The California Financing Law (Fin. Code, § 22000 et seq.) requires the licensing and regulation of finance lenders and brokers making and brokering consumer and commercial loans, except as specified; prohibits misrepresentations, fraudulent and deceptive acts in connection with making and brokering of loans; and provides administrative, civil (injunction and ancillary relief) and criminal remedies for violations of the law. Read more about the California Financing Law.
How to reach us:
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
CFL Licensing Unit
320 W. 4th Street, Suite 750
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (866) ASK-CORP
(275-2677)
Email:
Resources
Self-Service Portal on DOCQNET
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) Self-Service Portal offers convenient online services to consumers and businesses seeking licensing information from DFPI. The Portal allows licensees to submit exemption notices and annual report information.
Portal users can search for licensees, applicants, notice filers, and search for securities and franchise filings and more.
Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access
Information on CFL licensing requirements for companies and branches engaged in making or brokering loans secured by residential real property is also available in Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS).
Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS)
An application for a license under the California Financing Law for any person engaged in the business of making or brokering of loans, or for any individual originating mortgage loans, should be filed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Please visit NMLS for additional information and state licensing requirements specific to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
California Financing Law – Forms and Applications
Finance Lenders
Licensing – Application
An application for a license under the California Financing Law for any person engaged in the business of making or brokering of loans, or for any individual originating mortgage loans, should be filed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
- If you are applying for a new license under the California Financing Law, apply through NMLS by selecting “Getting Started” on the NMLS Resource Center page. Follow the California Financing Law Checklist for the requirements specific to new applicants under the California Financing Law.
- If you are a current California Financing Law licensee not yet on NMLS and are applying for a CFL license for a branch location, use: DFPI-CFL 1423 – Application for a License under the California Financing Law Currently Holding One or More Licenses “Short Form” (PDF)
Licensing – Other
- DFPI-2666 – Bona Fide Nonprofit Affordable Housing Organization Application for Registration (PDF) [Instructions (PDF)]
- Translated Residential Mortgage Loan Forms and Pre-Foreclosure Notices
- DFPI-CFL 8018 – Request for Live Scan Service – Applicant Submission (PDF)
- DFPI-250.61 – Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for Application of Department of Corporations License or Certificate (PDF)
Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans [SB 318 (Chapter 467, Statutes 2013)] – Pilot Program
- CFL 1602 (PDF)
- CFL 1603 (PDF)
- CFL 1606 (PDF)
Licensure Exemption for Non-Profit Organizations Facilitating Zero-Interest Consumer Loans
- Compliance Guidance
- DFPI – CFL – FC 22066(c)(4)
- DFPI – CFL – FC 22066(d)(4)
- DFPI – CFL – FC 22066(c)(5)
Statement Of Identity & Questionnaire
- DFPI-512 SIQ
Responsible Small Dollar Loans Pilot Program
Senate Bill 318 (Chap. 467, Stats. 2013) was signed into law on October 1, 2013 and is operative January 1, 2014. The bill created the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans (RSDL) to increase the availability of responsible small dollar installment loans of at least $300 but less than $2,500. Finance lenders who are licensed under the CFL and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (Commissioner) to participate in the program may charge specified alternative interest rates and charges, including an administrative fee and delinquency fees, on loans of at least $300 but less than $2,500, subject to certain requirements. Licensees participating in the program are also permitted to use the services of a finder as defined in Section 22371 of the Financial Code.
Licensees under the former pilot program for affordable credit-building opportunities:
Effective January 1, 2014, Senate Bill 318 abolished the former Pilot Program for Affordable Credit-Building Opportunities (Senate Bill 1146 – Chap. 640, Stats. 2010). Licensees approved to participate under the former pilot program are transferred to and approved to participate in the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans without filing the application.
- About the Program