Consumer & Commercial Loans - DFPI

Consumer & Commercial Loans - DFPI Consumer & Commercial Loans The California Financing Law requires the licensing and regulation of finance lenders and brokers making and brokering consumer and commercial loans. Through licensing, regulation, and oversight of these lenders, DFPI supports a healthy and trusted financial marketplace. Search California Financing Law 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 Note: Information on persons licensed under CFL that are engaged in making or brokering loans secured by residential real property is also available in NMLS Consumer Access Announcements Reports/Notice Requirements CFL Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025 The Annual Report Form for Licensees engaged in Business under the California Financing Law (CFL) for Year Ended December 31, 2025, is now available. The report must be completed online on the DFPI’s website at . Licensees must log in to the self-service portal in order to complete the report. The 2025 Annual Report must be filed with the DFPI by March 15, 2026. Instructions for completing the 2025 report (PDF) FAQs – 2025 CFL Annual Report – Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) Penalty Matrix reflecting penalties assessable based on the late-filing date (PDF) Archived Announcements Consumer Information Bona Fide Nonprofit Affordable Housing Organizations Search the Licensee Listing Automobile Title Loans: What Consumers Need to Know For Licensees Reports/Notice Requirements Who is Required to Obtain a Finance Lenders License or Branch License under the California Financing Law? How Do I Apply for a Finance Lenders License or Authorize a Branch Office under the California Financing Law? How Do I Amend a Finance Lenders License or a Branch Office License under the California Financing Law? How Do I Surrender a Finance Lenders License or a Branch Office License under the California Financing Law? Requirements after a Finance Lenders License has been Issued Frequently Asked Questions Publication and Forms Translated Residential Mortgage Loan Forms and Pre-Foreclosure Notices California Financing Law Reports Laws & Regulations About California Financing Law Regulations & Legislation 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 Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access is a fully searchable website that allows the public to view information concerning state-licensed mortgage companies, branches and individuals currently licensed through 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 Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access is a fully searchable website that allows the public to view information concerning state-licensed mortgage companies, branches and individuals currently licensed through Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS ). 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 ). 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. 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) 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 News & Info Links Newsroom Press Releases Monthly Bulletins Important Notices 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 [email protected] Stay Connected Linked In