(1) In general. An individual, unless specifically exempted from this chapter under subsection (2), shall not engage in the business of a mortgage loan originator with respect to any dwelling located in this state without first obtaining and maintaining annually a license under this chapter. Each licensed mortgage loan originator must register with and maintain a valid unique identifier issued by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry.

(2) Exemption from this chapter. The following are exempt from and are not subject to this chapter:

(a) Registered mortgage loan originators, loan processors, loss mitigation specialists, and other employees when acting for an entity described in Section 5-26-3(11)(a)(i),(ii), or (iii) are exempt from this chapter.

(b) Any individual who offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan with or on behalf of an immediate family member of the individual.

(c) Any individual who offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan secured by a dwelling that served as the individual's residence.

(d) A licensed attorney who negotiates the terms of a residential mortgage loan on behalf of a client as an ancillary matter to the attorney's representation of the client, unless the attorney is compensated by a lender, a mortgage broker, or other mortgage loan originator or by any agent of such lender, mortgage broker, or other mortgage loan originator.

(e) The provisions of the Federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 shall apply to the activities of retail sellers of manufactured or modular homes to the extent determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development through written guidelines, rules, regulations, or interpretive letters.

(f) Notwithstanding the licensing requirements of this section, an individual acting exclusively as a loss mitigation specialist engaging in loss mitigation efforts with respect to existing mortgage transactions is not required to meet the education, testing, background, and licensing standards of this chapter until July 1, 2011, unless denied by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(3) Independent contractor loan processors or underwriters. A loan processor or underwriter who is an independent contractor may not engage in the activities of a loan processor or underwriter unless such independent contractor loan processor or underwriter obtains and maintains a license under subsection (1). Each independent contractor loan processor or underwriter licensed as a mortgage loan originator must have and maintain a valid unique identifier issued by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry.

(4) Authority to establish licensing rules, regulations or interim procedures and accept early applications. For the purposes of implementing an orderly and efficient licensing process the supervisor may establish licensing rules or regulations and interim procedures for licensing and acceptance of applications.