NMLS Modernization Development Roadmap

This roadmap highlights key NMLS enhancements that will occur over the next six years in six different phases.

We are modernizing NMLS using a long-term strategy focused on enhancing the system and improving
the user experience.

1. Our development priorities are to:
   • Ensure system enhancements benefit as many system users as possible by:
     • Focusing on areas that impact the broadest user groups first.
     • Improving functionality needed to meet SAFE Act requirements for mortgage industry licensing and registration.
   • Improve the user experience and task efficiency.
   • Improve NMLS data quality.
   • Enhance system architecture.
2. We will make incremental changes by:
   • Developing enhanced functional areas on a yearly cycle that will impact the broadest user groups.
   • Following a development roadmap that will be executed in six phases over a six-year period.

We are modernizing NMLS using a long-term strategy focused on enhancing the system and improving the user experience.

Phase One (Deployed July 2024)

Live

Enhanced NMLS to provide:

• One username and password to access all NMLS accounts.
• The ability to reset a username or password without contacting the NMLS Call Center.
• A new user profile page that simplifies account management by enabling users to view all NMLS accounts on one page.
• A new built-in survey that allows NMLS users to provide feedback anytime – right in the system.
• A new method that makes it easier for companies to create an NMLS account on behalf of an individual employee.

Who is impacted: NMLS users across all industries (i.e., mortgage, consumer finance, debt, and money services businesses.)

Phase Two (Deployed September 2025)

Live

• NMLS Connect – a new component of NMLS where new system functionality will reside while maintaining compatibility with the “classic” NMLS.
• For MLOs, NMLS Connect provides:
  • a new homepage, 
  • a new redesigned MU4 license experience, 
  • agency guidance integrated into the MU4 license application,
  • two new document upload types,
  • and a new way of managing company access.
• For Company Users, NMLS Connect provides:
  • a new way of managing company access,
  • MU4 applications, 
  • and improved relationships/sponsorship management.

Who is impacted: State-licensed individuals and company users who manage the licensing process on their behalf.

Phase Three (Coming August 2026)

Planned

• State agency task management for the individual licensing process, replacing the existing Regulator Worklist for individuals.
• Improved two directional communications for review items.

Who will be impacted: State agencies, state-licensed individuals and company users who manage the licensing process on their behalf.

Phase Four (Target 2027)

• Improve the process for company and branch license applications and maintenance.

Who will be impacted: State agencies, state-licensed companies, company control persons, qualifying individuals, and branch managers.

Phase Five (Target 2028)

• Enhance state agency task management of the company licensing process, replacing the existing Regulator Worklist for this entity type.
• Modernize federal registration submission and maintenance processes for individuals and institutions.

Who will be impacted: State agencies, state-licensed companies, federally registered individuals, and institutions.

Phase Six (Target Q3 2029)

• Improve system navigation for companies and branches.
• Improve processes for requesting and establishing new industry entities in NMLS.
• Improve processes for adding new state agencies to NMLS, and creating and managing license types.

Who will be impacted: State agencies, state-licensed companies, federally registered institutions, surety companies, and surety bond producers.

Sign up for the NMLS User Experience Group (NXG) to get involved with NMLS Modernization! The NXG is a pool of NMLS users and stakeholders that want to be involved in the NMLS discovery and development process.

When you sign up for the NXG, you will receive invitations to participate in research activities, such as online surveys, remote interviews, and usability testing sessions − all based on the user types, roles, and areas of expertise you indicate on your sign-up form. Participation is voluntary, and you choose which activities you want to be involved in. Most activities will take less than 30 minutes to complete.

Your participation is crucial to ensure we design a user-centered solution that delivers maximal value to you. Your feedback will directly impact the development of NMLS, and you will be among the first to experience new features and designs.