Effective January 1, 2026, the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML) will require all residential mortgage loan servicers in Texas to file surety bonds electronically through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). This change is mandated by 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. These entities must submit their surety bonds using the NMLS Electronic Surety Bond (ESB) system. During the upcoming renewal period, any registrants currently operating with a paper surety bond must convert to an electronic surety bond to renew their registration.
According to 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 electronic surety bond process can be found on the NMLS Resource Center website. Those needing assistance or further details can contact SML by email or visit their official website at sml.texas.gov.
