Handle borrowers' trust the way the law demands — and prove it.
The SAFE Act bond behind your mortgage license
Nearly every state requires a surety bond before it will license a mortgage broker, lender, or servicer. Filed and tracked through the NMLS, it guarantees that you will comply with state mortgage law and the federal SAFE Act — dealing honestly, handling borrower funds properly, and following the rules that protect consumers.
What a mortgage bond guarantees
A mortgage broker/lender bond protects borrowers and the state. It guarantees you will follow your state’s mortgage licensing law and the federal SAFE Act — no fraud, proper handling of borrower funds, and honest dealing. The state banking or financial-services regulator is the obligee, and the bond is a licensing prerequisite, not protection for your own business.
How the amount is set — often by loan volume
Many states scale the bond to your annual loan origination volume in tiers; others set a flat minimum, and lenders often carry higher amounts than brokers. Because the amount can rise as your volume grows, you may need to increase the bond at renewal. In most states the surety files the electronic bond (ESB) directly into the NMLS. A company licensed in multiple states needs a bond that satisfies each one.
Mortgage Broker Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. We are licensed in all 50 states; request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who requires a mortgage broker bond?
Your state’s banking or financial-services regulator, as a condition of the mortgage broker, lender, or servicer license, under the federal SAFE Act. It’s filed through the NMLS — nearly every state requires one.
How is the bond amount determined?
It varies by state. Many states scale the amount to your annual loan origination volume in tiers; others set a flat minimum, and lenders typically carry higher amounts than brokers. We confirm your state’s current requirement.
Do I need a bond in every state I lend in?
Yes. A company licensed in multiple states needs a bond that satisfies each state’s requirement. Most are filed electronically through the NMLS.
How do I get a mortgage broker bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.