Multiple Bond Types
Broker surety $50K–$150K. Lender surety $100K–$500K + $300K fidelity. Servicer $500K flat. Correspondent $100K. Individual MLO $25K–$150K. Plus $100K add-on for advance-fee brokers.
PA Dept. Banking & Securities7 Pa.C.S. § 6131Same-Day Issuance
Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker Surety Bond
Secure your Pennsylvania mortgage broker, lender, servicer, or MLO license with a surety bond from Surety One, Inc. — the nationwide leader in mortgage industry surety bonds. Broker bonds from $50,000, lender bonds from $100,000, servicer bonds $500,000. Premiums individually determined by credit and financial review.
PA Mortgage Broker / Lender / Servicer Bond
$25K – $500K
By license type & PA volume • Lenders also need fidelity bond • Premium based on credit
Broker (under $15M)$50,000
Broker (over $50M)$150,000
Lender (under $15M)$100,000
Lender (over $50M)$500,000
Servicer$500,000 flat
TurnaroundSame Day
Get Your Free Quote
Understanding Your Bond
What Is a Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker Surety Bond?
A Pennsylvania mortgage broker surety bond is a three-party agreement required by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DOBS) as a condition of licensure under the Mortgage Licensing Act, 7 Pa.C.S. § 6131. Pennsylvania has one of the most complex multi-bond structures in the nation, with separate bond types and tier schedules for brokers, lenders, servicers, loan correspondents, and individual mortgage loan originators.
Pennsylvania is unique in requiring mortgage lenders to maintain both a surety bond and a $300,000 fidelity bond — a dual-bond requirement not found in most other states. Mortgage brokers who accept advance fees must obtain an additional $100,000 surety bond on top of their volume-based bond.
All bonds run to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and are for the use of the Commonwealth and any consumer injured by acts or omissions related to the mortgage loan business. A mortgage lender may act as a broker without a separate license, but a broker may not lend.
The Three Parties
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PrincipalThe mortgage broker, lender, servicer, or loan originator who purchases the bond and must comply with the Pennsylvania Mortgage Licensing Act.
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ObligeeThe Secretary of Banking and Securities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — the regulatory authority requiring the bond.
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SuretySurety One, Inc. — the company that underwrites and issues the bond, guaranteeing the principal's compliance with Pennsylvania mortgage licensing law.
Lenders: Surety + Fidelity
Pennsylvania mortgage lenders must maintain both a surety bond ($100K–$500K) and a fidelity bond of $300,000. Surety One issues both bond types, streamlining your compliance with a single point of contact. Brokers and servicers require only the surety bond.
Bond Amount Schedule
Pennsylvania Mortgage Bond Amounts by License Type
Bond amounts are based on the anticipated or actual amount of PA mortgage loans originated. Amounts are determined annually by the Department based on periodic reports.
Mortgage Broker — Sponsor of Mortgage Originators Bond
| PA Mortgage Loan Originations (Calendar Year) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Under $15,000,000 | $50,000 |
| $15,000,000 – $29,999,999 | $75,000 |
| $30,000,000 – $49,999,999 | $100,000 |
| $50,000,000 or more | $150,000 |
| Additional: Broker accepting advance fees | + $100,000 |
Mortgage Lender — Sponsor of Mortgage Originators Bond
| PA Mortgage Loan Originations (Calendar Year) | Surety Bond | Fidelity Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Under $15,000,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 |
| $15,000,000 – $29,999,999 | $150,000 | $300,000 |
| $30,000,000 – $49,999,999 | $200,000 | $300,000 |
| $50,000,000 or more | $500,000 | $300,000 |
Other License Types
| License Type | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage Loan Servicer | $500,000 (flat) |
| Mortgage Loan Correspondent | $100,000 |
| Individual MLO (excepted entity) | $25,000 – $150,000 (by volume) |
Most Complex Bond Structure in the Series
Pennsylvania has the most bond types and tier schedules of any state: separate scales for brokers, lenders, servicers, correspondents, and individual MLOs, plus the dual surety/fidelity requirement for lenders and the advance-fee add-on for brokers. Surety One issues all PA mortgage bond types. Apply now or call (800) 373-2804.
Pennsylvania Licensing Requirements
Key Bond & Licensing Requirements
Pennsylvania's Mortgage Licensing Act governs one of the most detailed mortgage bond frameworks in the nation, with multiple bond types and license categories.
Dept. of Banking & Securities
DOBS Non-Depository Licensing Office, (717) 787-3717. Bond runs to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the benefit of the state and any injured consumer.
Mortgage Licensing Act § 6131
7 Pa.C.S. § 6131 sets bonding requirements. Multiple sections cover broker (§ 6131(b)(3)), lender (§ 6131(a)), individual MLO (§ 6131(b)(4)), and servicer bonds. QI must be licensed MLO or meet MLO requirements.
Lender Dual-Bond Requirement
Lenders need both a surety bond and a $300,000 fidelity bond — a dual requirement unique to Pennsylvania. Must register with the PA Department of State, Corporations Bureau.
NMLS Electronic Filing
All bonds are uploaded through the NMLS. Background checks, organizational chart, business plan, and financial statements required. PA registration with the Secretary of State also required.
December 31 Renewal
PA mortgage licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed before that date. Continuous bonds with 30-day cancellation notice. Cancellation does not invalidate the bond for the period it was in effect.
Consumer Protection
What Does This Bond Protect Against?
The Pennsylvania mortgage surety bond runs to the Commonwealth and provides comprehensive consumer protection. The bond covers:
Mortgage Licensing Act Violations
Any violation of the Pennsylvania Mortgage Licensing Act and the prescribed rules of the Department of Banking and Securities by the licensee or its sponsored mortgage originators.
Consumer Injury
The bond is for the use of any consumer who is injured by the acts or omissions of the licensee's mortgage originators related to the mortgage loan business regulated by the Act.
Commonwealth Protection
The bond also runs for the benefit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing direct state enforcement capability through the surety bond.
Post-Cancellation Coverage
Cancellation of the bond does not invalidate coverage for the period it was in effect. All obligations arising during the bond's active period remain enforceable.
How It Works
Get Your Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker Bond in 4 Steps
Surety One makes obtaining your Pennsylvania 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 both surety and fidelity bonds if required.
Uploaded to NMLS
Surety One provides the bond for upload to the NMLS. Your bond immediately satisfies the DOBS licensing requirement for your Pennsylvania 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 license type and PA volume determine the bond ($25K–$500K). 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 | Bond amounts over $50,000 typically require personal and business financial statements for underwriting. |
| Industry Experience | PA requires a qualifying individual who is a licensed MLO or meets MLO requirements and is employed in a management capacity. |
| 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
Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker Bond FAQ
PA broker bonds range from $50,000 to $150,000 based on PA origination volume. Lender bonds range from $100,000 to $500,000 plus a $300,000 fidelity bond. Servicer bonds are $500,000 flat. Your premium is a percentage of the required amount, individually determined by credit and underwriting review. Apply for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, for mortgage lenders. Pennsylvania requires both a surety bond ($100K–$500K by volume) and a separate fidelity bond of $300,000 for mortgage lender licensees. Brokers and servicers need only the surety bond. Surety One issues both bond types for a streamlined compliance process.
Yes. A mortgage lender may act as a mortgage broker or mortgage loan correspondent without obtaining a separate license. However, a person licensed only as a mortgage broker may only perform broker services — they cannot originate loans in their own name or fund loans.
MLOs employed by licensed brokers or lenders are covered by their employer's Sponsor of Mortgage Originators bond. However, MLOs employed by entities excepted from licensing must obtain individual bonds from $25,000 to $150,000 based on personal PA origination volume, unless the excepted entity elects to maintain bond coverage like a lender.
Mortgage brokers who accept advance fees (payment before services are rendered) must obtain an additional $100,000 surety bond on top of their volume-based Sponsor of Mortgage Originators bond. This means a broker accepting advance fees with over $50M in originations would carry $250,000 in total surety bonds.
Yes. Surety One declines no application. We offer non-standard programs for applicants with impaired credit, limited credit history, or other challenges. Given Pennsylvania's high bond amounts (up to $500K for lenders plus $300K fidelity), our non-standard programs are especially valuable.
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DOBS) requires the bond under 7 Pa.C.S. § 6131. The bond must be written by a surety authorized to do business in the Commonwealth and runs to the Commonwealth for the benefit of the state and injured consumers. Applications are filed through the NMLS.
Pennsylvania mortgage licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed before that date. Bonds are continuous until canceled with 30-day written notice to the Secretary. Bond amounts are determined annually based on periodic reports of PA origination volume. Cancellation does not invalidate the bond for the period it was in effect.
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.
PA Multi-Bond Specialists
Pennsylvania's complex multi-bond structure demands experienced surety underwriting. We issue all PA mortgage bond types — broker, lender, servicer, correspondent, MLO, and fidelity bonds — from a single point of contact.
Same-Day Issuance
Most Pennsylvania 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 U.S. and Puerto Rico offices, reflecting our commitment to client satisfaction and ethical practices.
All Credit Accepted
We decline no application. Given PA's bond amounts reaching $500,000 (plus $300K fidelity), our non-standard programs are critical for applicants facing challenges elsewhere.
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.
