Financing, 9% of the examination
SAFE Act and MLO endorsement
The federal law requiring mortgage loan originators to be licensed or registered through the NMLS with a unique identifier.
A DRE broker or salesperson may conduct mortgage brokerage activity within the scope of the real estate license and the responsible-broker relationship. When the work meets the definition of residential mortgage loan origination, the individual also needs the appropriate MLO endorsement through NMLS unless an exemption applies. The real estate license and endorsement work together rather than as substitutes.
Test the distinction
A relevant question from Financing, selected because its facts or explanation use this concept.
What does the SAFE Act require of an individual originating residential mortgage loans?
Written to DRE's published topic list. Not a real examination question, since reproducing those is a misdemeanor under B&P Code section 123.
Primary sources
Use these authorities when a course summary, forum answer, or older flashcard conflicts with the current California rule.