Collection / ARM in California

Who needs this in California

Companies that collect consumer debt in California generally need a DFPI Debt Collector License under the California Debt Collection Licensing Act. The statute reaches more first-party activity than older collection laws in other states, so in-house recovery teams should read the DFPI scope page rather than assume a first-party exemption.

Where to file

Create or use your NMLS company record and request the California Debt Collector License. DFPI publishes the checklist, including control-person disclosures and the statutory surety bond, on its debt-collector page.

Federal overlay

State licensing does not replace the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, CFPB Regulation F, or the TCPA. Those rules apply whether or not a state issues a license.

Sources

• NMLS / CSBS state agency contacts
• CFPB — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• DFPI debt collectors