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 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 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.
→ Read more: Top 5 Schools for Mortgage Loan Officer | Pass NMLS Fast
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 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? 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 → Read more: Is Mortgage Loan Officer a Good Career? The Truth Revealed
Why Choose Loan Factory to Start Your Virginia Career? 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.
→ Read more: Mortgage Loan Originator Jobs at Loan Factory: Complete Career Guide
Ready to Become a Mortgage Loan Officer in Virginia? 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.
