Realtor Susan
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The Claim “15 States Have a 75-Mile Rule”
No reliable source confirms that 15 states require sponsored mortgage loan originators (MLOs) to live within a certain distance of their company or branch. The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) explains that remote work and home office rules differ widely by state. In some states, a home must be licensed as a branch, but in others, this is not necessary.
Verified State-Specific Distance RulesState of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin stands out because it has a 100-mile rule. Mortgage loan originators must be linked to a licensed or registered office or branch that is either their home or within 100 miles of their home.
- If the assigned office is more than 100 miles away, the home must be licensed as a branch.
- The rule says, “within 100 miles,” but does not clarify if this means driving distance or straight-line distance.
State of Vermont
- Vermont requires MLOs to live within a “reasonable commuting distance” of their licensed office.
- The rule does not give a specific number of miles.
The State of New Hampshire
- New Hampshire has a limited 100-mile rule that applies if an MLO’s unlicensed remote office appears on business cards, letterheads, or in directories.
People Often Mention the So-Called 75-Mile Rule When Discussing Distance Requirements in Some States.
State of Maryland
- Maryland no longer asks for a 75-mile Distance Affidavit.
- Since July 31, 2017, Maryland has not required a Distance Affidavit or any fixed-distance rule.
- Maryland should not be listed as a state with mileage rules unless regulators confirm it directly.
- In Nevada, mortgage company employees, including MLOs, can work from home.
State of Nevada
- There are still rules for contacting customers, keeping records, and supervision.
State of New Mexico
- New Mexico no longer enforces a strict mileage limit, even though 75 miles was once a guideline.
- According to the Financial Institutions Division (FID), before COVID-19, 75 miles was considered a reasonable commuting distance to a licensed branch.
- The 2020 telework guidance is still in place for now, but this could change.
- So, it is not accurate to say there is a universal 75-mile rule.
State of South Carolina
- South Carolina manages branch locations instead of setting a maximum distance.
- State law allows an MLO’s home to be licensed as a branch if it is more than 75 miles from a commercial branch office.
State of New Jersey, Nebraska, and Wyoming
- New Jersey, Nebraska, and Wyoming should not be listed as states with fixed distance rules unless there are current written rules from state officials.
- Even though these states appear on some private compliance lists, there is no recent confirmation from the main regulators of a universal mileage or drive-time rule.
NMLS Application and Renewal Costs
There is no single “NMLS company license.” A company applies for licenses with individual state agencies through NMLS. The NMLS processing fees are charged per agency, per license and are separate from state licensing fees.
A company also pays a $35 NMLS MLO change-of-sponsorship fee for each MLO license being sponsored in a state.
For a simple 15-state illustration, the NMLS-only fees would be:
- One Company License in 15 States: $1,800, Plus State Fees.
- One Branch License in 15 States: $375, Plus State Fees.
- One MLO License in 15 States: $525, Plus State Fees.
- Annual NMLS Renewal Fees are the Same Amount, Before State Renewal Fees.
For a new individual MLO, common additional NMLS charges can include a $36.25 criminal background check, $15 credit report, and $110 national SAFE test, when applicable.
- State application fees, branch fees, bond requirements, state education, state testing, annual reports, and other requirements are additional.
- NMLS directs companies to use its License Requirements and Fees Chart and the state-specific checklist compiler for the exact state-by-state total.
- Credit-card payments through NMLS add a 2.5% service fee; ACH payments do not.
Forum-safe wording: “Distance and remote-work requirements are not uniform nationwide. Wisconsin has a clear 100-mile assignment rule, while other states may use reasonable-commuting, branch-registration, supervision, or remote-work standards. Companies should obtain current written confirmation from the applicable state regulator before assigning a remote MLO or renewing a branch license.”
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This reply was modified 1 week ago by
Sapna Sharma.
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Each state sets its own regulatory requirements. Some states focus more on managing remote work arrangements than on the physical office location.
Case Scenario: Procedures for Appointing a New Branch Manager at a Licensed Mortgage Branch
Post 1: Member A – General Inquiry
The current branch manager is leaving. An experienced mortgage loan originator will take over as branch manager and may also serve as the Qualified Individual, if needed.
What Procedures Must be Followed to Manage This Transition?
Key tasks include supervising sponsored mortgage loan originators (MLOs), securing branch access, managing rental agreements and security deposits, and gathering all required state licensing documents, compliance records, surety bond details, renewal forms, and company records.
The outgoing branch manager has asked the company to verify the status of active MLOs. For example, if 12 active MLOs each pay a $100 monthly sponsorship fee, the total is $1,200 per month.
This amount may change due to exemptions, credits, unpaid fees, or other adjustments. About 15 states have rules on the distance between MLO residences and the branch, supervision, remote work, and branch operations. Consider whether a 75-mile rule applies, if branch licenses must be renewed in each state, and if MLOs can be supervised from a corporate office as allowed by state regulations.
NMLS and State Regulations Changing a Branch Manager
What procedures and approvals are required to appoint a new branch manager?
Member B – Compliance Response
Changing branch managers requires several steps. The company must secure all internal approvals, update the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), and complete all state-required procedures before the new manager begins.
The licensing or compliance team should appoint a transition leader to select the new Branch Manager, confirm licensing eligibility, and review state-specific requirements.
Then, the team should create a compliance checklist with deadlines and assigned responsibilities. Determine if the new manager must be designated as Branch Manager, Qualified Individual, Control Person, or another required role. Update the NMLS branch record using the MU3 form and ensure the designated Branch Manager or Qualified Individual completes or updates the MU2 filing.
Revise MLO Sponsorships as Needed
Prepare a written management transition package outlining the effective date, approval authority, required state filings, license deadlines, and supervision expectations.
The company should review the MLO roster to identify which MLOs are sponsored by the branch, have been transferred, are exempt from fees, or have outstanding fee obligations.
The outgoing manager will receive payment or reimbursement only after the accounting department completes and approves a written review. The company should thoroughly document the office transition. This includes transferring keys and alarm codes, redirecting mail, securing records, updating signage, arranging or renegotiating the lease, communicating with the landlord, and managing the security deposit.
How to Amend an Existing Lease or Creating a New Lease
The company must decide whether to retain, assign, or execute a new lease. Essential records to maintain include licensure documentation, surety bonds, compliance and audit reports, certificates of good standing, state postings, and contact information for all branch functions.
The company will not disclose borrowers’ personal information. Customer and loan records will be retained within company-approved systems in accordance with company policy, privacy requirements, and all applicable laws.
Physical office requirements must be carefully considered.
States That Require Maximum Distance Requirements of MLO’s Personal Residence to Brick-and-Mortar Mortgage Company or Licensed Branch Office
About 15 states have regulations on distance, supervision, remote work, or branch operations for certain MLOs. No universal 75-mile rule exists across all states.
Some states set mileage limits, commuting distance requirements, branch registration rules, or allow exceptions for remote work.
Others permit MLOs to work remotely if the company reports the supervised location and follows all state regulations. Companies should not assume state requirements are uniform. To ensure compliance, the company should create a state-by-state licensing chart for each branch license, indicating:
- Whether remote MLO work is permitted, and if so,
- Whether an MLO is required to reside within a specified distance of the licensed office, and if the MLO’s residence
- must be registered as a branch, and if so,
- Whether a Branch Manager or a Qualified Individual is required,
- Whether state-specific supervision is required,
- Branch renewal requirements and any outstanding fees or obligations, and
- If an approved corporate office can be used instead of a branch, renew and retain branch licenses only as needed.
- Evaluate all decisions using the latest state checklists, licensing regulations, and compliance guidance before assigning, sponsoring, relocating, or renewing MLOs.
- Always include an updated MLO roster and a complete transfer of branch records in this process.
According to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), branch information is reported on the MU3 form, while individuals designated as Branch Manager or Qualified Individual must submit the MU2 form. NMLS also requires firms to accurately report staff locations and the status of employees working remotely. (Nationwide Licensing System)
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This reply was modified 1 week ago by Sapna Sharma.
mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org
- NMLS Policy Guidebook (April 17, 2026)
- NMLS Policy Guidebook (April 17, 2026)
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This report explains the costs of starting a new NMLS mortgage broker company in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Keep in mind, this is not legal advice. Since fees and rules may change, check each state’s NMLS checklist often.
Summary Recommendation
Smaller brokerages will find licensing in these states fairly straightforward, but Rhode Island has stricter rules. The Qualified Individual or Branch Manager must be at the office during most business hours. If this person lives far away, you must provide a detailed plan for remote supervision. Net branching is not allowed in Rhode Island.
New Hampshire and Vermont do not require a physical office in the state. Instead, they want you to maintain a main office, keep detailed business records, report on key staff, and submit all required financial statements, bonds, and supporting documents.
New Hampshire Mortgage Broker License
Brick-and-Mortar – Distance Requirement
Applicants in New Hampshire must list their main office and any branch locations. The main office does not have to be in the state.
At least one person must work full-time in a supervisory role at the main office and have at least 3 years of mortgage supervision experience in the past 5 years. the principal office with:
If the experience requirement is met, this person can serve as the designated individual, provided they are listed on the MU1 and MU2 forms.
Net Worth Requirement
Applicants must show a positive net worth based on the number of loans. Applications should include financial reports prepared in accordance with standard accounting rules, such as a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, owner’s equity statement, and notes.
Bond Requirement
The minimum mortgage broker bond is $50,000. If you have good credit, you can expect to pay an annual bond fee of $375 to $750 after a financial review. New Hampshire charges a $500 nonrefundable application fee for each office, plus a $120 NMLS setup fee per license, along with credit report and background check fees.
In total, New Hampshire filing and bond costs usually range from $1,000 to $1,600, not including consultant, legal, or accounting fees.
Vermont lets you operate without a physical office in the state. Applications go through NMLS and need company-specific documents. Depending on your business setup and the license checklist, you may need to name a qualifying individual or manager for the main business location.
Each extra branch that does licensed business may need its own branch license.
Principal / Qualifying Individual Requirement
Vermont requires you to submit information about key staff, a business plan, organizational charts, financial statements, and other documents. The 2026 licensing guide states that you must name a registered agent and a qualifying individual to serve as the on-site manager at the main location.
The bond starts at $25,000. Applicants with good credit can expect an annual bond premium between $190 and $375.ed Filing Cost
Vermont does not have a minimum net worth requirement for mortgage broker licensing. However, you must provide financial statements prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles, including a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- Vermont mortgage broker fees usually include a $500 filing fee. currently $120
- Credit report/background check fees apply as needed for each control person.
- Estimated Vermont filing and bond costs range from $1,300 to $1,700, not including consultant, legal, or accounting fees.
- It refers to its license as a “Loan Broker License” instead of a “mortgage broker” license.
Rhode Island NMLS Mortgage Broker License
- Rhode Island has the strictest rules for physical office and distance requirements.
- A Rhode Island-licensed MLO must be named as the Qualified Individual or Branch Manager and be at the licensed location during business hours.
- If this person lives far away, you must include a detailed supervision plan in your application.
- Rhode Island does not have an official ’75-mile rule,’
- it closely monitors commuting distances and how supervision is managed.
- If your office is out of state and the Qualified Individual is not at the office for most business hours, your business plan must clearly explain how you will follow rules, supervise staff, control remote work, access records, and oversee MLO activities like advertising. Net branching is still not allowed.
Rhode Island Individual NMLS License: Qualified Individual or Branch Manager
The Qualified Individual or Branch Manager must have a valid Rhode Island MLO license. Anyone licensed in Rhode Island who meets the experience and supervisory requirements can fill this role. License holders must keep a minimum net worth as required by R.I. Gen. Laws § 19-14-5. Tangible net worth must be at least the greater of $100,000 or 3% of total assets, up to the first $100 million, with additional calculations for larger companies.
New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island NMLS Mortgage Broker License
- Of the three states, Rhode Island has the highest net worth requirements.
- The bond starts at $20,000 and may increase with additional branches.
- Applicants with good credit can expect to pay an annual bond cost of $150 to $300 in Rhode Island.
- The Loan Broker License fee is $845 to $945, plus NMLS and background or credit check fees.
- The NMLS company setup fee is $120.
- Estimated Rhode Island filing and bond costs range from $1,100 to $1,600, not including consulting, legal, or accounting fees.
New Hampshire: $1,000 to $1,600
Vermont: $1,300 to $1,700
Rhode Island: $1,100 to $1,600
- The total estimated state, NMLS, and bond costs are about $3,400 to $4,900.
- Plan to set aside an extra $500 to $1,500 for costs like registering foreign entities, registered agent services, certificates of good standing, CPA-prepared financial statements, DBA filings, and other document preparation fees.
If You Hold a License in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island, a Mortgage Licensing Consultant Typically Charges:
- $2,500 to $5,000 for a three-state company broker license.
- For more complex organizations, consulting packages range from $5,000 to $8,000 or more and include preparing business plans, policies, financial statements, branch and DBA filings, state follow-up, sponsorships, and other required documents.
- For dual sponsorship changes, costs are usually lower if you already have licenses in the three states.
- The NMLS charges a $35 MLO change-of-sponsorship fee per agency or license.
- Consultants may also charge extra service fees.
Realistic Timeframe of Preparing Application, Completion, Submission, Final Finished State Review
Preparing a company application usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, with most completed in 1 to 2 weeks.
State review after you submit a complete application usually takes 45 to 120 days, with most reviews finished in 60 to 120 days.
- New Hampshire law gives the commissioner up to 120 days after receiving a complete application and fee payment to review and decide on the license.
- In Rhode Island and Vermont, approval may come more quickly.
- Delays often occur due to missing documents, unclear business plans, concerns about remote supervision, financial inconsistencies, or bond issues.
- Having a strong compliance business plan is important.
- Make sure your main office address matches across all filings, including NMLS, Secretary of State, bond documents, bank accounts, and company records.
- You must show a positive net worth in New Hampshire and Vermont, and at least $100,000 in tangible net worth for Rhode Island.
- The biggest licensing challenges are Rhode Island’s supervision and net worth requirements.
- Your business plan should cover Rhode Island in detail, including the license location, MLO supervisor, file review process, advertising, complaint handling, recordkeeping, and the ongoing role of the Qualified Individual.
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Kash Patel is under intense scrutiny after a dramatic courtroom moment raised serious legal questions, with developments that could significantly impact the case moving forward. The exchange has drawn widespread attention as details continue to emerge.
Sources say statements made during proceedings triggered immediate concern, with legal analysts noting that admissions or inconsistencies in court can carry major consequences and shift the trajectory quickly.
Behind the scenes, pressure is building as attention turns to what comes next and how authorities may respond. The situation is evolving fast, with the stakes continuing to rise.
Here’s how this critical moment unfolded—and why it could become a turning point.
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From the moment Kash Patel was appointed as the director of the F.B.I., he has invited controversy and concern about what his leadership would look like and how it might affect the agency.
The New York Times journalists Emily Bazelon and Rachel Poser spoke to dozens of current and former F.B.I. employees about how the agency has been
Background reading: Mr. Patel sued The Atlantic over an article that claimed his excessive drinking and unexplained absences were putting his job in jeopardy
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This video features a 2006 White House Correspondents’ Dinner performance, showcasing a comedic routine by impersonator Steve Bridges, who appears alongside President George W. Bush.
Key moments and highlights:
Steve Bridges’ Performance: Bridges delivers a humorous routine where he impersonates the President, poking fun at the administration, the media, and political figures like Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld.
Presentation of the Gavel: The President of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Mark Smith, presents a gavel and shares remarks regarding the year’s challenges and the role of the press corps
President George W. Bush’s Speech: The real President George W. Bush takes the stage to perform his own comedy set. He cracks jokes about his approval ratings, the media, his political opponents, and his Vice President, Dick Cheney.
The ‘Dual Bush’ Segment: One of the most famous parts of the night is the segment where the real President and the impersonator Steve Bridges share the stage, with Bridges mockingly handling the “serious” presidential topics, highlighting the comedic rapport between the two.
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Steve Bridges imitates Former Bill Clinton
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Former President George W
Bush makes fun of himself.
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You mean under one mortgage company but two different branch NMLS? What i know is if the company is the same company then yes you can get sponsor by two different btanch location
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This reply was modified 2 months ago by
Gustan Cho.
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This reply was modified 2 months ago by