How to Become a Mortgage Loan Officer in Virginia

Category

1. Virginia Mortgage Loan Officer Licensing Requirements

2. Continuing Education and Renewal

3. How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Virginia?

4. What Do Mortgage Loan Officers Earn in Virginia?

5. Why Choose Loan Factory to Start Your Virginia Career?

6. Ready to Become a Mortgage Loan Officer in Virginia?

How to Become a Mortgage Loan Officer in Virginia

If you’re interested in starting a rewarding career in mortgage lending, you might be asking: “How to become a mortgage loan officer in Virginia?” The process is clear, and Virginia is considered one of the easier states for new MLOs because it follows federal guidelines without extra pre-licensing requirements.

This guide will explain each step, the licensing process, how long it takes, and why choosing the right mortgage company can accelerate your success.

Virginia Mortgage Loan Officer Licensing Requirements

Virginia regulates mortgage loan officers through the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

1. Meet Basic Eligibility

You must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid Social Security Number
Pass a criminal background check and credit report review
(Source: NMLS Resource Center)

2. Complete 20 Hours of NMLS Pre-Licensing Education

Virginia follows the federal SAFE Act minimum:

3 hours federal law
3 hours ethics
2 hours non-traditional mortgage lending
12 hours electives

No state-specific pre-licensing hours are required, making Virginia simpler compared to states like Ohio (24 hours) or Washington (22 hours).

Choose an NMLS-approved provider such as:

The CE Shop
Mortgage Educators & Compliance
OnCourse Learning

Cost: $200–$400 | Timeframe: 1–2 weeks

3. Pass the SAFE MLO Test

After finishing the course, pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test:

125 multiple-choice questions
75% passing score
190 minutes to complete
$110 exam fee

(Source: The CE Shop – Virginia MLO License Guide)

4. Submit Your NMLS Application

Apply online through NMLS by:

Completing the MU4 Form
Submitting fingerprints and background check (~$36)
Authorizing a credit report (~$15)
Paying NMLS and state licensing fees (~$330–$400 total)

The Virginia SCC typically processes applications in 2–4 weeks.

5. Get Sponsored by a Licensed Employer

Your license becomes active only when sponsored by a Virginia-licensed mortgage lender or broker. Sponsorship verifies that you’ll originate loans under that company’s supervision.

Continuing Education and Renewal

To keep your Virginia MLO license active:

Complete 8 hours of continuing education (CE) every year, including:
- 3 hours federal law
- 2 hours ethics
- 2 hours non-traditional lending
- 1 elective hour
CE Deadline: December 31 (recommended by November 1 to avoid delays)
Renewal fees: Approximately $75 annually

(Source: OnCourse Learning – Virginia License Requirements)

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Virginia?

The entire process usually takes 4–8 weeks:

Step	Timeframe
Pre-licensing education	1–2 weeks
SAFE exam prep and testing	1–2 weeks
NMLS application processing	2–3 weeks
Employer sponsorship approval	~1 week

What Do Mortgage Loan Officers Earn in Virginia?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia mortgage loan officers earn an average of $75,000–$82,000 annually, with high performers earning $100,000–$150,000+ through commission.

Your earning potential depends on:

Loan volume and specialization (FHA, VA, jumbo, commercial)
Your referral network and marketing efforts
The company’s compensation structure

Why Choose Loan Factory to Start Your Virginia Career?

While many new MLOs find the early months challenging, working with a company that offers the right tools and training can make the process much easier.

At Loan Factory, we provide:

Free weekly training led by Thuan Nguyen, CEO of Loan Factory and the #1 loan officer in the U.S.
Access to 217 lenders—residential, commercial, land, DSCR, and more
Free MOSO technology platform to manage applications, documents, and client follow-ups
100% commission minus a flat $595 fee per closed loan
No desk fees, monthly fees, or production minimums
Company-generated leads in 42 states, including Virginia

This level of support helps new loan officers close more loans and build their business faster.

Ready to Become a Mortgage Loan Officer in Virginia?

Now that you know how to become a mortgage loan officer in Virginia, you can start your licensing journey with confidence. With proper training and the right company behind you, you can begin closing loans and earning commission in as little as two months.

Get started today: www.loanfactory.com/becoming-a-loan-officer

For questions about licensing, training, or joining our team, call 714-591-8143.