§ 53-244.101.  License and registration renewal.

(a) All licenses and registrations issued by the Commissioner under this Article expire annually on the 31st day of December following issuance or on any other date that the Commissioner determines. The license or registration is invalid after that date and remains invalid unless renewed under subsection (b) of this section.

(b) A license or registration may be renewed on or after November 1 of each year by complying with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.

A mortgage loan originator shall pay a nonrefundable renewal fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) plus the actual cost of obtaining credit reports, state and national criminal history record checks, and processing fees for the NMLS as the Commissioner requires.

A registrant that is engaged exclusively in loan processing or underwriting shall pay a nonrefundable renewal fee based upon the number of individuals it employs in loan processing or underwriting: (i) one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) for fewer than five individuals, (ii) five hundred dollars ($500.00) for between five and 30 individuals, or (iii) one thousand dollars ($1,000) for more than 30 individuals. In addition to the nonrefundable renewal fee, a registrant shall pay the actual cost of obtaining credit reports, state and national criminal history record checks, and processing fees for the NMLS as the Commissioner requires.

(c) A person licensed or registered under this Article may apply for renewal and shall demonstrate that all of the following applicable requirements are met:

(1) The licensee or registrant continues to meet the initial minimum standards for licensure or registration under G.S. 53-244.060.

(2) The mortgage loan originator has satisfied the annual continuing education requirements described in G.S. 53-244.102.

(3) The licensee or registrant has paid all required fees and assessments.

(d) In addition to the renewal fees set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a mortgage lender, mortgage broker, exclusive mortgage broker, or mortgage servicer that does not renew prior to the expiration date shall pay a nonrefundable late fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00), and a mortgage loan originator who does not renew prior to the expiration date shall pay a nonrefundable late fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00). In the event a licensee fails to obtain a reinstatement of the license prior to March 1, the Commissioner shall require the licensee to comply with the requirements for the initial issuance of a license under this Article.

(d1) In addition to the renewal fees set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a registrant that is engaged exclusively in loan processing or underwriting and that does not renew prior to the expiration date shall pay a nonrefundable late fee based upon the number of individuals it employs in loan processing or underwriting: (i) sixty-two dollars and fifty cents ($62.50) for fewer than five individuals, (ii) two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for between five and 30 individuals, or (iii) five hundred dollars ($500.00) for more than 30 individuals.

In the event a registrant fails to obtain a reinstatement of the registration prior to March 1, the Commissioner shall require the registrant to comply with the requirements for the initial issuance of a registration under this Article.

(e) When required by the Commissioner, each individual shall furnish to the Commissioner the individual's consent to a criminal history record check and a set of the individual's fingerprints in a form acceptable to the Commissioner or to the NMLS. Refusal to consent to a criminal history record check constitutes grounds for the Commissioner to deny renewal of the individual's license as well as the license of any other person by which the individual is employed, has control, or as to which the individual is the current or proposed qualifying individual or branch manager.  (2009-374, s. 2; 2010-168, s. 5; 2011-326, s. 26; 2012-37, s. 2; 2015-293, s. 1; 2025-43, s. 1.)