Volume-Based 3-Tier Bonds
Broker bonds range from $75,000 to $250,000. Lender/servicer bonds range from $150,000 to $500,000. Amounts are adjusted annually based on NC loan volume in the prior 12-month period ending December 31.
NC Commissioner of BanksS.A.F.E. ActRaleigh HQ — Same-Day
North Carolina Mortgage Broker Surety Bond
Secure your North Carolina mortgage broker or lender license with a surety bond from Surety One, Inc. — headquartered right here in Raleigh, NC. Broker bonds from $75,000, lender bonds from $150,000. Premiums individually determined by credit and financial review.
NC Mortgage Broker / Lender Bond
$75K – $500K
By license type & NC loan volume • Premium based on credit
Broker Bond$75K / $125K / $250K
Lender/Servicer Bond$150K / $250K / $500K
PremiumBased on Credit
ObligeeNC Commissioner of Banks
StatuteG.S. § 53-244.103
TurnaroundSame Day
Get Your Free Quote
Understanding Your Bond
What Is a North Carolina Mortgage Broker Surety Bond?
A North Carolina mortgage broker surety bond is a three-party agreement required by the NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB) as a condition of licensure under the North Carolina Secure and Fair Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Mortgage Licensing Act, codified at NCGS Chapter 53, Article 19B. Specifically, G.S. § 53-244.103 sets forth all surety bond requirements.
North Carolina uses a three-tier volume-based bond schedule for both mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders/servicers. Broker bonds range from $75,000 to $250,000, while lender and servicer bonds range from $150,000 to $500,000 — among the highest mortgage bond requirements in the nation.
The bond runs to the State of North Carolina for the benefit of any claimant, securing the faithful performance of the licensee's obligations. Notably, North Carolina imposes a five-year liability tail — the principal and surety remain liable for five years from the date of any action or inaction giving rise to a claim.
The Three Parties
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PrincipalThe mortgage broker, lender, or servicer who purchases the bond and must comply with the NC S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act and Commissioner regulations.
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ObligeeThe North Carolina Commissioner of Banks — the regulator requiring the bond and overseeing mortgage licensure under NCGS Chapter 53, Article 19B.
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SuretySurety One, Inc. — headquartered in Raleigh, NC, we underwrite and issue the bond, guaranteeing the principal's compliance with North Carolina licensing law.
Your Raleigh Neighbor
Surety One, Inc. is headquartered at 5 W. Hargett Street in Raleigh — right here in North Carolina. We know the NCCOB, the NC S.A.F.E. Act, and the NMLS electronic bond filing process inside and out. Local expertise, national reach.
Bond Amount Schedule
North Carolina Mortgage Bond Amounts by License Type & Volume
Bond amounts are set by G.S. § 53-244.103 based on NC residential mortgage loan volume originated during the 12-month period ending December 31. Increased bonds must be filed by May 31.
Mortgage Broker
| NC Loan Origination Volume (12-mo ending Dec 31) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000,000 | $75,000 |
| Over $10,000,000 but under $50,000,000 | $125,000 |
| $50,000,000 or more | $250,000 |
Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Servicer
| NC Loan Origination Volume (12-mo ending Dec 31) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000,000 | $150,000 |
| Over $10,000,000 but under $50,000,000 | $250,000 |
| $50,000,000 or more | $500,000 |
May 31 Filing Deadline for Increased Bonds
Any increased surety bond required based on loan volume during the 12-month period ending December 31 must be filed with the Commissioner on or before May 31 immediately following that period. If the Commissioner makes recovery on the bond, the licensee must file a replacement bond within 30 days. Apply now or call (800) 373-2804.
North Carolina Licensing Requirements
Key Bond & Licensing Requirements
North Carolina maintains one of the most robust mortgage regulatory frameworks in the Southeast. Here are the essential requirements for the mortgage broker surety bond.
Commissioner of Banks
The obligee is the NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB). They administer all mortgage licensure, examinations, and enforcement under NCGS Chapter 53, Article 19B.
NC S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act
Bonding requirements are governed by the NC Secure and Fair Enforcement Mortgage Licensing Act (NCGS Ch. 53, Art. 19B). Bond requirements are specifically in G.S. § 53-244.103.
Net Worth & Liquidity
Mortgage brokers: minimum $25,000 net worth and $10,000 liquidity on a continuous basis. Qualifying individuals and branch managers must have at least 3 years of residential mortgage experience.
NMLS Electronic Bond Filing
All applications and surety bonds are submitted electronically through the NMLS. North Carolina participates in the electronic surety bond program for streamlined filing with the NCCOB.
5-Year Liability Tail
Unique to NC: the principal and surety remain liable for five years from the date of any action or inaction giving rise to a claim — even after bond cancellation. Cancellation notice does not discharge accrued liability.
Consumer Protection
What Does This Bond Protect Against?
The North Carolina mortgage broker surety bond secures the faithful performance of the licensee's obligations under the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act. It protects consumers and the state against:
S.A.F.E. Act Violations
Any failure by the licensee to comply with the provisions of the NC S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act, including obligations to borrowers, proper disclosures, and licensing requirements.
Fraud & Misrepresentation
Acts of fraud, deception, or misrepresentation by the licensee or its mortgage loan originators in connection with residential mortgage loan transactions on NC property.
Unfaithful Performance
Failure to faithfully perform the obligations of the licensee under its license, including proper handling of borrower funds and compliance with lending standards.
State & Consumer Recovery
The bond runs to the State of North Carolina for the benefit of any claimant against the licensee. Both the principal and surety remain liable for five years from the date of the triggering act.
How It Works
Get Your North Carolina Mortgage Broker Bond in 4 Steps
Surety One makes obtaining your North Carolina mortgage broker surety bond fast and straightforward. Headquartered in Raleigh, we're your local bond experts with national reach.
Apply Online
Complete our mortgage broker bond application online or call us at (800) 373-2804. There's no cost and no obligation.
Get Your Quote
Our Raleigh-based 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 issue the bond on the official NCCOB-approved form.
Filed via NMLS
Surety One files your electronic surety bond through the NMLS. Your bond is immediately designated in your NC license application.
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 NC loan volume determines the bond amount ($75K–$250K for brokers, $150K–$500K for lenders). 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 Statements | Given NC's high bond amounts, personal and business financial statements are typically required as part of the underwriting process. |
| Industry Experience | NC requires 3 years of residential mortgage experience. Your professional history may further influence underwriting terms. |
| 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 for your personalized quote.
Common Questions
North Carolina Mortgage Broker Bond FAQ
NC mortgage brokers need a $75,000, $125,000, or $250,000 bond depending on annual NC loan volume. Lenders and servicers need $150,000 to $500,000. Your premium is a percentage of that amount, individually determined based on your credit score, financial condition, and underwriting review. Apply for a free, no-obligation quote from Surety One.
The NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB) requires the bond under the NC Secure and Fair Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Mortgage Licensing Act, NCGS Chapter 53, Article 19B. Specifically, G.S. § 53-244.103 sets the bond requirements for all mortgage brokers, lenders, and servicers.
If your NC loan volume during the 12-month period ending December 31 triggers a higher bond tier, the increased bond must be filed with the Commissioner on or before May 31 immediately following that period. Surety One monitors your bond requirements and can assist with timely increases.
North Carolina imposes a five-year liability tail on mortgage surety bonds. The principal and surety remain liable for five years from the date of any action or inaction that gives rise to a claim — even after the bond is canceled. Cancellation notice does not discharge liability that has already accrued.
North Carolina mortgage brokers must maintain a minimum net worth of $25,000 and minimum liquidity of $10,000 on a continuous basis. These requirements are in addition to the surety bond. The qualifying individual and each branch manager must have at least three years of residential mortgage lending experience.
Yes. Surety One declines no application. We offer non-standard surety bond programs for applicants with impaired credit, limited credit history, or other underwriting challenges. Premium rates for non-standard credit will be higher, but we work to find terms that fit each applicant's situation.
If recovery is made against the bond, the Commissioner may require the filing of a new bond. The licensee must file a replacement bond in the required amount within 30 days. Failure to maintain the required bond can result in license suspension or revocation.
An exclusive mortgage broker offers only fixed-term, fixed-rate, fully amortizing mortgage loans from a single lender, without handling borrower funds. They must meet the standard broker bond requirement or be covered by their supervising lender's bond (capped at the lesser of $5 million or the sum of all supervised exclusive brokers' bond requirements). Contact Surety One for guidance on your specific situation.
The Surety One Advantage
Why Choose Surety One, Inc.?
Surety One is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina — making us your local surety bond experts with full national reach across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Raleigh, NC Headquarters
We're right here in North Carolina at 5 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh. We know the NCCOB, the NC S.A.F.E. Act, and North Carolina's high-amount mortgage bond requirements better than anyone.
Same-Day Issuance
Most North Carolina mortgage broker 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 Raleigh, NC and San Juan, PR offices — a reflection of our long-standing commitment to service excellence.
All Credit Accepted
We decline no application. Given NC's high bond amounts ($75K–$500K), we offer non-standard programs and work with applicants across all credit profiles to secure competitive terms.
Multi-State Expertise
Operating in multiple states? 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.
