The California Financing Law (Fin. Code, § 22000 et seq.) requires the licensing and regulation of finance lenders and brokers making and brokering consumer and commercial loans, except as specified; prohibits misrepresentations, fraudulent and deceptive acts in connection with making and brokering of loans; and provides administrative, civil (injunction and ancillary relief) and criminal remedies for violations of the law. Read more about the California Financing Law.
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
CFL Licensing Unit
320 W. 4th Street, Suite 750
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (866) ASK-CORP (275-2677)
Email: CFL.inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov
CFL Annual Report for Calendar Year 2023
The Annual Report Form for Licensees engaged in Business under the California Financing Law (CFL) for Year Ended December 31, 2023, is not available. The report must be completed online on the DFPI’s website at https://docqnet.dfpi.ca.gov/. Licensees must log in to the self-service portal in order to complete the report. The 2023 Annual Report must be filed with the DFPI by March 15, 2024.
Note: Information on persons licensed under CFL that are engaged in making or brokering loans secured by residential real property is also available in NMLS Consumer Access.
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) Self-Service Portal offers convenient online services to consumers and businesses seeking licensing information from DFPI. The Portal allows licensees to submit exemption notices and annual report information.
Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access is a fully searchable website that allows the public to view information concerning state-licensed mortgage companies, branches and individuals currently licensed through Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS).
Information on CFL licensing requirements for companies and branches engaged in making or brokering loans secured by residential real property is also available in Nationwide Multistate Licensing System(NMLS).
An application for a license under the California Financing Law for any person engaged in the business of making or brokering of loans, or for any individual originating mortgage loans, should be filed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
An application for a license under the California Financing Law for any person engaged in the business of making or brokering of loans, or for any individual originating mortgage loans, should be filed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Senate Bill 318 (Chap. 467, Stats. 2013) was signed into law on October 1, 2013 and is operative January 1, 2014. The bill created the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans (RSDL) to increase the availability of responsible small dollar installment loans of at least $300 but less than $2,500. Finance lenders who are licensed under the CFL and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (Commissioner) to participate in the program may charge specified alternative interest rates and charges, including an administrative fee and delinquency fees, on loans of at least $300 but less than $2,500, subject to certain requirements. Licensees participating in the program are also permitted to use the services of a finder as defined in Section 22371 of the Financial Code.
Effective January 1, 2014, Senate Bill 318 abolished the former Pilot Program for Affordable Credit-Building Opportunities (Senate Bill 1146 – Chap. 640, Stats. 2010). Licensees approved to participate under the former pilot program are transferred to and approved to participate in the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans without filing the application.