The law requiring DIFI to regulate Motor Vehicle Dealers expired on August 6, 2016. You may refer to HB1358 and HB2535. DIFI ceased accepting new license applications and renewals for Motor Vehicle Dealers. If you have any questions regarding your Motor Vehicle Dealer license, please contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Dealer Services and Licensing at (602) 712-7571 or visiting Dealer License Types on the AZDOT.GOV site. 

Yes, DIFI does accept Visa and/or MasterCard payments through the eLicensing portal. Payments are not accepted at the DIFI office.

No, the DIFI will not accept cash payments.

Once DIFI has reviewed each renewal, if there are items needed to complete the renewal application, the licensee will be contacted via e-mail (mortgage industry will be contacted via NMLS).  Once your renewal has been processed and approved, our website will be updated so that your license will no longer reflect “Renewing”.

Arizona Statutes prohibit the use of the terms “bank” “credit union” or “trust” in a business name unless the business holds a bank, credit union or trust permit issued by DIFI, another state or federal regulator.  Exceptions may be granted when the business does not hold itself out to be a bank, credit union, trust company or savings and loan association.
Send a letter to DIFI, attention to the Financial Institutions division requesting permission for use of the name; include the name of the business and the type of business you plan on conducting in Arizona.  See the following Arizona Revised Statutes for reference: §6-391, §6-509 (B), §6-867. §10-401(3), and §10-1506(A)(3).  

Yes, you can buy a bond for any amount you want as long it is over the statutorily required amount.  You do not need permission from DIFI in this situation.

All of the financial institutions and enterprises you see listed at the top of this page,  who are transacting business in Arizona and are not exempt by statute must be licensed by DIFI.

For the mortgage industry, mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, commercial mortgage brokers, commercial mortgage bankers, registered exempt persons and loan originators, you will need to submit your application for a license via the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (“NMLS”), telephone number (855) 665-7123.

*** For all other license types, please visit our Licensing page, click on Financial Institution or Finacial Enterprise and the license type you are applying for.  The “Forms and Fee” section will provide you with the information you need to apply for a license.  You may also call 602-771-2800, if you have additional questions. Collection Agencies may apply through NMLS.

Checks should be made payable to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions or DIFI.

Rates are limited on title loans only.  Please see A.R.S. §44-291 for cap information.

You can find the statutes under A.R.S. Title 44, Chapter 2.1.

Licensing Timeframes associated with Sales Finance Companies can be found under the Arizona Administrative Code, Article 1. Section R20-4-107.

DIFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 120 days.    Once DIFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.   See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

At this time, there are no associations in Arizona that have applied for and have been issued a permit to transact business as a state-chartered Savings and Loan Association.   Please call 602-771-2800  if you have any questions.

Arizona Statutes prohibit use of the terms “bank” “credit union” or “trust” in a business name unless the business holds a bank, credit union or trust permit issued by the DIFI, another state or federal regulator.  Exceptions may be granted when the business does not hold itself out to be a bank, credit union, trust company or savings and loan association.
See the instructions and application on the Financial Institutions Division webpage  to request permission for use of the name; include the name of the business and the type of business you plan on conducting in Arizona.  See the following Arizona Revised Statutes for reference: §6-391,§ 10-401(3), and §10-1506(A)(3). 

A non-cash sale is when a dealer sells a motor vehicle with one or more deferred payments or when a dealer assists in finding financing for the buyer

Once your application has been reviewed, you will get notices from NMLS to go to your account/records which you must review for any deficiencies and comply with the requirements made by DIFI.

Please refer to the applicable Amendment Checklist for guidelines on making changes.  (The Amendment Checklists are for those who already hold a license, they are not to be used while still in the application process.)  All changes should be reflected on NMLS.  The Amendment Checklist must be printed, completed, and submitted to DIFI along with applicable documents and fees.  The Amendment Checklist is found on the NMLS website under Arizona Requirements page.  

DIFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 45 days.    Once DIFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Go to the DIFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on "Sales Finance Companies”  and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right-hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents, and fees to DIFI.

No

Anyone in the business of buying loan contracts against a motor vehicle, from a retail seller, or anyone who creates or holds loans against a motor vehicle with an outstanding balance that exceeds $50,000.00.

In a cash sale there is no financing taking place, meaning it is cash only with a clear title.  There is no lien against the title.

A Title loan is a personal loan against the title of a motor vehicle. There are caps for the loan amount.  Please see A.R.S. §44-291 for cap information.

DIFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 120 days.    Once DIFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail. See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Go to the DIFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on ”Escrow Agents”  and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents and fees to DIFI.

Our state specific requirements are available through NMLS. 

Here is a link to help you make amendments: click HERE 

Both the Federal S.A.F.E. Act and our own statutes are very clear, there can be no felony conviction within the last 7 years of the date of the application for licensing or at any time preceding such date of application, if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty, or a breach of trust, or money laundering.  There are no exceptions.

Per Arizona Statutes, your credit report must indicate you have been financially responsible.  DIFI does not use minimum credit scores.   If your credit report shows derogatory credit, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, judgments, or tax liens, you will need to provide an explanation and address how you have been financially responsible.   Provide any documents you feel are needed to support your explanation.  A recent bankruptcy does not necessarily indicate you have not been financially responsible.  Your total credit history will be reviewed.  Once these items have been reviewed, you may be asked to provide further information or documentation to support that you have been financially responsible. 

DIFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 120 days.    Once DIFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Go to the DIFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on ”Money Transmitters”  and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents and fees to DIFI.

DIFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 120 days.    Once DIFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Submit a copy of the NCUA forms that the applicant files with the National Credit Union Administration; plus any additional information that DIFI may require under State law.  Please refer to Arizona Revised Statutes §§6-501 through 6-595 and the Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-401 for Arizona Law.  You can contact us  at 602-771-2800 or email [email protected] for specific questions on Arizona statutes and rules.

Arizona Statutes prohibit use of the terms “bank” “credit union” or “trust” in a business name unless the business holds a bank, credit union or trust permit issued by  DIFI or another state or federal regulator.  Exceptions may be granted when the business does not hold itself out to be a bank, credit union, trust company or savings and loan association.

See the instructions and application on the Financial Institutions Division webpage to request permission for use of the name; include the name of the business and the type of business you plan on conducting in Arizona.  See the following Arizona Revised Statutes for reference: §6-391,§ 10-401(3), and §10-1506(A)(3). 

DIFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 60 days.    Once DIFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Go to the AZDFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on ”Debt Management Companies”  and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents and fees to AZDFI.

Go to the AZDFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on  ”Collection Agencies”  and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents and fees to AZDFI.

AZDFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 120 days.    Once AZDFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Once your application has been reviewed, you will get notices from NMLS to go to your account/records which you must review for any deficiencies and comply with the requirements made by AZDFI.

Please refer to the applicable Amendment Checklist for guidelines on making changes.  (The Amendment Checklists are for those who already hold a license, they are not to be used while still in the application process.)  All changes should be reflected on NMLS.  The Amendment Checklist must be printed, completed and submitted to AZDFI along with applicable documents and fees.  The Amendment Checklist is found on the NMLS website under Arizona Requirements page.  Here are additional links for your convenience: Quick Guides page, Review Status page and Amending Forms page. 

AZDFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 120 days.    Once AZDFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Go to the AZDFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on ”Consumer Lenders”  and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents and fees to AZDFI.

AZDFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 45 days.    Once AZDFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.   See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Arizona Statutes prohibit use of the terms “bank” “credit union” or “trust” in a business name unless the business holds a bank, credit union or trust permit issued by AZDFI or another state or national regulator.  Exceptions may be granted when the business does not hold itself out to be a bank, credit union, trust company or savings and loan association.
See the instructions and application on the Financial Institutions Division webpage to request permission for use of the name; include the name of the business and the type of business you plan on conducting in Arizona.  See the following Arizona Revised Statutes for reference: §6-391,§ 10-401(3), and §10-1506(A)(3). 

Establishing a new state-chartered member bank will require obtaining preliminary approval from AZDFI and the Federal Reserve Board of San Francisco (“FRB-SF”) as well as issuance of deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  The best place to start is to call the Financial Institution Division of AZDFI and see if a meeting with the Superintendent should be set.  More information on obtaining  new bank organization approval and the applicable forms and fees can be found at www.azdfi.gov by clicking on Financial Institutions; Banks and the Forms and Fees page.

AZDFI shall make a final decision on a COMPLETED application within 60 days.    Once AZDFI has reviewed your application, you will be contacted via e-mail.  See Arizona Administrative Code R20-4-107 licensing time frames.

Go to the AZDFI home page, click on “Financial Enterprises”, click on ”Advance Fee Loan Broker” and under “Forms and Fees” find the change you want to make.  The license change instructions and application will be on the right hand side of that page.  Follow the instructions, print, complete and return all appropriate forms, documents and fees to AZDFI.