Consumer & commercial lending in California

Who needs this in California

Companies that make consumer or commercial loans in California generally need a CFL license from DFPI unless a statutory exemption applies. Brokers who only arrange CFL loans have a related CFL broker authority. Residential mortgage lending can instead (or also) require a CRMLA license — those are different DFPI authorities.

Where to file

Request the CFL license on NMLS. Do not treat a DRE real-estate broker license as a CFL substitute for finance-lender activity.

Federal overlay

TILA / Regulation Z, ECOA, FCRA, and CFPB supervision sit on top of the state license. A state license does not create a federal charter.

Sources

• NMLS / CSBS state agency contacts
• DFPI California Financing Law