How to Verify a Mortgage Broker's License (NMLS)
October 20, 2026
You can verify any mortgage broker, loan officer or mortgage company for free at NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Search by name, company or NMLS ID number, then confirm three things: the person or company is licensed or registered, the license is active in your state, and there are no regulatory actions you're not comfortable with. It takes about five minutes and should be done before you share documents or pay any fee.
Why licensing matters. Under the federal SAFE Act, every individual who takes mortgage applications or negotiates loan terms must have a unique NMLS ID. Loan officers at mortgage brokers and non-bank lenders must hold a state license in each state where they originate. They have to meet pre-licensing education, testing, background check and continuing education requirements. Loan officers at federally regulated banks and credit unions are registered with NMLS rather than state-licensed. Both have NMLS IDs, and both should give you theirs on request.
How to check, step by step. First, ask for both the individual's NMLS ID and the company's NMLS ID. Second, search each ID on NMLS Consumer Access. Third, open the record and check the license or registration status for your state. It should say approved or active. Fourth, review the regulatory actions section and any disciplinary history. Fifth, make sure the company name, address and website match what you were given. Your state's mortgage regulator, often the department of financial institutions or banking, can confirm a license and take complaints.
Red flags to watch for. Be cautious if someone won't give you an NMLS ID, their license isn't active in your state, the company name on NMLS doesn't match their emails or website, or they ask for large upfront fees before you get a Loan Estimate. Also watch for pressure to sign quickly or a request to wire money based on an email alone. Federal rules generally limit upfront charges to a reasonable credit-report fee until you get a Loan Estimate and say you want to proceed. If something feels off, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or your state regulator.
Verifying a mortgage professional takes minutes. Get the individual and company NMLS IDs, look both up on NMLS Consumer Access, confirm active status in your state, and review any regulatory actions. LoFi Rate is an independent matching service, not a lender or broker. Every professional you're matched with should give you their NMLS ID, and we encourage you to check it. General education only.