Tools · Protect yourself

NMLS lookup helper

Every legitimate mortgage company and loan officer has an NMLS ID. Here's how to verify one — and exactly what to confirm.

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Every legitimate mortgage company and loan officer has an NMLS ID and is required to display it. The registry is free and official — use it to confirm anyone before you share information or money.

Open NMLS Consumer Access

Search by name or NMLS ID, then confirm each of these:

License shows Active — not expired, suspended, or revoked.The name and company match who you’re actually dealing with.Licensed in the state where the property is located.No regulatory or disciplinary actions that worry you.The NMLS ID on their card, email, or Loan Estimate matches the registry.

A missing NMLS ID, an inactive license, a state mismatch, or a name mismatch are serious red flags — pair this with the scam & wire-fraud checker. Bank loan officers are federally registered (also findable in NMLS), though their licensing requirements differ slightly from those of broker/lender MLOs.

Terms on this page

Pre-approvalA lender's written, conditional statement that you qualify for a loan amount based on verified income, assets, and credit — not a commitment to lend; final approval depends on the property and underwriting.
NMLS (NMLS)The national registry of mortgage companies and loan officers; every legitimate one has an NMLS ID you can verify for free.

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