The California Department of Business Oversight (CDBO) regulates and licenses mortgage brokers who are required to obtain a license under the California Finance Lenders Law (CFLL). A requirement of this license is the submitting and maintaining of a surety bond with the CDBO.
The surety bond amounts will be based on the aggregate dollar amount of residential mortgage loans originated by the licensee in the preceding calendar year:
- $0 – $1,000,000: $25,000 Bond
- $1,000,001 – $50,000,000: $50,000 Bond
- $50,000,001 – $500,000,000: $100,000 Bond
- Over $500,000,000: $200,000 Bond
California Mortgage Broker (CFLL) Bonds guarantee that the principal (broker) complies with all provisions of the California Finance Lender Law and protects individuals who transact business with the principal.
License applications are submitted through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and additional requirements for California can be found on the NMLS website – California Licensing Requirements Page. Licensing costs are $400, including the NMLS processing fee, and are not refundable.
Pacific Surety offers industry low rates and can obtain approvals for almost all credit situations. Once our simple application has been completed, we can have pricing to you within hours. If you have any specific questions, please contact our knowledgeable underwriting staff.