licensed loan originator shall receive a $400 refund by mailed check after both licenses have been approved.

All application fees must be paid through the NMLS and are not refundable. Montana does not charge fees for amendments.

All licensing fees are paid through the NMLS.

The Division makes a licensing decision on most complete applications within one week. The presence of adverse credit or a criminal record can extend the timeline. The Division will communicate application deficiencies through NMLS.

No, the Division does not issue paper licenses. All proof of licensure is electronic on NMLS and NMLS Consumer Access. There is no requirement to display your license.

All Montana licenses expire on December 31st of each year. The renewal period is from November 1st – December 1st of each year, with licenses being renewed for the following calendar year.

Renewals are submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). Applications must be filed NO LATER than December 1st of each year. There is a substantial fine for late filing of a renewal application, and renewal of a license will not occur until all outstanding fines are paid. Applicants complete the application and pay all outstanding fees and fines, and in order to avoid being fined for late renewal, licensees must complete their application and payment by the December 1st deadline. Licenses expire annually on December 31st.

Amendments to the Licensee’s NMLS record are requested through NMLS. The Division does not require advance notice for any change.

Please request to surrender the license through NMLS and submit the Montana surrender checklist.

• Montana Mortgage Act
  • Montana Mortgage Administrative Rules
• Federal Regulations
  • Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
  • Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) – Regulation B
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Regulation V
  • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act – Regulation P
  • Home Mortgage Disclosure Act – Regulation C
  • Mortgage Acts and Practices – Regulation N
  • Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) – Regulation X
  • Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 – Regulation H
  • Truth in Lending Act (TILA) – Regulation Z
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Mortgage loan originators (MLOs) are allowed to work from a remote location such as their residence without requiring a branch license. Retail branches are still required to be licensed.

32-9-173, MCA lists the remote work requirements, including policies, advertising, and record security. Please see the remote work page of our website for more information and FAQs.  

Requests for mailing lists must be submitted to the Montana Office of Public Information Requests at opir.mt.gov/.  If you have any questions, they can be reached at (406) 444-2686 or publicrecords@mt.gov.

Applicants or existing licensees that have general questions may submit them to mortgagelicensing@mt.gov.

Individuals who are employees of a federal, state, tribal, local government, or housing finance agency acting as a loan originator only pursuant to the individual's official duties as an employee of the federal, state, tribal, local government, or housing finance agency are exempt from licensure, as well as employees who perform only clerical or administrative tasks. Bona Fide Not-for-Profit companies and their employees can obtain an exemption by submitting a paper application directly to the Division and receiving certification.

A person may make up to five residential mortgage loans in a calendar year in Montana with their personal funds without a license. State usury laws may apply. 

There is currently no legislation from the Montana Division of Banking regulating Money Service Businesses (MSBs). MSBs do not have to be licensed with the Division. 

Yes, the Montana Mortgage Lender License is required for wholesale lending.

No, a license would not be required if the AE does not meet he definition of an MLO:

The MT mortgage loan originator license is required for an individual who, for compensation or gain or in the expectation of compensation or gain:

(i) takes a residential mortgage loan application; or

(ii) offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan.

The term includes an individual who represents to the public that the individual can or will perform the services described in the subsection (i) and (ii) above.

Investment properties (also referred to as non-owner occupied/rental properties) do not require a license (even if they are 1-4 family homes).

32-9-103(40-41), 15 U.S.C 1602(w)

The Division has not issued guidance in regards to lead generators because it’s our policy is to review a company’s business model on a case-by-case basis when considering whether a mortgage or consumer loan lead generator must be licensed as a mortgage broker or consumer loan company. This is the type of information that a lead generator should provide with their business plan.

How are the leads sold? (i.e. individually or in bulk)

How are leads priced? (i.e. flat fee or higher compensation if loan closes?)

How is range of pricing on leads sold?

How does the lead generator collect information from borrowers?

What specific borrower information is collected by the lead generator?

MLO (Mortgage Loan Originator) is defined within 32-9-103(32), MCA, means an individual who for compensation or gain or in the expectation of compensation or gain:

(1) Takes a residential mortgage loan application; or

(2) Offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan.

This includes an individual who represents to the public that the individual can or will perform the services described in (1) or (2) above.

An application is defined as “a request, in any form, for an offer of residential mortgage loan terms or a response to a solicitation of an offer of residential mortgage loan terms and includes the information about the borrower that is customary or necessary in a decision on whether to make such an offer.”

32-9-116, MCA states “A mortgage loan originator may transact business for only one employing mortgage broker or one employing mortgage lender licensed in accordance with the provisions of this part.”

ARM 2.59.1701 (3) defines “employing” as “the entity for whom the individual works is liable for withholding payroll taxes pursuant to Title 26 of the United States Code.”

Yes. Montana Statute requires that persons who take, offer, or negotiate terms of a residential mortgage loan be licensed. A residential mortgage loan is defined as a loan primarily for personal, family, or household use secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling or on residential real estate located in Montana.

Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act, defines “dwelling” to mean “a residential structure that contains one to four units, whether or not that structure is attached to real property. The term includes an individual condominium unit, cooperative unit, mobile home, and trailer, if it is used as a residence.” The Department of Housing and Urban Development has interpreted “mobile home” to include a manufactured home, as defined in the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. § 5402(6)).

An individual who plans to work as an MLO for his or her own mortgage broker business must obtain the Montana Mortgage Broker License and the Montana Mortgage Loan Originator License. This is required because under the NMLS program, every individual MLO must be linked to, or “sponsored” by a company. This requires that an individual obtain both licenses. For purposes of NMLS, Forms MU1, MU2, and MU4 will be required. Montana has a provision in Statute that grants some relief to the licensing fees in this situation. A mortgage broker entity owned by a Montana-licensed loan originator shall receive a $400 refund by mailed check after both licenses have been approved.

In order to license your own broker company, you must have three years of experience as a mortgage loan originator.

No, an MLO can only transact business for only one employing mortgage broker or lender pursuant to 32-9-116(1), MCA.

When a sponsorship is removed in NMLS, the Division will change the license status of the individual to approved-inactive. The MLO may not originate with an inactive license. When the MLO finds another sponsor and requests sponsorship in Montana, the Division will review the request, approve the sponsorship, and change the license status to approved.

A licensed or registered broker or lender must cover its MLO employees under the company’s surety bond.

Montana law does not prohibit it, but the Division of Banking and Financial Institutions has always strongly discouraged a person serving in both capacities as a real estate agent and mortgage loan originator on the same transaction. The Division believes that conflicts of interest may arise and that a separation of those duties is in the best interest of Montana consumers. If a person did serve in both capacities on the same transaction the Division would expect the mortgage loan originator to provide a written disclosure (e.g. affiliated business disclosure) to ensure that the borrower was aware of the multiple hats that the individual was wearing on the transaction.

If you left your state license to go work somewhere that requires federal registration, such as a bank or credit union, you can simply reapply for a state license (you may need to take CE from the last year you were licensed if you have not already). If you completely left the mortgage industry and it has been less than three (3) years since your license was terminated, you will need to complete late CE from the last year you were licensed and then reapply for a license. If it has been over three (3) years, you will need to retake the 20 hours of PE. If it has been over five (5) years, you will need to retake PE and the test which is pursuant to the NMLS Test Expiration Policy.

20 hours per 32-9-107, MCA. This must include 3 hours of federal law and regulations; 3 hours of ethics, which shall include instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending issues; and 2 hours of training related to lending standards for the nontraditional mortgage product marketplace. The applicant must also take two (2) hours of Montana-specific prelicensure education. These two hours may be part of the required 20-hour PE requirement. Pre-licensing education courses must be approved by the NMLS.

The national and state components of the written test are administered at testing centers throughout the United States. An individual will first need to create his/her record in NMLS and then request information relating to test dates and locations. Scheduling to take a test must be done through the NMLS website.

In order to renew your MLO license, pursuant to 32-9-118, MCA, all MLOs must take eight (8) hours of continuing education every year. Continuing education must be taken through an NMLS-approved education provider.

Pursuant to 32-9-120(1)(c), MCA, the Division will review each MLO license application to see if the applicant demonstrated “financial responsibility, character, and general fitness to command the confidence of the community and to warrant a determination that the [...] mortgage loan originator will operate honestly, fairly, and efficiently within the purposes of this section.” Additionally, the Division has adopted rules that define its standards and procedures for determining financial responsibility and also has a rule which addresses reviewing applicants adverse credit history. The Division often considers using a conditional license status if the applicant is cooperative in providing documentation and working towards improving their credit.

A conditional license is the status assigned when the regulator has reviewed the license and decided to issue a license through NMLS provided certain conditions imposed by the regulator are met. This status may also be used if a licensee is subject to conditions set by an administrative order that do not otherwise restrict their ability to conduct lawful activities under the license.

Financial responsibility may be determined by several factors.

A criminal background increases the difficulty of making a favorable finding on an application. While minor traffic offenses will not affect your chances for a license, pursuant to 32-9-120(1)(b), MCA, anyone who has received a felony conviction in the last seven (7) years or a felony conviction at any time involving an act of fraud, dishonesty, a breach of trust, or money laundering will not be licensed. The Department verifies the criminal background of each applicant for a mortgage license. Omissions regarding arrests are deemed to be a serious misrepresentation to the Department and can be the basis of a denial regardless of the nature or outcome of the arrest.

No, if the individual had authority to complete the loan, they may be compensated even if they are eventually denied licensure.

No, if the individual had authority to complete the loan, they may be compensated even if they eventually withdraw the application.

The Division advises you to list the employee under the MLO section of the MCR if that employee did close loan(s) during the applicable quarter.

• Montana Mortgage Broker License - This license is required of any company or sole proprietorship that obtains, attempts to obtain, or assists in obtaining a mortgage loan for a borrower from a lender in return for, or in anticipation of, consideration.
• Montana Mortgage Lender License - This license is required for any company or sole proprietorship that closes a residential mortgage loan, advances funds, offers to advance funds, or commits to advance funds for a mortgage loan.
• Montana Mortgage Servicer License - This license is required for any entity that engages, for compensation or gain from another or on its own behalf, in the business of receiving any scheduled periodic payment from a borrower pursuant to the terms of a residential mortgage loan, residential mortgage servicing documents, or a residential mortgage servicing contract; or meets the definition of servicer in 12 U.S.C. 2605(i)(2).
• Montana Independent Contractor Entity License - This license is required of any company or sole proprietorship that offers or engages in clerical or support duties as an independent contractor for another person. This license is a subset of the Montana Mortgage Broker License.

No license covers the activities of another. A company that is engaging in lending, brokering, and servicing in Montana requires all three licenses.

No, Montana is not a brick and mortar state. You are not required to be physically present to do business here. Mortgage licensees must be in the United States or a U.S. Territory.

Yes, the qualified individual/branch manager is required to hold an approved Montana Mortgage Loan Originator license and have three years of experience as an MLO.

Yes. Every control person, executive officer, director, general partner, and managing member of an organization must be “financially responsible” for the company applicant to obtain a license. They also must pass the same criminal background check requirements as an MLO.

For purposes of the NMLS, control persons include “any person that (i) is a general partner or executive officer, including Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Director, and individuals occupying similar positions or performing similar functions; (ii) directly or indirectly has the right to vote 10% or more of a class of a voting security or has the power to sell or direct the sale of 10% or more of a class of voting securities; or (iii) in the case of a partnership, has the right to receive upon dissolution, or has contributed, 10% or more of the capital . . .”

Licensed mortgage companies are required to file the Mortgage Call Report quarterly in NMLS.

Licensed servicers who file the Standard MCR are required to also file the Quarterly Statement of Mortgage Servicing Activity directly to the Division. This can be found of the forms page of our website.

Under the requirements of the Federal SAFE Act, all state mortgage licensees must submit a report of condition as required by NMLS. The NMLS Mortgage Call Report (MCR) was developed by state regulators to meet this requirement.

The MCR is required to be completed by (1) all state licensed companies and (ii) companies employing state licensed mortgage loan originators (MLOs). Companies must submit at least their application and origination activity information on a quarterly basis.

If you held a state license or employed state licensed MLOs during a reporting period, you must complete the NMLS Mortgage Call Report, even if you had no origination activity during the period.

Pursuant to 32-9-121, MCA, records must be kept for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last activity pertaining to the file.

Records to be Maintained by Mortgage Brokers

Records to be Maintained by Mortgage Lenders

Records to be Maintained by Mortgage Servicers

2.59.1737, ARM requires Mortgage Brokers to disclosure a similar form as described in the rule.

Yes. However, please make sure you are in compliance with the Electronic Signature in Global and National Commerce Act (E-Sign Act).

Yes, a separate bond is required for the mortgage broker, lender, and servicer licenses. The amount of the required surety bond must be calculated by combining the annual loan production amounts for all persons originating residential mortgage loans and for all business locations of the mortgage broker or mortgage lender and must be in the following amount:

• $25,000 for a combined annual loan production that does not exceed $50 million a year;
• $50,000 for annual loan production of $50 million but not exceeding $100 million a year; or
• $100,000 for annual loan production of more than $100 million a year.

• $75,000 for a UPB that does not exceed $25 million a year
• $150,000 for a UPB of more than $25 million but not exceeding $100 million a year
• $250,000 for a UPB of more than $100 million but not exceeding $500 million a year
• $350,000 for a UPB of more than $500 million a year

Yes. Fines are imposed to ensure that licensees operate as specified by the Montana Mortgage Act (MMA) and the rules promulgated by the Department (the Act and Regulations). Fines provide the Department an option other than license REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION in order to ensure compliance with MMA. Those licensees who operate in a professional manner and strictly observe the provisions of the Act will probably never be fined. Those who violate the provisions of the Act or who commit prohibited acts will likely pay thousands in fines.

The Department has the discretion to conduct examinations as often as it deems necessary and for reasons it deems necessary to determine if our licensees are conducting their operations in accordance with Montana law and Department Rules. Examinations result from any number of reasons, but are often scheduled as a result of information provided to the Department from a consumer complaint, an industry insider reporting questionable operations, to determine if serious problems from a previous examination have been corrected, or other factors such as a company never having been examined before. This results in the Department prioritizing examinations to monitor our licensees to ensure that your operations are conducted in a manner that protects the contractual and property rights of the citizens of Montana. The Department aims to do a limited scope exam of a licensee within its first 18 months of licensure and then at least every 3-5 years, provided that the licensee is engaged in business in Montana.

Please view the Montana Mortgage Examination Guide for more information about the examination process. 

• Montana Code Annotated – Use of Name – Advertising
• 12 CFR 1026.16 – Advertising
• MORTGAGE ACTS AND PRACTICES—ADVERTISING (REGULATION N)

The Montana Mortgage Servicer license allows the holder to modify loans in their own portfolio as long as they are not charging the borrower for it. A servicer may not modify loans they subservice without a mortgage lender license.

Yes. You would be required to hold the Montana Independent Contractor License or the Montana Mortgage Broker License. You would also be required to have one individual who holds the Montana Mortgage Loan Originator license and meets the requirements of a Responsible Individual or Qualified Individual, depending on the license.

No, if you are an “individual who performs clerical or support duties” as an employee at the direction of and subject to the supervision and instruction of an MLO, or a person who is exempt from licensing as an MLO under the Montana Mortgage Act

Yes, a designated manager/ qualified individual/ branch manager (DM) can supervise more than one location if they follow the requirements of 2.59.1757, ARM.

A remote supervisor must still be sponsored by one licensed location that is within reasonable commuting distance (~60 miles) of their residence. There is no distance limitation between the DM and the remote locations they supervise.

An Advance Change Notice (ACN) is a functionality of NMLS that allows an entity to submit a filing change before the effective date of the change. Some states require advance notice of certain changes such as address change or change of control.

The Montana Mortgage Act, Montana Consumer Loan Act, Regulation of Escrow Businesses Act, and Retail Installment Sales Act do not require advance notice for any changes made by licensees. Therefore, the Montana Division of Banking (Division) does not require ACNs in NMLS. NMLS records must stay up-to-date and so changes should be made before or on the effective date of the change.

Due to lack of staff, the Division does not approve ACNs in NMLS. Licensing staff review all NMLS filing amendments within one week of submission. If further action is required, they will set a license item on the NMLS entity record. If no license item is received with one week, the entity may assume the ACN is approved. Requirements for each type of amendment can be found on the Montana amendment checklists.

Change of Control

The Division requires direct and indirect officers of a licensed mortgage company to complete a criminal background check (CBC) and credit report through NMLS. When adding a new officer, the fingerprinting process must be complete by the effective date of the change. The filer must ensure that they have given Montana access to view the CBC results in NMLS. The change of control is not considered approved until the CBC process is complete and the Division has access to view the results. NMLS Owner and Officer CBC Instructions

Mont. Code Annotated § 30-14-1704 sets forth a business’s obligations if a Montana resident’s personal information is compromised. A business should review 30-14-1704, MCA, to understand the requirements of Montana law. More information is available on the MT Attorney General’s website.

Mont. Code Annotated § 32-9-166 provides a list of incidents that must be reported to the Division within either 1- or 15-days business days after a licensee has reason to know of the reportable occurrence.

Loan Originators can use team names provided that they register them with the MT SOS as a DBA and add them to the dba/trade name list on the NMLS. The advertising requirements set forth by 32-9-149, MCA must be followed and applies to any web-based or print advertising.

"Consumer loan" means credit offered or extended to an individual primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, including loans for personal, family, or household purposes that are not primarily secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, trust indenture, or other security interest in real estate.

Consumer loans do not include deferred deposit loans as defined in 31-1-703(5), MCA, or residential mortgage loans as defined in 32-9-103(40), MCA.

Any entity that engages in the business of making or servicing consumer loans in Montana in any amount and contract for, charge, or receive directly or indirectly on or in connection with any loan any compensation, whether for interest, fees, other consideration, or expense.

The following are exempt from licensure:

• A bank, building and loan association, savings and loan association, trust company, or credit union.
• A person who makes fewer than four consumer loans a year with the person's own funds, does not represent that the person is a licensee, and complies with the provisions of Title 31, chapter 1, part 1.

It is the opinion of the Division that the provisions of the Montana Consumer Loan Act (Act) continue to apply to an entity that acts as a servicer by receiving or accepting payments due pursuant to a Montana Consumer Loan and either keeping those payments or directing them to another entity(s). It is the opinion of the Division that a servicer of Montana Consumer Loans must be licensed under the Act. The Act does not apply to utility providers, service providers (doctors, dentists, hospitals, chiropractors, etc.), estates, or loans originated by depository institutions.

Please read the Memorandum dated February 23, 2016 regarding servicing of Montana consumer loans.

• Initial Montana Consumer Loan license: $500
• Montana Consumer Loan branch license: $500
• Company and branch license renewal: $500 per license

A branch license is required for any other locations that make or service consumer loans.

No, the Division only issues license to business entities and their branches.

Yes, interest rates are capped at 36% per year pursuant to 32-5-301, MCA.

• Montana Consumer Loan Act
• Consumer Loan Administrative Rules
• Loans of Money – Interest Rates

No, Montana is not a brick and mortar state. You are not required to be physically present to do business here.

No, there is no bond required for a Montana Consumer Loan License.

Licensed consumer loan companies are required to submit the Annual Report to the Division every year by Feb. 15. This can be found on the forms page of our website.

A document sample/fee disclosure is required at application and every year at renewal per ARM 2.59.302. Please upload this in NMLS under the document type “Document Samples”.

The Division has the discretion to conduct examinations as often as it deems necessary and for reasons it deems necessary to determine if our licensees are conducting their operations in accordance with Montana statute and corresponding administrative rules. The Division does conduct routine examinations. Examinations may also result from consumer complaints or to determine if violations noted from a previous examination have been corrected.

Yes, if the transaction was entered outside the country and the person later moved to Montana, the Montana Consumer Loan Act does not apply.

Renewal period runs from November 1 through December 31. Reinstatement period for those who missed the renewal deadline is January 1 through the last day of February.

Yes, all licenses from the Montana Division of Banking are annual licenses.

All licenses expire on December 31st, regardless of when they are issued.

Yes, but the license would still expire that year on 12/31. Applications that are received during renewal period are automatically placed on hold until January. An applicant can contact the Division and request their license be approved during renewal, but they will need to complete a paper renewal and pay renewal fees.

NMLS has provided the following instructional guides:

Preparing for Company Renewal

Company Renewal

Individual Renewal

Renewal fees can be found in Montana Rule: 2.59.1738, ARM.

If a licensee has not requested renewal or the renewal has not been accepted by the Regulator by January 1, then the licensee must cease all licensable activities on January 1. The license status will change to Expired. The license has until the end of February to request reinstatement which includes an extra fee of $250.

Every state licensed MLO (in any approved status) is required to complete at least 8 hours of NMLS approved education annually beginning the year they are licensed (unless PE was completed in the same year). The education does not have to be Montana-specific. Please see the NMLS Education page for more info.

The deadline to complete CE is December 31. However, MLOs in Montana are prohibited from applying to renew their license if they have not completed CE. Since it may take as long as seven (7) days for a course provider to report a course completion into NMLS, MLOs are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last minute to try to complete CE or they may be prevented from submitting for renewal on time.

Montana uses the NMLS auto-renew function which automatically approves the renewal 2 days after all license items have been cleared. This includes license items for ACH payments. It can sometimes take up to 10 days for the ACH to clear.

The legal interest rate for judgments in Montana is 11.5% for 2024, per 25-9-205, MCA and H.15 Selected Interest Rates.