Licensed under Wis. Stat. s. 138.14,
payday lenders originate and/or service consumer loans with terms of 90
days or less where the lender either (1) accepts from the consumer one
or more checks and holds the check(s) for a period of time before
negotiating or presenting the check(s) for payment, or (2) accepts the
consumer's authorization to initiate one or more electronic fund
transfers (EFT) from the consumer's bank account and wait a period of
time before initiating the EFT(s) for payment.
Frequent Links
- Applications - Licenses must be applied for through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). Links to NMLS resources are found below. Questions pertaining to Wisconsin licensing requirements should be directed to DFI_LFS@dfi.wisconsin.gov. Questions pertaining to NMLS account creation and the completion of NMLS forms can be directed to the NMLS Resource Center at 1-855-665-7123 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time).
- License Amendment Instructions
- Refer to the applicable Wisconsin NMLS Amendment Checklist for
instructions on how notify the Division of Banking about changes to:
- Direct Owners, Indirect Owners, Affiliates or Subsidiaries
- Executive Officers or other Control Persons
- Addresses
- Legal Names or Trade Names
- Legal Status
- Disclosure Question and Answers
- Forms Payday Lenders Provide Consumers
Helpful Information
- Financial Statement Requirements
- The licensed legal entity's fiscal year-end financial statements and a completed
Supplemental Financial Statement Information form, must be uploaded to NMLS within 90 days after
the completion of each fiscal year. - Financial
statements must include a balance sheet & income statement and be
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
- Licensees must maintain tangible net worth of at least $50,000 and positive working capital.
- When
evaluating a licensee's tangible net worth and net working capital, the
division discounts intangibles; receivables from officers,
stockholders, and other related parties; employee advances; receivables
over 120 days past due; and any other assets of questionable value.
- Order Regarding Database Transaction Fee. Written July 1, 2011.
- Cybersecurity Resources
Cybersecurity 101 - a
resource developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors intended
to be an easily-digestible, non-technical reference guide to help
executives develop a comprehensive, responsive cybersecurity program in
line with best practices.
- Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool
– a resource updated October 15, 2024, and developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors in conjunction with state bank examiners, the Bankers Electronic Crimes Taskforce, and the United States Secret Service which contains important controls that all types of companies should use to assess their efforts to mitigate risks associated with ransomware and to identify opportunities for increasing security.
Contact Us
Phone: (608) 261-7578
Email: DFI_LFS@dfi.wisconsin.gov
Applications - Licenses must be applied for through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). Links to NMLS resources are found below. Questions pertaining to Wisconsin licensing requirements should be directed to DFI_LFS@dfi.wisconsin.gov. Questions pertaining to NMLS account creation and the completion of NMLS forms can be directed to the NMLS Resource Center at 1-855-665-7123 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time).
Creating an NMLS Account
Company Licensing Guide
Branch Licensing Guide
Licensing Checklists, Requirements, and Fees