Time Running Out for California Collection Agencies

Time Running Out for California collection agencies to apply for their license. The Debt Collection Licensing Act requires debt collectors and buyers to apply for a DFPI license by Dec. 31, 2021. Debt collectors and buyers who apply for a license after that date will be required to wait for the issuance of a license before they can operate in California. The DFPI began accepting applications for licensure on Sept. 1, 2021. You can reach the licensing team by emailing DCLA.Inquiries@dfpi.ca.gov. They can answer questions regarding the licensing process but cannot provide legal advice.

As part of the license process, California Collection Agencies and Debt Buyers must provide a $25,000 surety bond. The surety bond is a means of pre-qualification of collection agencies. The bond does not protect the collection agency that posts the bond, the bond protects the people of the state of California from collection agencies that do not comply with he rules and regulations required of collection agencies and debt buyers in the state. The bond will be renewed annually and is continuous unless cancelled. this means that a new surety bond is not provided with each renewal. The California Collection Agency Bond is filed electronically through the NMLS.

Time Running Out for California Collection Agencies To apply for License

Every collection agency and debt buyer operating in the state of California must apply for the license no later than December 31, 2021. The state may take several months to review the application and issue the license, however, to be in compliance with the law, the application must be summitted before year’s end. Applications must be submitted via the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). A checklist of requirements for the application is also available on NMLS.

The Department expects to review applications and issue licenses in 2022 and 2023. Once licensed, debt collectors will not need to register under the  California Consumer Financial Protection Law.

Apply for Surety Bond in all states with just 1 application

While the majority of states do not require a surety bond to operate as a collection agency, many do. Surety1.com has an easy to use, online application to apply for surety bonds in all the states that require the bond. Click here to access the application. Time is running out for California Collection Agencies to apply for the required surety bond. Apply online today in minutes.

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