CRAM ARCADE Open App

Maria recently passed her NMLS exam and wants to begin originating mortgage loans in Alabama. She plans to work independently without any company affiliation. Can she do this under Alabama law?

Uniform State Test (UST) · 11% of the SAFE exameasy

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: No — in Alabama, an MLO must be sponsored by a licensed mortgage company; independent origination is not permitted

In Alabama, MLOs must be sponsored by a licensed mortgage company to originate loans. An individual cannot simply obtain an MLO license and begin originating independently — they must be employed by or contracted through a licensed mortgage broker or lender. If an MLO leaves their sponsoring company, their license becomes inactive and they cannot originate until a new sponsor files the appropriate paperwork through NMLS. This sponsorship requirement exists in most states and ensures that MLOs operate under the supervision and compliance framework of a licensed entity. "Yes — any individual with an NMLS license can origin..." is incorrect because individual licensing alone is insufficient. "Yes — but only if she obtains both an individual MLO..." is wrong because there is no dual-license path for independent origination. "No — Alabama does not allow newly licensed MLOs to o..." fabricates a waiting period that does not exist in Alabama law.

Drill 2,078 more questions like this, free

CRAM ARCADE has the full NMLS question bank, timed practice exams, focus drills on your weakest category, flashcards and spaced repetition. No credit card.

Start studying free