Simple Two-Tier Structure
$25K (under $100M total volume) or $50K (over $100M). Certificate of deposit alternative available. New applicants start at $25K. Commissioner determines amount from annual volume report.
LA Office of Financial InstitutionsR.S. 6:1088Same-Day Issuance
Louisiana Mortgage Broker Surety Bond
Secure your Louisiana mortgage broker, lender, servicer, or originator license with a surety bond from Surety One, Inc. — the nationwide leader in mortgage industry surety bonds. Bonds $25,000 or $50,000 based on total loan volume. Certificate of deposit alternative available. Premiums individually determined by credit.
LA Residential Mortgage Bond
$25K / $50K
Two tiers by total loan volume • CD alternative • Premium based on credit
Under $100M total volume$25,000
Over $100M total volume$50,000
New Applicant$25,000
AlternativeCertificate of Deposit
ObligeeState of LA OFI
TurnaroundSame Day
Get Your Free Quote
Understanding Your Bond
What Is a Louisiana Mortgage Broker Surety Bond?
A Louisiana mortgage broker surety bond is a three-party agreement required by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) as a condition of licensure under the Louisiana Secure and Fair Enforcement of Mortgage Licensing Act of 2009 (R.S. 6:1088), part of the Residential Mortgage Lending Act (R.S. 6:1081 et seq.).
Louisiana uses a simple two-tier system: $25,000 for total loan volume under $100 million, and $50,000 for volume over $100 million. The total volume calculation is comprehensive, including loans originated, funded, brokered, and the outstanding principal balance of all loans serviced — one of the broadest volume definitions in any state.
Louisiana is distinctive in offering a certificate of deposit alternative: applicants may deposit an amount equal to the bond in a federally insured depository institution located in Louisiana, with the account titled "for the benefit of" or "f/b/o the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions." Interest earned on the deposit remains payable to the depositor.
The Three Parties
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PrincipalThe mortgage broker, lender, servicer, or originator who purchases the bond and must comply with Louisiana's Residential Mortgage Lending Act.
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ObligeeThe State of Louisiana, Office of Financial Institutions — the bond is payable to the OFI and protects any persons who suffer damage or loss.
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SuretySurety One, Inc. — the company that underwrites and issues the bond, guaranteeing the principal's compliance with Louisiana mortgage licensing law.
Certificate of Deposit Alternative
Louisiana uniquely allows applicants to deposit an amount equal to the required bond in a federally insured Louisiana depository institution, titled "f/b/o the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions." The depositor keeps the interest. However, most applicants prefer a surety bond as it does not tie up capital. Apply now for a quote.
Bond Amount Schedule
Louisiana Mortgage Bond — Two-Tier Schedule
The Commissioner determines the bond amount based on total loan volume reported by the applicant. Total volume includes originated, funded, brokered, and serviced loans from the previous calendar year.
| Total Loan Volume (Prior Calendar Year) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Under $100,000,000 | $25,000 |
| $100,000,000 or more | $50,000 |
| New applicant (no prior volume) | $25,000 |
How Total Loan Volume Is Calculated
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Originated & lender-funded | Dollar volume of loans originated by applicant and funded by a mortgage lender |
| Self-originated & self-funded | Dollar volume of loans originated and funded by the same applicant |
| Funded via broker | Dollar volume of loans funded by applicant but originated by a mortgage broker |
| Servicing portfolio | Total outstanding principal balance of all residential mortgage loans serviced as of year-end |
Broadest Volume Calculation
Louisiana's volume calculation is one of the most comprehensive — it aggregates originated, funded, brokered, AND serviced loan volumes, not just originations. This means the servicing portfolio alone can push a company into the higher bond tier. Apply now or call (800) 373-2804.
Louisiana Licensing Requirements
Key Bond & Licensing Requirements
Louisiana's civil law tradition and comprehensive volume calculation create a distinctive mortgage licensing environment in the Pelican State.
Office of Financial Institutions
LA OFI, Commissioner of Financial Institutions. Phone: (225) 925-4660. Bond payable to the State of Louisiana OFI. Covers brokers, lenders, servicers, and originators.
R.S. 6:1081 et seq.
Residential Mortgage Lending Act (Title 6, Ch. 14, Part 1). LA SAFE Act bond requirements: R.S. 6:1088. Character, financial responsibility, and general fitness standard per § 6:1088(E)(4).
Corporate Resolution Required
Corporate Resolution for each person authorized to act on behalf of the licensee. Copies of promissory notes for each loan type. Each branch location must be separately authorized by OFI.
NMLS + Education + Exam
Applications through NMLS. 20 hours pre-licensing education. Written exam required. FBI criminal background check and fingerprinting. Credit report for each person of control.
Continuous / 60-Day Cancel
Continuous bond — remains in force until canceled. 60-day written notice to OFI required before cancellation. Bond must run concurrently with the license. December 31 annual renewal.
Consumer Protection
What Does This Bond Protect Against?
The Louisiana mortgage surety bond protects consumers and the state through comprehensive coverage under the Residential Mortgage Lending Act. The bond covers:
Residential Mortgage Lending Act
Violations of the Louisiana Residential Mortgage Lending Act (R.S. 6:1081 et seq.) and the SAFE Act, including all related rules and regulations of the Office of Financial Institutions.
Damage & Loss Recovery
Any persons who suffer damage or loss as a result of the licensee's breach or violation of contract or any obligation arising therefrom may recover from the bond.
Fraud & Misconduct
Acts of fraud, unethical practices, or otherwise unlawful conduct in connection with residential mortgage lending activities. Covers the licensee and all sponsored originators.
Financial Responsibility Standard
The Commissioner evaluates financial responsibility, character, and general fitness to warrant that the licensee will operate honestly, fairly, and efficiently within the purposes of the Act.
How It Works
Get Your Louisiana Mortgage Broker Bond in 4 Steps
Surety One makes obtaining your Louisiana mortgage broker surety bond fast and straightforward. Most bonds are issued the same business day.
Apply Online
Complete our mortgage bond application online or call us at (800) 373-2804. There's no cost and no obligation.
Get Your Quote
Our underwriters review your application and provide a competitive premium quote, typically within hours. We work with all credit profiles.
Purchase & Sign
Accept your quote, complete the indemnity agreement, and pay your premium. We prepare the bond payable to the State of Louisiana OFI.
Filed via NMLS
Surety One files your Electronic Surety Bond through the NMLS. Your bond satisfies the licensing requirement and runs concurrently with your license.
Understanding Your Premium
How Is My Premium Determined?
Your premium — the actual amount you pay — is a percentage of your required bond amount. You do not pay the full bond amount. Your rate is individually determined through underwriting review.
| Underwriting Factor | How It Affects Your Premium |
|---|---|
| Required Bond Amount | Your total LA loan volume determines the tier ($25K or $50K). Higher amounts result in higher premiums. |
| Personal Credit Score | Your FICO score is a primary factor. Stronger credit profiles generally qualify for lower premium rates. |
| Financial Condition | Your financial stability and history. The Commissioner evaluates financial responsibility for licensing. |
| Industry Experience | Your professional history in the mortgage industry may be considered as part of the risk assessment. |
| Claims History | Any prior surety bond claims or regulatory actions may influence the terms offered. |
Every Applicant Receives a Personalized Quote
Because premiums are individually determined, the only way to know your exact cost is to apply. Surety One provides free, no-obligation quotes — and we decline no application. We offer non-standard programs for applicants with impaired or limited credit. Apply now or call (800) 373-2804.
Common Questions
Louisiana Mortgage Broker Bond FAQ
LA mortgage bonds are $25,000 (total volume under $100M) or $50,000 (over $100M). New applicants start at $25,000. Your premium is a percentage of the required amount, individually determined by credit and underwriting review. Apply for a free, no-obligation quote from Surety One.
Yes. In lieu of a surety bond, you may deposit an equal amount in a federally insured depository institution located in Louisiana, approved by the Commissioner. The account must be titled "for the benefit of" or "f/b/o the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions." You keep the interest earned. However, most applicants prefer a surety bond as it does not tie up capital.
Total volume includes: loans originated and funded by a lender, loans self-originated and self-funded, loans funded but originated by a broker, and the total outstanding principal balance of all serviced residential mortgage loans as of year-end. This comprehensive formula means servicing portfolios count toward the volume threshold.
Yes. An MLO applicant employed by, or acting as exclusive agent for, a licensed mortgage broker, lender, or servicer may satisfy the bond requirement through the employer's bond. The employer must be licensed in Louisiana. This eliminates the need for individual MLO bonds when working under a licensed company.
Yes. Each residential mortgage branch location must be separately authorized by the Office of Financial Institutions. The bond covers all authorized branch locations under the single company license, but each branch requires separate OFI approval.
Yes. Surety One declines no application. Louisiana's moderate bond amounts ($25K/$50K) make bonding accessible. We offer non-standard surety bond programs for applicants with impaired credit, limited credit history, or other underwriting challenges.
Louisiana requires 60 days' written notice to the Office of Financial Institutions before a bond cancellation takes effect. The bond is continuous and must run concurrently with the license. The bond must remain active for the life of the license.
Louisiana mortgage licenses expire December 31 each year and must be renewed before that date. Bond amounts are recalculated based on the prior year's total loan volume report. A Corporate Resolution is required for each person authorized to act on behalf of the licensee.
The Surety One Advantage
Why Choose Surety One, Inc.?
Surety One is a national surety leader specializing in the bonding needs of mortgage professionals across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
LA Mortgage Bond Specialists
Louisiana's comprehensive volume calculation and CD alternative require a surety that knows the OFI's requirements. We issue all LA mortgage bond types for brokers, lenders, servicers, and originators.
Same-Day Issuance
Most Louisiana mortgage bonds are issued the same business day. Our 24/7/365 underwriting team provides guaranteed same-day feedback on every submission.
A+ BBB Rated
Surety One carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau in both our U.S. and Puerto Rico offices, reflecting our commitment to client satisfaction and ethical practices.
All Credit Accepted
We decline no application. Louisiana's moderate bond amounts ($25K/$50K) make bonding accessible, and our non-standard programs ensure even challenged-credit applicants can get bonded.
Multi-State Expertise
Operating in the Gulf South and beyond? We streamline your bonding across all 50 states with a single point of contact, ensuring compliance with each state's unique requirements.
Free Quotes, No Obligation
Application review and quoting are always free. There is no obligation to purchase. Contact us by phone, email, or live chat to explore your options.
