What you need to do to get your Georgia mortgage license back

To reinstate a Georgia mortgage license, you must contact the Georgia Department of Regulated Industries (DRI), pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any conditions tied to why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. The process differs depending on whether your license lapsed due to non-renewal, was suspended for a violation, or was revoked. DRI will tell you which documents and steps explore to your specific situation when you reach out.

Georgia does not have an automatic reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and resume work. Instead, you file a reinstatement request, DRI reviews it, and approval depends on what caused the license to end. If you were suspended for a compliance issue, you may need to show corrective action. If your license expired because you did not renew, the path is usually faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Georgia Department of Regulated Industries directly to learn which reinstatement path applies to your license status.
  • Reinstatement fees vary by license type and reason for suspension or revocation, and DRI will quote the exact amount when you inquire.
  • If your license was suspended for a violation, you may need to provide proof that you have corrected the problem before DRI will reinstate it.
  • The timeline for reinstatement depends on whether your license lapsed, was suspended, or was revoked, and can range from days to several weeks.

Differences between lapsed, suspended, and revoked licenses

A lapsed license means you did not renew it before the expiration date. This is the simplest reinstatement scenario. You pay the reinstatement fee, confirm you meet current Georgia mortgage licensing requirements, and DRI processes your request. Lapsed licenses can usually be reinstated within one to two weeks if all paperwork is complete.

A suspended license means DRI temporarily removed your right to work because of a violation or compliance issue — for example, failing a continuing education requirement, mishandling client funds, or violating lending laws. Reinstatement requires you to address the underlying problem. You may need to complete additional training, pay a penalty, or submit documentation showing the violation has been corrected. DRI will specify what is required in the suspension order.

A revoked license is permanent removal by DRI, usually for serious violations like fraud or repeated offenses. Revocation is much harder to overturn than suspension. You would need to petition DRI for reconsideration, which is rarely granted. If you were revoked, ask DRI whether reinstatement is even possible in your case before investing time in the process.

Steps to request reinstatement

First, contact the Georgia Department of Regulated Industries Mortgage Lenders and Brokers Unit by phone or through their website. Have your license number ready. Tell them your license status and ask what reinstatement requires. DRI will confirm whether you are may be able to access, what documents you need, and what the fee is.

Second, gather the documents DRI lists. For a lapsed license, this is usually your reinstatement request form and proof of current continuing education hours. For a suspended license, you may need to submit a letter explaining how you corrected the violation, proof of corrective action, and any required training certificates. DRI will provide a checklist.

Third, submit your request and fee to DRI. You can usually mail documents or submit them online through the DRI portal, depending on what DRI instructs. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you submitted.

Fourth, wait for DRI to review and respond. DRI will contact you if they need more information. Once approved, your license is reinstated and you can resume work. DRI will send you written confirmation.

Reinstatement fees and continuing education requirements

Reinstatement fees are set by Georgia law and vary by license type — mortgage lender, mortgage broker, or mortgage servicer licenses have different costs. The fee is not the same as a renewal fee. DRI will quote the exact amount when you call or submit your request online. Fees typically range from $100 to $500 depending on license type, but you should confirm the current amount directly with DRI because rates can change.

Continuing education is almost always required for reinstatement. Georgia requires mortgage professionals to complete a set number of hours each year. If your license lapsed or was suspended, you must show that you have met the education requirement for the year in which you are seeking reinstatement. If you have not completed the hours, you must do so before DRI will reinstate you. Some providers offer accelerated courses if you are behind.

If your suspension was specifically for failing to complete continuing education, you must complete all outstanding hours plus the current year's requirement before reinstatement. DRI will not reinstate you for partial compliance.

What happens if your reinstatement request is denied

DRI may deny reinstatement if you do not meet the requirements, if you have not corrected the violation that led to suspension, or if new violations have occurred since the suspension. DRI will send you a written denial explaining the reason.

If your request is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before the Georgia Secretary of State's office. You must request the hearing within a set timeframe — usually 30 days from the denial letter. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue why your license should be reinstated. An administrative law judge will review the case and make a recommendation.

If you believe DRI made an error in denying your request, or if your circumstances have changed since the denial, you can also submit a new reinstatement request after addressing the issues DRI cited. There is no rule against reapplying, but you must show that the problem has been fixed.

Timeline and what to expect while waiting

For a lapsed license with complete paperwork, reinstatement can happen within 5 to 10 business days. For a suspended license, the timeline depends on how quickly you can provide proof of corrective action. If DRI needs to review your documentation carefully or if you are missing items, it can take 2 to 4 weeks.

During the waiting period, you cannot work as a mortgage professional in Georgia. If you are self-employed or work for a mortgage company, let your employer or clients know that your license is pending reinstatement so they do not expect you to close loans or originate mortgages.

DRI will contact you by phone or email if they need more information. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays on your end extend the timeline. Once DRI approves your reinstatement, they will send you a new license certificate or digital confirmation, depending on Georgia's current process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reinstatement request is pending?

No. You cannot legally work as a mortgage professional in Georgia without an active license. Working without a license is a violation that can result in fines or criminal charges. Wait for DRI to send you written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you resume any mortgage-related work.

What if I do not know why my license was suspended?

Call DRI and ask them to explain the suspension. They will have a record of the violation or reason on file. If you lost the suspension notice, DRI can send you a copy. Understanding the reason is essential because it determines what you must do to get reinstated.

Do I have to retake the mortgage licensing exam to get reinstated?

Not usually. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the exam unless DRI specifically requires it as part of the corrective action for your suspension. Most reinstatements only require continuing education and proof that you have corrected the underlying issue. Ask DRI whether exam retaking is required in your case.

How long does a reinstatement stay on my record?

Reinstatement itself is not a mark against you, but the original suspension or revocation remains part of your licensing history. Future employers or regulators can see that your license was suspended. The suspension does not disappear from your record, but it does not prevent you from working once your license is reinstated.

What if I moved out of Georgia after my license was suspended?

You can still request reinstatement even if you no longer live in Georgia. Contact DRI by phone or mail and submit your reinstatement request. You do not need to be a Georgia resident to hold a Georgia mortgage license, but you must meet all other requirements, including continuing education and any corrective actions tied to your suspension.