Yes: in California, mortgage loan officers need a state license issued by the DRE (MLO endorsement for real estate licensees) or Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), through NMLS. You can check a name yourself on NMLS Consumer Access.
Mortgage loan officers in California: what buyers ask
What first-time buyer programs does California offer?
In California, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) lends first-time buyers up to 3.5% of the price with an FHA loan or 3% with a conventional loan through MyHome. Its Dream For All loan (up to 20%, capped at $150,000) closed to new applications on March 16, 2026.
What does an FHA loan require?
FHA loans need 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Upfront mortgage insurance is 1.75% and the annual premium is 0.55% at 96.5% LTV.
Check a mortgage loan officer yourself
- License required · DRE (MLO endorsement for real estate licensees) or Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), through NMLS
- Titles you will see: Mortgage loan originator (DRE endorsement), Mortgage loan originator (DFPI license)
- Check a name yourself: NMLS Consumer Access (we could not open this search page ourselves)
The 7 sectors of Los Angeles
West Los Angeles · Central · North Valley · South Valley · South Los Angeles · Harbor · East Los Angeles