Effective January 1, 2026, the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML) will require all residential mortgage loan servicers in Texas to file and maintain surety bonds electronically through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). This change is being implemented under 7 Texas Administrative Code § 58.107.
The new requirement applies to all entities registered as residential mortgage loan servicers under Chapter 158 of the Texas Finance Code. Existing registrants who currently operate with paper surety bonds must convert to electronic surety bonds during their renewal period in order to renew their registration.
According to the SML, “The adoption of electronic surety bonds enhances efficiency, improves recordkeeping, and aligns Texas with national standards already in place in many other states.”
More information about the NMLS Electronic Surety Bond process can be found on the NMLS Resource Center website. For questions or assistance with the transition, SML directs registrants to contact them by email or visit their website at sml.texas.gov.
