Commercial Lender License Services
Commercial Lender License Services
Getting licensed as a commercial lender can be complex, especially when working across multiple states. We guide commercial lenders through state-by-state requirements and help them mitigate risks as they scale.
Getting licensed as a commercial lender can be complex, especially when working across multiple states. We guide commercial lenders through state-by-state requirements and help them mitigate risks as they scale.
As seen on:
As seen on:
As seen on:
Eligibility
Eligibility
Who Needs a Commercial Lender License?
Lending to businesses doesn’t always mean you’re exempt from licensing. State rules vary, and missing a requirement can lead to regulatory action. Here are a few examples of who that applies to.
Non-Bank Lenders
If you’re funding loans directly to businesses, even without a consumer-facing product, you may need a commercial lender license in several states.
Non-Bank Lenders
If you’re funding loans directly to businesses, even without a consumer-facing product, you may need a commercial lender license in several states.
B2B Loan Platforms
Marketplace lenders and platforms that connect small businesses to capital must often be licensed as lenders or brokers.
B2B Loan Platforms
Marketplace lenders and platforms that connect small businesses to capital must often be licensed as lenders or brokers.
Commercial Lending Startups
Founders building lending tools for SMBs should be aware of licensing triggers tied to borrower location, loan structure, and transaction volume.
Commercial Lending Startups
Founders building lending tools for SMBs should be aware of licensing triggers tied to borrower location, loan structure, and transaction volume.
Steps
Steps
How to Get a Commercial Lender License
01
Confirm Your Licensing Triggers
Check whether your direct lending, brokering, or platform facilitation activities require a license in each state where borrowers are located.
01
Confirm Your Licensing Triggers
Check whether your direct lending, brokering, or platform facilitation activities require a license in each state where borrowers are located.
02
Register Your Business in Each State
Most states require foreign entity registration before you can apply for a lending license. This means filing with each state’s Secretary of State or equivalent office.
02
Register Your Business in Each State
Most states require foreign entity registration before you can apply for a lending license. This means filing with each state’s Secretary of State or equivalent office.
03
Prepare Your NMLS Application
States that license commercial lenders typically use the NMLS. You’ll need to gather financials, ownership charts, a business plan, and background details on your team.
03
Prepare Your NMLS Application
States that license commercial lenders typically use the NMLS. You’ll need to gather financials, ownership charts, a business plan, and background details on your team.
04
Post a Surety Bond
Many states require a surety bond as part of your application. Bond amounts vary and may depend on your expected lending volume or state law.
04
Post a Surety Bond
Many states require a surety bond as part of your application. Bond amounts vary and may depend on your expected lending volume or state law.
05
Respond to Regulator Questions
State regulators often request clarification or additional documents. After submitting your application, expect follow-up questions or document requests. Responding quickly can help avoid delays.
05
Respond to Regulator Questions
State regulators often request clarification or additional documents. After submitting your application, expect follow-up questions or document requests. Responding quickly can help avoid delays.
Resources
Resources
Latest Content
Articles
Apr 22, 2025
·
16 min read
Articles
Apr 22, 2025
·
16 min read
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do commercial loans need state licenses?
Do commercial loans need state licenses?
Is there federal preemption for state lending laws?
Is there federal preemption for state lending laws?
Start Your Commercial Lender Licensing Journey
Start Your Commercial Lender Licensing Journey
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.