How to Get a Tennessee Mortgage Broker License in 2024

Interested in starting a mortgage business in Tennessee? You need to obtain a Tennessee mortgage broker license to launch your operations. 

The criteria that you have to fulfill to get licensed are set by the state Department of Financial Institutions. However, you have to go through the process via the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) website. 

In the guide below, you can find the full details about how to become a mortgage broker in Tennessee. 

Tennessee Mortgage Broker License Requirements

The Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions determines the requirements that mortgage brokers, servicers, and lenders have to fulfill. They all have to obtain one type of license, which is called the Tennessee mortgage license. 

1. Register your business and trade name

You need to set up a business entity in the state by registering with the Tennessee Secretary of State. 

You also have to provide a Certificate of Authority/Good Standing Certificate issued from the same authority. In addition, you have to register your trade name if you want to use a DBA. 

2. Provide your financial statements and credit reports 

You have to showcase your compiled financial statement prepared and certified by an independent Certified Public Accountant in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles dated within 90 days of your fiscal year-end. It has to contain a Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows. 

Your financial statement has to demonstrate that you have a company tangible net worth of at least $25,000. For each additional branch office within Tennessee, you need an additional tangible net worth of $25,000.

All individuals in a position of control have to authorize a credit report as well. 

3. Obtain a Tennessee mortgage broker bond

To obtain a Tennessee mortgage license, you have to post a surety bond. It serves as a safety net for your customers. The bond ensures you will follow the Tennessee Residential Lending, Brokerage and Servicing Act, and all other relevant rules. 

The amount of the Tennessee mortgage broker bond that you have to post is different, depending on your mortgage activity:

• Mortgage brokers – $90,000
• Mortgage lenders and servicers – $200,000

Getting bonded entails that you pay a premium. It is a small percentage of the required amount that depends on the strength of your personal and business finances. If they are stable, you can expect rates in the range of 0.75% to 1.5%. 

Want a free quote on your mortgage broker bond? Fill out the details below. 

4. Set a Registered Agent and a Qualifying Individual

You need to appoint a Resident/Registered Agent in the application form. 

You also have to set a Managing Principal, known as a Qualifying Individual. 

5. Pass a criminal background check and complete the disclosure questions

Direct and indirect owners, executive officers, and qualifying individuals have to authorize an FBI criminal background check through the NMLS.

In addition, you have to provide answers to the disclosure questions in the application. 

6. Provide additional information

You have to attach the following documents to your application form: 

• Primary contact employees information
• Control Person (MU2) Attestation
• Business plan
• Management and organizational charts
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Policy
• Verification of experience for the Qualifying Individual 

Application Process and Fees

The NMLS application checklist contains the full list of requirements that you have to meet to obtain a Tennessee mortgage broker license. You have to apply online via the NMLS website. 

The relevant licensing fees that you need to pay are:

• $1,025 for all license and processing fees
• $15 Credit Report Fee fee control person
• $36.25 FBI Criminal Background Check Fee per person

Do you have further questions about the Tennessee mortgage brokerage license and bonding process? You can reach us at 866.450.3412.