HUD is preparing to launch an online application for lenders who wish to become FHA-approved. Effective later this spring, all lenders seeking new FHA approval will submit the application package through an online portal.
Lenders who are currently preparing application packages or plan to apply in the near future should email the Lender Approval & Recertification Division at OLA@hud.gov in order to avoid processing delays during the transition period. Please include the words “New Applicant” in the subject line and include a contact person and phone number in the email body so that a Lender Approval representative may contact you.
Lenders should NOT pay the application fee through pay.gov until discussing application submission details with a Lender Approval representative.
All lender applicants should continue to check the HUD website at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD for the latest information, including the date on which the online application process for FHA approval will become mandatory. Paper application packages postmarked after that date will be returned to applicants with instructions on how to apply online.
The online application will be available for new FHA approval only. Existing FHA-approved lenders who wish to add Title I or Title II approval to their current approval must submit a paper application package until further notice. Please go to http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD and search for "FHA Lender Approval Requirements" for additional details and instructions.
There are four types of FHA lender approval:
Nonsupervised Mortgagee: Correspondent lenders and mortgage lenders should apply for this type of approval if they want to perform the following lender functions: origination, underwriting, purchasing, holding, servicing, and the selling of FHA insured mortgages.
Supervised Mortgagee: Banks, savings banks, and credit unions should apply for this type of approval if they want to perform the following lender functions: origination, underwriting, purchasing, holding, servicing, and the selling of FHA insured mortgages.
Government Mortgagee: Federal, State, local government agencies, and public or state housing authorities should apply for this type of approval if they want to perform the following lender functions: origination, underwriting, purchasing, holding, servicing, and the selling of FHA insured mortgages.
Investing Mortgagee: Any entity that wants to perform the following lender functions: purchasing, holding, and the selling of FHA insured mortgages should apply for this type of approval. This mortgagee type cannot originate or fund FHA loans.