(a) An individual, unless specifically exempted from this chapter under subsection (c) of this section, shall not engage in the business of a mortgage loan originator with respect to any dwelling located in this State without first obtaining and then annually maintaining a license issued by the Commissioner under this chapter. Each licensed mortgage loan originator must register with and maintain a valid unique identifier issued by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. Every person licensed under this chapter shall be a financial institution for purposes of Part I of this title.
(b) In order to facilitate an orderly transition to licensing and minimize disruption in the mortgage marketplace, the effective date for subsection (a) of this section shall be July 31, 2010, or such later date approved by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development [Dec. 31, 2010], pursuant to the authority granted under United States Public Law 110-289, § 1508(a) [12 U.S.C. § 5107(a)].
(c) The following are exempt from this chapter:
(1) Registered mortgage loan originators, when acting for an entity described in of § 2403(12)a.1., 2., or 3. of this title;
(2) Any individual who offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan with or on behalf of an immediate family member of the individual;
(3) Any individual who offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan secured by a dwelling that served as the individual's residence; and
(4) A licensed attorney who negotiates the terms of a residential mortgage loan on behalf of a client as an ancillary matter to the attorney's representation of the client, unless the attorney is compensated by a lender, a mortgage broker, or other mortgage loan originator or by any agent of such lender, mortgage broker, or other mortgage loan originator.
(d) A loan processor or underwriter who is an independent contractor may not engage in the activities of a loan processor or underwriter unless such independent contractor loan processor or underwriter obtains and maintains a license under subsection (a) of this section. Each independent contractor loan processor or underwriter licensed as a mortgage loan originator must have and maintain a valid unique identifier issued by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry.
(e) For the purposes of implementing an orderly and efficient licensing process, the Commissioner may establish licensing rules or regulations and interim procedures for licensing and acceptance of applications. For previously registered or licensed individuals, the Commissioner may establish expedited review and licensing procedures.