SOUTH CAROLINA MORTGAGE LICENSE ONLINE

South Carolina Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Licensing Requirements

1️⃣ Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

To apply for your South Carolina MLO license, you must complete the following:

20 Hours of NMLS-Approved SAFE Act Education, including:

• 3 hours of Federal Law and Regulations
• 3 hours of Ethics (covering fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending issues)
• 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
• 8 hours of Electives
• 4 hours of South Carolina-Specific Law and Regulations
• All courses must be taken through an NMLS-approved provider such as The CE Shop.

2️⃣ Testing Requirements

Pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test — includes:

• National Component with Uniform State Content (UST)

3️⃣ Background Check & Credit Requirements

You must submit the following through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS):

• Fingerprint-based FBI criminal background check
• Credit report authorization and review
• Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, character, and general fitness for licensure.

4️⃣ Application Requirements

Apply through NMLS to the South Carolina Department of Financial Institutions (SC DFI) and include:

• Completed online application
• Payment of all state and NMLS fees
• Proof of pre-licensing education completion
• Passing test results
• The South Carolina MLO license must be sponsored by a licensed mortgage company or broker before final approval.

5️⃣ Annual Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To maintain your South Carolina MLO license, you must complete 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year, including:

• 3 hours of Federal Law and Regulations
• 2 hours of Ethics
• 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
• 1 hour of South Carolina-Specific Law and Regulations
• CE must be completed before December 31 each year to renew your license. You cannot take the same CE course in consecutive years for credit.

6️⃣ Additional Notes

• All courses must be completed through an NMLS-approved provider.
• If your license lapses, you may need to retake pre-licensing education and the SAFE test depending on how long it has been inactive.
• Keep copies of all course completion certificates for your records.
• South Carolina MLO licenses are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Financial Institutions (SC DFI).