Lender Licensing Solutions
Lending Licensing
Whether you are a consumer lender, business lender, or specialty finance company, we navigate the complex state licensing requirements so you can lend with confidence.
- All 50 states
- Specialist support
- Save and resume any step
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Licensing for Every Type of Lender
The lending industry is subject to extensive state and federal regulation. Every state has its own set of licensing requirements that vary based on loan type, loan amount, interest rate, and borrower type. Cornerstone helps lenders of all types obtain and maintain the licenses they need to operate legally across multiple states.
Built for Your Business
Credit Grantors
Credit grantors extend credit directly to consumers or businesses as part of a sale of goods or services. Many states require credit grantors to be licensed or registered, especially when charging interest or fees.
- Sales finance company licenses
- Retail installment seller registrations
- State-specific credit grantor filings
- Interest rate and fee filings analysis
Consumer Lenders
Consumer lenders make loans directly to individuals for personal, family, or household purposes. These lenders face the broadest range of state licensing requirements.
- Consumer finance licenses in all states
- NMLS registration and management
- Rate and fee schedule filings
- Examination preparation and support
Supervised Lenders
Supervised lenders operate under enhanced regulatory oversight due to the nature of their lending activities, typically involving higher-rate or higher-risk consumer loans.
- Supervised lender license applications
- Enhanced regulatory filings programs
- Examination preparation
- Annual reporting and financial filing
Payday / Small Dollar Lenders
Payday and small dollar lenders face some of the strictest licensing and regulatory requirements. Many states have specific statutes governing short-term, small dollar lending.
- Payday lender license applications
- Small loan license filings
- Rate cap and fee filings analysis
- Database reporting requirements
Business / Commercial Lenders
While historically less regulated than consumer lending, commercial lending is facing increasing state licensing requirements, particularly for small business and merchant cash advance products.
- Commercial finance licensing
- Merchant cash advance registrations
- Small business lending filings
- State disclosure requirement analysis
Motor Vehicle Sales Finance
Motor vehicle sales finance companies that purchase retail installment contracts from dealers or finance vehicle purchases directly are generally expected to comply with state-specific licensing requirements.
- Motor vehicle sales finance licenses
- Dealer financing filings
- Indirect lending regulatory filings
- State examination preparation
Student Loan Lenders
Private student loan lenders face a growing body of state regulations, including new licensing requirements for both origination and servicing of student loans.
- Student loan lender license applications
- Servicer licensing coordination
- State-specific student loan regulations
- Federal filings coordination
How We Work
Our Process
Lending Model Review
We analyze your lending products, target markets, and business model to determine your exact licensing needs in every state.
NMLS Setup
We establish your company's NMLS account and manage the registration process for states that require NMLS filing.
Application Filing
We prepare and submit all license applications, coordinate surety bonds, financial statements, and background checks.
Approval & Launch
We track all applications through approval and ensure you are cleared to lend before you originate your first loan.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Licensing regulations by state
Licensing regulations by state
Where you operate shapes what you file
52 of 52 jurisdictions documented. Pick a state to see the regulator, the license rule, and the bond.
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Stay Ahead of the Rules
Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.
No regulatory updates to report right now. Our team is monitoring the agencies and will surface changes here as soon as they land.
Get Your Lending Company Licensed
Contact us for a free filings consultation. We can help map out which licenses may apply and build a plan to get you lending faster.