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Texas licensing

Do I need a debt collection license in Texas?

Yes. Texas requires a debt collection license issued by Texas Secretary of State.

State Laws

Texas licensing laws

3 verticals covered for Texas

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experience

This guide covers 3 regulated activities in Texas: Texas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Texas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing, and Texas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Texas calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Texas runs through Texas Secretary of State, Texas Department of Banking, and Texas SML (Savings and Mortgage Lending). All 3 of them need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Covered by Cornerstone can prepare and submit the Texas filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

debt collection

Texas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Texas. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Texas.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in Texas, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Texas Secretary of State, provide a surety bond of $10,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in Texas generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in Texas are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Texas may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • Texas Finance Code - Debt Collection (Tex. Fin. Code § 392.001) . Third-party debt collection regulation

money transmitter

Texas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Texas. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Texas.

Texas money transmitter requirements at a glance

Texas money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $300,000
Minimum net worth $300,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Texas, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Texas Department of Banking, provide a surety bond of $300,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $300,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Texas generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Texas are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Texas may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Key statutes

  • Texas Money Transmitter Act (TX Code) . State-specific money transmission regulation
  • Bank Secrecy Act (Federal) (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

mortgage

Texas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Texas. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Texas.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Texas mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Texas-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Texas are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Texas-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Texas are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Texas participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Key statutes

  • SAFE Act (Federal) (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS
  • Texas Mortgage Lending Act (TX Code) . State-specific mortgage lending and servicing regulation in Texas

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Bonds and insurance in Texas

Where Texas conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Get a Texas surety bond quote Explore business insurance

Texas regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

  • Texas Secretary of State debt collection licensing
  • Texas Department of Banking money transmitter licensing
  • Texas SML (Savings and Mortgage Lending) mortgage licensing

Planning tools and data

Scope a Texas expansion before you file.

Download the Texas dataset (CSV) License, bond, fee, and renewal data for Texas in one file.
Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

No regulatory updates to report right now. Our team is monitoring the agencies and will surface changes here as soon as they land.