The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act was created to protect consumers and reduce fraud. This federal regulation requires that all Mortgage Loan Originators(MLO) working for banks and certain other lenders nationwide:

• Register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS)
• Provide fingerprints and undergo an FBI background check
• Obtain a unique NMLS Identification Number assigned by the NMLS registry
• Update the register and notify the HR department within 30 days of a change to their registration information
• Maintain and renew the registration annually (between November 1st-December 31st)

The Mortgage Loan Originator definition covers all bank and lender employees who take applications and offer or negotiate terms of first and subordinate lien mortgages, HELOC’s, refinancing or reverse mortgages.  Mortgage Loan Officers must provide NMLS numbers:

• Upon request
• Before acting as a mortgage loan originator
• To consumers, through the initial written communication, whether on paper or electronically

If you would like to learn more about the Mortgage Loan Originator with whom you are working, you can obtain additional information by visiting http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.