== In the State of California, there are two types of licenses: == 

California Finance Lenders (CFL) Broker Requirements:

Those licensed with CFL, may only negotiate loans with a lender and is also referred to as being a Negotiator or having a Negotiator License. Those holding this license are authorized ONLY to negotiate loans or perform any act as a negotiator in connection with loans that are made by a Licensed Lender under the California Finance Lenders Law. Broker's with this type of license may NOT make any direct loans under this license, negotiate or broker loans to banks, savings & loans, thrift & loans, or credit unions.

A license issued as CFL may be applied for by individuals, partnerships, LLCs, or corporations. Once issued, the license is not transferable. Same application form is used for both CFL Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Lenders.

Requirements:

(1) $100 for a non-refundable Investigation Fee

(2) $200 non-refundable Application Fee

(3) $25,000 Surety Bond

(4) proof of U.S. Citizenship or proof of Alien Status

(5) detailed information of applicant’s past, including the prior 10-year residence and work history (must include all names and addresses)

(6) applicants are NOT required to take an examination or take many hours of continuing education courses.

2) Department of Real Estate (DRE) Broker Requirements:

Mortgage Brokers licensed under the California Department of Real Estate may perform regular broker and negotiating business with banks, savings & loans, credit unions, and thrift & loans.

The State of California does NOT have a separate Mortgage Broker License. When a person obtains a CA Real Estate Broker License they are automatically licensed to function as a Mortgage Broker. This means they can list and sell real estate, as well as negotiate loans secured by real estate (1st & 2nds).

If licensed as a Mortgage Broker in a state other than California, you must obtain a California Real Estate Broker License in order to broker or negotiate a loan in California. It is possible to co-broker a loan with someone who is already licensed in California and share the commission.

Requirements:

(1) 18 years of age

(2) either a U.S. Citizen or proof of Alien status

(3) thorough examination covering all aspects of the real estate business and real estate financing

(4) examination fee of $50

(5) 2 college-level statutory courses (different than continuing education courses) and must be finished before taking the examination

(6) 45 hours of approved continuing education courses AFTER being licensed

(7) $165 license fee

(8) $65 fingerprinting fee

(9) physical office located in California

(10) any loan officers working in the office must also provide fingerprints and take the approved examination.

Loan Officer Requirements:

*To become a Loan Officer in the state of California, you must have your Real Estate License. Once you obtain that you are allowed to act as a Loan Officer in every legal sense.

(1) 18 years of age and U.S. Citizen and Resident

(2) Passing (75%) a pre-licensing test

(3) Criminal background and fingerprints check 

(4) Apply and be approved by the California Department of Real Estate

(5) Continuing education - Must complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an elective. Law school graduates and people qualified for the broker exam automatically fulfill these requirements. 

CFL Contact Information:

California Department of Corporations

1) 320 West 4th Street, Suite 750

    Los Angeles, CA 90013-2344

    Phone: 213.576.7500 

    Phone: 866.275.2677

2) 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 2100

    San Francisco, CA 94105-2980

    Phone: 415.972.8559

    Phone: 866.275.2677

3) 1515 K Street, Suite 200

    Sacramento, CA  95814-4052

    Phone: 916.445.7205

    Phone: 866.275.2677

4) 1350 Front St., Room 2034

    San Diego, CA 92101-3697

    Phone: 619.525.4233 

    Phone: 866.275.2677

Website: www.corp.ca.gov

DRE Contact Information:

California Department of Real Estate

1) 2201 Broadway

    Sacramento, CA 95818-2500

    Phone: 916.227.0770 

    Fax: 916.227.0777 

2) 2550 Mariposa Mall, Room 3070

    Fresno, CA 93721-2273

    Phone: 559.445.5009

    Fax: 559.445.5879

3) 320 West 4th Street, Suite 350

    Los Angeles, CA 90013-1105

    Phone: 213.620.2072 

4) 1515 Clay Street, Suite 702

    Oakland, CA 94612-1462

    Phone: 510.622.2552 

    Fax: 510.622.2540 

5) 1350 Front Street, Suite 3064

    San Diego, CA 92101-3687

    Phone: 619.525.4192

    Fax: 619.525.4375 

Website: www.dre.cahwnet.gov.

Map of California Department of Corporations (CFL)

Los Angeles Location:

<googlemap lat="34.051984" lon="-118.249583" type="map" zoom="15">34.049671, -118.249595, 320 W 4th St Los Angeles, CA</googlemap>

San Francisco Location:

<googlemap lat="37.790557" lon="-122.400033" type="map" zoom="16">37.789461, -122.400043, 71 Stevenson St San Francisco, CA</googlemap>

Sacramento Location:

<googlemap lat="38.579473" lon="-121.486859" type="map" zoom="15">38.577301, -121.486843, 1515 K St Sacramento, CA</googlemap>

San Diego Location:

<googlemap lat="32.720541" lon="-117.164748" type="map" zoom="16">32.719368, -117.164745, 1350 Front St San Diego, CA</googlemap>

Map of California Department of Real Estate

Sacramento Location:

<googlemap lat="38.561724" lon="-121.48437" type="map" zoom="15">38.55954, -121.484361, 2201 Broadway Sacramento, CA</googlemap>

Fresno Location

<googlemap lat="36.741154" lon="-119.785609" type="map" zoom="15">36.738909, -119.785596, 2550 Mariposa St Fresno, CA</googlemap>

Los Angeles Location

<googlemap lat="34.051984" lon="-118.249583" type="map" zoom="15">34.049671, -118.249595, 320 W 4th St Los Angeles, CA</googlemap>

Oakland Location

<googlemap lat="37.807207" lon="-122.273111" type="map" zoom="16">37.806099, -122.273113, 1515 Clay St Oakland, CA</googlemap>

San Diego Location

<googlemap lat="32.721732" lon="-117.164726" type="map" zoom="15">32.719368, -117.164745, 1350 Front St San Diego, CA</googlemap>