Mortgage Loan Originators: It’s YOUR License! Renew On Time! - Financial Regulation
October 20, 2026
DON’T LOSE YOUR MAYLAND MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSE!
The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) reminds all mortgage loan originators that the license renewal period begins November 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026.
Important Dates
December 17, 2026: Licensees must submit their renewal requests by December 17, 2026, to take advantage of the safe harbor provided by Md. Code Ann., State Government Article (SG) §10-226(b). Under that section, a licensee who applies for a renewal by December 17th can continue doing business after December 31st (when the license was set to expire) while they await a response to their renewal application. Licensees who submit renewal requests between December 18th and December 31, 2026, are not covered by the extension provided under SG §10-226(b). These licensees must stop doing business in Maryland after December 31, 2026, if their renewal has not been approved by that date. They may resume business only after the Commissioner approves the renewal.
December 31, 2026: The last day to submit a renewal request is December 31, 2026. Maryland has no license reinstatement period. If you do not submit a renewal request by December 31st, your license will expire and you will need to apply and be approved for a new license before you can resume originating mortgage loans.
General Reminder
Don’t wait to complete your continuing education. Your NMLS record must show that you have completed your required continuing education before you apply for renewal. Continuing education credits do not always appear in NMLS immediately upon completion of the course. The course provider may take several days to provide the information to NMLS. OFR does not accept any alternative evidence of course completion.
Review your NMLS record now for any deficiencies. You must satisfy any deficiencies before your renewal can be approved. Review and address any deficiencies now to help ensure that your renewal is processed promptly.
Review and satisfy the NMLS Renewal Checklist. All licensees should review the Maryland NMLS renewal checklist before submitting a renewal request. All requirements noted in the checklist must be satisfied before the renewal can be approved.
Don’t assume that your employer has submitted your renewal. It’s your license; renewal is your responsibility. Even if it’s your employer’s practice to manage renewals, you should monitor your NMLS record to ensure that the renewal request is submitted timely.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find general compliance-related information for mortgage loan originators?
A: OFR’s website has resources for mortgage loan originators about licensing requirements, applicable laws and regulations, industry advisories, and more. We also recently published an instructional video for current Maryland mortgage loan originators. The video highlights license renewal and maintenance requirements and provides answers to frequently asked questions.
Q: What is Maryland’s continuing education requirement for mortgage loan originators?
A: Unless you completed pre-licensing education in 2026, you must complete at least 8 hours of continuing education, with at least one hour of Maryland-specific education. See details on the state-specific education page on the NMLS Resource Center. Your continuing education must be reflected in your NMLS record. Please remember that it may take up to seven days for completed courses to appear in your record. If you wait until late December to complete your continuing education for 2026, it may not appear in your record in time to renew your license.
Contact
For questions about mortgage loan originator license renewals, please contact Arlene F. Williams, Director of Licensing, by phone at 443-615-3061 or by email at [email protected].