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A California credit union originates residential mortgage loans for its members. Does the credit union need a CRMLA license?

Correct Answer

C) No, credit unions are exempt from CRMLA licensing requirements

Federal and state credit unions authorized to transact business in California are exempt from the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act licensing provisions. A credit union originating residential mortgage loans for its members does not need a separate CRMLA license solely because of that activity.

Answer Options
A
Yes, all entities originating residential mortgages in California must hold a CRMLA license
B
Yes, but only if the credit union originates more than 50 loans per year
C
No, credit unions are exempt from CRMLA licensing requirements
D
No, but only if the credit union is federally chartered

Why This Is the Correct Answer

No, credit unions are exempt from CRMLA licensing requirements is correct. Federal and state credit unions authorized to transact business in California are exempt from the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act licensing provisions. A credit union originating residential mortgage loans for its members does not need a separate CRMLA license solely because of that activity. Federal and state credit unions authorized to transact business in California are exempt from the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act licensing provisions. A credit union originating residential mortgage loans for its members does not need a separate CRMLA license solely because of that activity.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: Yes, all entities originating residential mortgages in California must hold a CRMLA license

California does not require every entity that originates residential mortgage loans to hold a CRMLA license; the statute includes exemptions for specified regulated institutions.

Option B: Yes, but only if the credit union originates more than 50 loans per year

The credit-union exemption is not based on a 50-loan annual threshold.

Option D: No, but only if the credit union is federally chartered

The exemption is not limited to federally chartered credit unions; California law also exempts state credit unions that are authorized to transact business in the state.

Memory Technique

CA -> ca-crmla-lenders-servicers-bonds-net-worth-servicing

Exam Tip

CRMLA questions usually turn on lender versus servicer authority, branch authority, $250,000 net worth, surety bond coverage, servicing duties, DFPI oversight, and exemptions for regulated depository institutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • -Using a national baseline answer when California has agency-specific DFPI or DRE requirements
  • -Confusing CFL, CRMLA, covered-loan, usury, servicing, and DRE endorsement rules
  • -Relying on legacy California state-exam or education assumptions instead of current NMLS source pages
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