2025 Early CE Deadlines

If you’re a mortgage loan originator (MLO) or broker, you already know the end of the year can feel like a juggling act. Between closing deals, prepping for the holidays, and planning for the new year, it’s easy for Continuing Education (CE) deadlines to sneak up on you.

But here’s the kicker: not every state follows the December 31 deadline you might be used to. Some states require you to finish your CE weeks or months before the end of the year. Miss that deadline, and your license could be at risk.

The good news? Once you know your state’s deadlines, you can plan ahead, get CE out of the way, and return to business knowing you’re covered. Let’s break it down.

Why CE Deadlines Matter

The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) requires every licensed MLO to complete CE each year. If you don’t, your license can lapse, which means you won't be able to originate loans until you rectify the issue.

Here’s what missing CE can cost you:

• Lost business opportunities while waiting for your license to be reinstated.
• Stressful scrambles during the busiest time of year.
• Reputational damage with clients if they can’t work with you because you’re out of compliance.

Finishing CE early helps you avoid penalties and return to business with peace of mind. The earlier you complete it, the more time you free up to focus on clients and closing loans.

States with Early CE Deadlines

If you’re licensed in one of these states, don’t wait until December. Your CE deadline comes earlier:

• October 31
  
  • Georgia
• November 1
  
  • District of Columbia
  • West Virginia
• November 30
  
  • Kentucky
  • South Carolina (DCA)
• December 1
  
  • Delaware
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Puerto Rico
  • Vermont
  • Hawaii
  • Minnesota
  • Wyoming
• December 15
  
  • Washington
  • Utah (DRE)

Special Dates to Keep in Mind

Even if your state doesn’t have an early CE deadline, there are two system-wide reminders to keep in mind:

• December 5: SMART Deadline
  This is NMLS’s recommended date to complete CE if you want to guarantee your renewal goes through on time.
• December 12: At-Risk-to-Miss Renewal Deadline
  If you’re still not finished by this date, you’re officially rolling the dice with your license.

Standard Deadline 

Most states have a general deadline of December 31 to complete CE. However, we highly recommend finishing by December 26 to allow for any potential delays in processing your hours.

States that abide by the standard deadline include:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California (DFPI & DRE), Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana (DFI & SOS), Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina (BFI), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas (OCCC & SML), Utah (DFI), Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

Reminder: Just because your deadline is later, it doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. Thousands of MLOs wait until the last two weeks of December, which slows down processing across the board. The SMART deadline exists for a reason.

Ready to Get Ahead of CE Deadlines?

Discover which NMLS CE courses your state requires and complete them all online through Coop+.

When you become a Coop+ subscriber for $360 a year ($1 per day), you get instant access to federal CE and all state CE courses, plus tools and resources designed to make your mortgage career easier and more successful.

Get started today and head into the holiday season with CE already checked off your list.

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