text:
“Charges” do not include any of the following:

(a) Commissions received as a licensed insurance agent or broker in connection with insurance written as provided in Section 22313.

(b) Amounts not in excess of the amounts specified in subdivision (c) of Section 3068 of the Civil Code paid to holders of possessory liens, imposed pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 3067) of Title 14 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to release motor vehicles that secure loans subject to this division.

(c) Court costs, excluding attorney’s fees, incurred in a suit and recovered against a debtor who defaults on the debtor’s loan.

(d) Amounts received by a licensee from a seller, from whom the borrower obtains money, goods, labor, or services on credit, in connection with a transaction under an open-end credit program that are paid or deducted from the loan proceeds paid to the seller at the direction of the borrower and that are an obligation of the seller to the licensee for the privilege of allowing the seller to participate in the licensee’s open-end credit program. Amounts received by a licensee from a seller pursuant to this subdivision may not exceed 6 percent of the loan proceeds paid to the seller at the direction of the borrower.

(e) Actual and necessary fees not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) paid in connection with the repossession of a motor vehicle to repossession agencies licensed pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code provided that the licensee complies with Sections 22328 and 22329, and actual fees paid to a licensee in conformity with Sections 26751 and 41612 of the Government Code in an amount not exceeding the amount specified in those sections of the Government Code.

(f) Moneys paid to, and commissions and benefits received by, a licensee for the sale of goods, services, or insurance, whether or not the sale is in connection with a loan, that the buyer by a separately signed authorization acknowledges is optional, if sale of the goods, services, or insurance has been authorized pursuant to Section 22154.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 2. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 1. Definitions


kind: section

code: FIN

text: “Consumer loan” means a loan, whether secured by either real or personal property, or both, or unsecured, the proceeds of which are intended by the borrower for use primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. For purposes of determining whether a loan is a consumer loan, the lender may rely on any written statement of intended purposes signed by the borrower. The statement may be a separate statement signed by the borrower, or may be contained in a loan application or other document signed by the borrower. The lender shall not be required to ascertain that the proceeds of the loan are used in accordance with the statement of intended purposes. Nothing in this section shall authorize the taking of real property as security, except as specified in Section 22330.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 347, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)

division: 9. CALIFORNIA FINANCING LAW

chapter: 2. Consumer Loans

article: 1. Definitions

path: 9. CALIFORNIA FINANCING LAW > 2. Consumer Loans > 1. Definitions


text:
(a) In addition to the definition of consumer loan in Section 22203, a “consumer loan” also means a loan of a principal amount of less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), the proceeds of which are intended by the borrower for use primarily for other than personal, family, or household purposes.

For purposes of determining whether a loan is or is not a consumer loan, the lender may rely on any written statement of intended purposes signed by the borrower. The statement may be a separate statement signed by the borrower or may be contained in a loan application or other document signed by the borrower. The lender shall not be required to ascertain that the proceeds of the loan are used in accordance with the statement of intended purposes.

(b) A consumer loan under this section is a loan secured in the manner provided for in this division if it is secured, in whole or in part, by any lien on, security interest in, assignment of, or power of attorney relative to income arising from the operation of a business by the borrower, such as accounts, and chattel paper, including the right to payment for accounts or chattel paper sold by the borrower prior to or contemporaneously with the making of the loan.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1115, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 5 of Ch. 1115.)

article: 1. Definitions


text:
(a) The following sections do not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, or to a duly licensed finance lender in connection with any such loan or loans, if the provisions of this section are not used for the purpose of evading this division: Sections 22154, 22155, 22201, 22202, 22307, 22313, 22314, 22315, 22322, 22323, 22325, 22334, and 22752, and the sections enumerated in subdivision (b).

(b) The following sections do not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more, or to a duly licensed finance lender in connection with any such loan or loans, if the provisions of this section are not used for the purpose of evading this division: Sections 22300, 22305, and 22306, subdivision (a) of Section 22307, and Sections 22309, 22320.5, 22326, 22327, 22400, and 22751.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 3. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2. Exemptions

path: 9. CALIFORNIA FINANCING LAW > 2. Consumer Loans > 2. Exemptions


text:
Any section that refers to this section does not apply to any loan of the bona fide principal amount specified in the regulatory ceiling provision of that section or more if that provision is not used for the purpose of evading this division. In determining under Section 22250, 22303, 22304, or 22304.5 or any section that refers to this section whether a loan is a loan of a bona fide principal amount of the amount specified in that section or more and whether the regulatory ceiling provision of that section is used for the purpose of evading this division, the following principles apply:

(a) If a borrower applies for a loan in a bona fide principal amount of less than the specified amount and a loan to that borrower of a bona fide principal amount of the specified amount or more is made by a licensed finance lender, no adequate economic reason for the increase in the size of the loan exists, and by prearrangement or understanding between the borrower and the licensee a substantial payment is to be made upon the loan with the effect of reducing the bona fide principal amount of the loan to less than the specified amount within a short time after the making of the loan other than by reason of a requirement that the loan be paid in substantially equal periodical installments, then the loan shall not be deemed to be a loan of the bona fide principal amount of the specified amount or more and the regulatory ceiling provisions shall be deemed to be used for the purpose of evading this division unless the loan complies with the other provisions of the section that includes the regulatory ceiling provisions.

(b) If a loan made by a licensed finance lender is in a bona fide principal amount of the specified amount or more, the fact that the transaction is in the form of a sale of accounts, chattel paper, goods, or instruments or a lease of goods, or in the form of an advance on the purchase price of any of the foregoing, shall not be deemed to affect the loan or the bona fides of the amount thereof or to indicate that the regulatory ceiling provisions are used for the purpose of evading this division.

(c) For the purposes of determining whether the loan amount exceeds a regulatory ceiling, the “bona fide principal amount” shall not be comprised of any charges or any other fees or recompense specified in Sections 22200, 22201, 22202, 22305, 22316, 22317, 22318, 22319, 22320, 22320.5, and 22336, or any amounts paid for insurance of the types specified in Sections 22313 and 22314, or any fees paid to a licensee for the privilege of participating in an open-end credit program. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prevent those specified charges, fees, and recompense that have been earned and remain unpaid in an existing loan from being considered as part of the bona fide principal amount of a new loan to refinance that existing loan, provided the new loan is not made for the purpose of circumventing a regulatory ceiling provision. This subdivision is intended to define the meaning of “bona fide principal amount” as used in this division solely for the purposes of determining whether the loan amount exceeds a regulatory ceiling, and is not intended to affect the meaning of “principal” for any other purpose.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 4. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2. Exemptions


text: This chapter does not apply to a program administrator or a PACE solicitor.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 475, Sec. 69. (AB 1284) Effective October 4, 2017.)

article: 2. Exemptions


text: No licensee shall directly or indirectly charge, contract for, or receive any interest or charge of any nature unless a loan is made.

article: 3. Loan Regulations

path: 9. CALIFORNIA FINANCING LAW > 2. Consumer Loans > 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) No licensee shall directly or indirectly charge, contract for, or receive any interest or charge of any nature with respect to a loan of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more unless the loan is made.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), whenever a loan of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more is not consummated because of the borrower’s failure to disclose outstanding liens or other information essential to making the loan or solely because of the borrower’s failure to complete the loan in accordance with the loan application, a licensee may charge, contract for, and receive an amount equal to the actual expenses incurred by the licensee in connection with the preparation for the loan.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Section 1670.5 of the Civil Code applies to the provisions of a loan contract that is subject to this division.

(b) A loan found to be unconscionable pursuant to Section 1670.5 of the Civil Code shall be deemed to be in violation of this division and subject to the remedies specified in this division.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
Every licensee who lends any sum of money may contract for and receive charges at a rate not exceeding the sum of the following:

(a) Two and one-half percent per month on that part of the unpaid principal balance of any loan up to, including, but not in excess of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225).

(b) Two percent per month on that portion of the unpaid principal balance in excess of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225) up to, including, but not in excess of nine hundred dollars ($900).

(c) One and one-half percent per month on that part of the unpaid principal balance in excess of nine hundred dollars ($900) up to, including, but not in excess of one thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($1,650).

(d) One percent per month on any remainder of such unpaid balance in excess of one thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($1,650).

This section does not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
As an alternative to the charges authorized by Section 22303, a licensee may contract for and receive charges at the greater of the following:

(a) A rate not exceeding 1.6 percent per month on the unpaid principal balance.

(b) A rate not exceeding five-sixths of 1 percent per month plus a percentage per month equal to one-twelfth of the annual rate prevailing on the 25th day of the second month of the quarter preceding the quarter in which the loan is made, as established by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, on advances to member banks under Sections 13 and 13a of the Federal Reserve Act, as now in effect or hereafter from time to time amended, or if there is no single determinable rate for advances, the closest counterpart of this rate as shall be determined by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. Charges shall be calculated on the unpaid principal balance.

(c) This section does not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 176. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) For any loan of a bona fide principal amount of at least two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) but less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), as determined in accordance with Section 22251, a finance lender may contract for or receive charges at a rate not exceeding an annual simple interest rate of 36 percent per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate.

(b) As used in this section, “Federal Funds Rate” means the rate published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in its Statistical Release H.15 Selected Interest Rates and in effect as of the first day of the month immediately preceding the month during which the loan is consummated. If the Federal Reserve System ceases publication of the federal funds rate, the commissioner shall designate a substantially equivalent index.

(c) The following rules shall also apply to finance lenders that make loans subject to this section:

(1) The finance lender shall report each borrower’s payment performance to at least one consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis. For purposes of this section, a consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis is one that meets the definition in Section 603(p) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681a(p)).

(A) A finance lender that is licensed under this division prior to January 1, 2020, and that is not approved as a data furnisher prior to January 1, 2020, by at least one of the consumer reporting agencies to which reporting is required pursuant to this section, shall obtain that approval by July 1, 2020, and, once approved, shall report borrower payment performance to that consumer reporting agency in connection with all loans originated under this section on and after January 1, 2020.

(B) A newly licensed finance lender that is not approved as a data furnisher by at least one of the consumer reporting agencies to which reporting is required pursuant to this section shall have up to one calendar year in which to obtain that approval and, once approved, shall report borrower payment performance to that consumer reporting agency in connection with all loans originated under this section on and after the lender’s date of licensure.

(2) Before disbursing loan proceeds to a borrower, the finance lender shall either offer the borrower a credit education program or seminar that has previously been reviewed and approved by the commissioner for use in complying with this section or offer the borrower a credit education program or seminar provided by an independent third party, which has previously been reviewed and approved by the commissioner for use in complying with this section. A credit education program or seminar may be provided in writing, electronically, or orally, but, if provided orally, shall be accompanied by written or electronic materials that a prospective borrower can retain or access following the conclusion of the program or seminar.

(3) To be eligible for approval by the commissioner for use in complying with this section, a credit education program or seminar shall, at a minimum, cover all of the following topics regarding credit scores and credit reports provided by consumer reporting agencies described in paragraph (1):

(A) The value of establishing a credit score.

(B) Ways to establish a credit score.

(C) Ways to improve a credit score.

(D) Factors that impact a credit score.

(E) Ways to check one’s credit score.

(F) Ways to obtain a free copy of one’s credit report.

(G) Ways to dispute an error in one’s credit report.

(4) A credit education program or seminar offered pursuant to this section shall be offered at no cost to the borrower.

(5) A borrower shall not be required to participate in a credit education program or seminar offered by a lender or independent third party.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 5. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: In addition to the charges authorized by Section 22303, 22304, or 22304.5, a licensee may contract for and receive an administrative fee, which shall be fully earned immediately upon making the loan, with respect to a loan of a bona fide principal amount of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) at a rate not in excess of 5 percent of the principal amount (exclusive of the administrative fee) or fifty dollars ($50), whichever is less, and with respect to a loan of a bona fide principal amount in excess of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), at an amount not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75). No administrative fee may be contracted for or received in connection with the refinancing of a loan unless at least one year has elapsed since the receipt of a previous administrative fee paid by the borrower. Only one administrative fee may be contracted for or received until the loan has been repaid in full. For purposes of this section, “bona fide principal amount” shall be determined in accordance with Section 22251.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 6. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No amount in excess of that allowed by this article shall be directly or indirectly charged, contracted for, or received by any person, and the total charges of the finance lender and broker and any other person in the aggregate shall not exceed the maximum rate provided for in this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Except as provided in Section 22305 and Article 4 (commencing with Section 22400), all charges on loans made under this division shall be computed and paid only as a percentage per month of the unpaid principal balance or portions thereof, and shall be so expressed in every obligation signed by the borrower. The charges on loans shall be computed on the basis of the number of days actually elapsed. For the purpose of these computations, a month is any period of 30 consecutive days.

(b) The loan contract shall provide for payment of the aggregate amount contracted to be paid in substantially equal periodical installments, the first of which shall be due not less than 15 days nor more than one month and 15 days from the date the loan is made. This subdivision shall not apply to a loan made to a graduate student at an accredited college or university while the student is actively pursuing a study program leading to a postbaccalaureate degree, or to a student loan made by an eligible lender under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1070 et seq.), or to a student loan made pursuant to the Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 294 et seq.).

(c) This section shall not apply to open-end loans.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: A licensee shall not charge, impose, or receive any penalty for the prepayment of a loan. This section does not apply to a loan secured by real property.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 7. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: Notwithstanding Section 22307, a licensee may contract for and receive charges on the unpaid principal balance at a single annual percentage rate, applied on the basis of the number of days actually elapsed, if the annual rate would produce a finance charge at the maturity of the contract not in excess of the finance charge resulting from the application of the graduated rates specified in Section 22303, when the loan is paid according to its terms, and charges are computed on the basis that a month is any period of 30 consecutive days, as provided in Section 22307; provided, however, that if prepayment in full occurs on or before the third installment date, all charges shall be recomputed as a percentage per month of the unpaid principal balance or portions thereof, based on the number of days actually elapsed.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: Except as provided in Section 22305 and Article 4 (commencing with Section 22400), no charges on loans made pursuant to this division shall be paid, deducted, or received in advance, or compounded. However, if part or all of the consideration for a new loan contract is the unpaid balance of a prior loan, the principal amount payable under the new loan contract may include any unpaid interest that has accrued on the prior loan. The unpaid principal balance of a precomputed loan is the balance due after refund or credit of unearned interest as provided in Section 22400. At the time of making the loan, the licensee shall deliver to the borrower, or, at the direction of the borrower, deliver to another person, an amount equal to the face value of the loan and the note evidencing the loan.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Except for a rebate or refund pursuant to any administrative, civil, or criminal action, or any act of the commissioner, a rebate or refund required to be made upon payment in full of a loan pursuant to this division need not be made if the aggregate of all rebates or refunds required in connection with a loan is less than one dollar ($1).

(b) No licensee shall contract for or receive any payment required in connection with a loan for the purpose of avoiding a rebate or refund of less than one dollar ($1).

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No person in connection with or incidental to the making of any loan regulated by this division may require the borrower to contract for purchase, or agree to purchase, any other thing in connection with the loan. A policy of insurance of the type specified in Section 22313 and credit life and disability insurance is not prohibited by this section. A policy of insurance of the type defined by subdivision (a) of Section 12640.02 of the Insurance Code shall not be deemed to be a collateral sale, purchase, or agreement within the terms of this section or of Section 22201 or 22312.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No person in connection with or incidental to the making of a loan shall require the borrower to enter into any collateral sales agreements or contracts, other than the contract of pledge, assignment, or mortgage or personal property, or if otherwise permitted by this division, the deed of trust, mortgage, or lien on real property, by the borrower to the lender as security for the repayment of the loan and charges on the loan. Insurance of the type specified in Section 22313, credit life insurance, and credit disability insurance are not prohibited by this section.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
Insurance on tangible personal or real property offered as security shall not be deemed to be a collateral sale, purchase, or agreement within the terms of Section 22201, 22311, or 22312, when all the following requirements are met:

(a) The insurance is sold at standard rates through licensed insurance brokers or agents.

(b) The policy is written to cover the property that is offered as security for a loan.

(c) The property is reasonably insured against loss for a reasonable term, which may be up to the term of the loan.

(d) The policy relating to personal property is made payable to the borrower or any member of his or her family even though the customary mortgagee clause is attached or the mortgagee is a coassured.

(e) Except in the case of purchase money encumbrances, the amount of title insurance shall not exceed the principal amount of the loan that is secured by a deed of trust, mortgage, or lien on the real property that is the subject of the policy of title insurance.

(f) The policy of title insurance insures the lender or is made payable jointly to the lender and the borrower as their interests may appear.

(g) Title insurance is placed through a title insurance company, duly authorized to do business in the state in which the real property is located, at rates comparable to rates being used by other title insurance companies duly authorized to do business in that state.

(h) Title insurance is placed in connection with the renewal or extension of a loan only when the additional cash advance is at least one thousand dollars ($1,000).

This section does not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, or to a duly licensed finance lender in connection with any such loan or loans as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Credit insurance shall not be deemed to be a collateral sale, purchase, or agreement within the terms of Section 22201, 22311, or 22312 when the insurance is provided in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Code and this section. As used in this division:

(1) “Credit insurance” means credit life, disability, and loss-of-income insurance, or any combination of these coverages.

(2) “Credit life insurance” and “credit disability insurance” have the same meanings as defined in Section 779.2 of the Insurance Code.

(3) “Credit loss-of-income insurance” means insurance issued to provide indemnity for payments becoming due on a specific loan or other credit transaction while the debtor is involuntarily unemployed, as defined in the policy.

(b) A licensee may provide credit insurance with the borrower’s consent, the form to be approved by the Insurance Commissioner, and a copy, together with evidence of its approval by the Insurance Commissioner, and a copy of the schedule of rates together with evidence of its approval by the Insurance Commissioner, to be filed with the commissioner prior to the offer or sale of the credit insurance and in an amount not in excess of the amount of the indebtedness, and, with respect to credit life or disability insurance, may collect from the borrower an amount not in excess of that permitted by or pursuant to Section 779.36 of the Insurance Code.

(c) If the loan is prepaid in full by cash, a new loan, refinancing, or otherwise (except by that insurance) before the final installment date, the borrower shall receive a rebate of that amount computed in accordance with the formula approved by the Insurance Commissioner pursuant to Section 779.14 of the Insurance Code.

(d) When charges for the loan are precomputed in accordance with Section 22400, any permitted deferment charge may be computed on the combined total of the precomputed charge and the credit insurance charge. Only one deferment charge may be collected in connection with any loan contract, irrespective of the number of borrowers, and only one borrower need be insured. The amount of the deferment charge may be deducted from the principal of the loan.

(e) If life or disability insurance is provided, and if the insured borrower dies or becomes disabled during the term of the loan contract, the insurance shall be sufficient to pay the total amount due on the loan, excluding unearned charges, outstanding on the date of death, or all amounts that become due on the loan during the period of disability, as the case may be, without any exception, reservation, or limitation, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 22315.

(f) Any credit insurance provided shall be in force as soon as the loan is made. A licensee shall not require credit insurance as a condition of making a loan.

(g) If a borrower procures credit insurance by or through a licensee, the statement required by Section 22338 shall disclose the cost of the credit insurance to the borrower, and the licensee shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the borrower a copy of the policy, certificate, or other evidence thereof, within a reasonable time. In the event a licensee provides credit disability or loss-of-income insurance pursuant to this division, the licensee shall also deliver an understandable written statement to the borrower detailing the conditions under which the borrower will be entitled to make a claim under the insurance policy and the procedure to be followed in making the claim. This statement shall be first approved by the Insurance Commissioner.

(h) The amount charged to the borrower for credit life or disability insurance shall not exceed the amount established by or pursuant to Section 779.36 of the Insurance Code.

(i) Nothing in this article shall prevent a licensee from selling insurance as other business if authorized by Section 22154.

This section does not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, or to a duly licensed finance lender in connection with any such loan or loans as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 107, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Credit disability insurance written pursuant to Section 22314 shall not provide indemnity against the risk that the borrower will become disabled for a period of less than 14 days. The insurance may provide indemnity for any single period of continuous disability of 14 days or longer, after which the risk may become compensable. The insurance may be offered with retroactive coverage to an earlier date based upon the disability having continued for a period stated in the policy, but if insurance with retroactive coverage is offered, it shall also be offered without retroactive coverage, and the premium rate for each coverage shall be separately stated in writing to the borrower.

(b) If insurance with retroactive coverage is provided, the coverage shall provide for a prorated payment based upon the fraction of the month during which the insured is disabled, provided that the insured is continuously disabled during the waiting period set forth in the policy. If insurance without retroactive coverage is provided, the coverage shall provide for a prorated payment based upon the fraction of the month during which the insured is disabled, after first excluding the elimination period set forth in the policy. For the purpose of this subdivision, a month is any period of 30 consecutive days.

(c) Credit disability insurance, if made available by a licensee, shall be available on a monthly or annual premium basis, and the premium by the month shall not exceed a pro rata relationship to the annual premium. Credit disability insurance need not be offered for a period less than the term of the loan to which it is applicable, and no credit disability insurance shall be written for a period in excess of the term of the loan to which it is applicable.

(d) The monthly disability benefit payable with respect to an open-end loan shall not exceed the monthly payment computed pursuant to Section 22453 on the outstanding balance at the time disability is incurred.

This section does not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: A licensee may collect the cost of a lot book report purchased in lieu of the title insurance provided for in Section 22313. The cost is not included in charges as defined in this division or in determining the maximum charges that may be made under this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: On any loan made that is secured by real property, an appraisal fee not to exceed the actual cost of the appraisal may be charged by the licensee if a written appraisal is provided to the licensee by a qualified appraiser. Only one fee for appraising the same real property may be collected unless the borrower has obtained a new or additional loan and more than one year has elapsed since the prior appraisal. The fee is not included in charges as defined in this division or in determining the maximum charges that may be made under this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) A licensee may collect a fee for use of an automated valuation model result prepared by a third party not to exceed the actual cost paid to the third party for a written automated valuation model result in lieu of the appraisal provided for in Section 22317. The borrower shall not be charged for both an automated valuation model result and an appraisal as defined in Section 22317 for the same property in a single transaction. Only one fee for providing an automated valuation model result or an appraisal for the same real property may be collected unless the borrower has obtained a new or additional loan and more than one year has elapsed since the prior delivery of an automated valuation model result or an appraisal. However, if a fee for an automated valuation model result has been paid, an appraisal fee minus the amount that has been paid by the borrower for the automated valuation model result may be charged for an appraisal for the same real property within one year if the borrower has obtained a new or additional loan. The fee is not included in charges as defined in this division or in determining the maximum charges that may be made under this article.

(b) A licensee in a loan transaction secured by real property shall provide notice as described in this section to a borrower of the borrower’s right to receive a copy of the automated valuation model result, provided he or she has paid a fee for the automated valuation model result. A borrower’s written request for a copy of an automated valuation model result shall be received by the licensee no later than 90 days after (1) the licensee has provided notice of the action taken on the application, including a notice of incompleteness, or (2) the application has been withdrawn.

(c) The licensee shall mail or deliver a copy of an automated valuation model result within 15 days after receiving a written request from the borrower, or within 15 days after receiving the automated valuation model result, whichever occurs later.

(d) Where the loan is proposed to be secured by real property, the notice of the borrower’s right to a copy of the automated valuation model result shall be given in at least 10-point boldface type, as a separate document in a form that the borrower may retain, and no later than 15 days after the licensee receives the written application. The notice shall specify that the borrower’s request for the automated valuation model result must be in writing and must be received by the licensee no later than 90 days after the licensee provides notice of the action taken on the application or a notice of incompleteness, or in the case of a withdrawn application, 90 days after the withdrawal. The notice shall also include the following statement: “An automated valuation model is not an appraisal. It is a computerized property valuation system that is used to derive a real property value.” An address to which the request should be sent shall be specified in the notice. Release of the automated valuation model result to the borrower may be conditioned upon payment of the fee.

(e) This section does not apply to automated valuation model results obtained by licensees on property owned by the licensee, nor to automated valuation model results obtained by the licensee in anticipation of modifying any existing loan agreement if the licensee does not charge for the use of the automated valuation model result.

(f) For purposes of this section, an “automated valuation model” is a computerized property valuation system that is used to derive a real property value.

(g) Nothing in this section authorizes the use of an automated valuation model result in lieu of an appraisal that is required under state or federal law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 356, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
On any loan secured by real property, a licensee may not do either of the following:

(a) Fail to disburse funds in accordance with a commitment to make a loan that is accepted by the applicant.

(b) Intentionally delay the closing of a loan for the sole purpose of increasing interest, costs, fees, or charges payable by the borrower.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 940, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: On any loan made that is secured by real property, an escrow fee of a reasonable amount may be charged. The fee shall be considered reasonable when paid to a company licensed to do business under the Escrow Law (Division 6 (commencing with Section 17000)), or any person exempted by the Escrow Law, provided that the fees are comparable to fees charged by escrow companies authorized to do business in this state. The fee is not included in charges defined in this division in determining the applicable maximum charges that may be made under this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: On any loan that is secured by real property, the fee to be paid to the trustee for reconveyance of the trust deed may be collected by the licensee for transmittal to the trustee. The fee is not included in charges defined in this division or in determining the applicable maximum charges that may be made under this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: With respect to a loan under this division, a fee not to exceed fifteen dollars ($15) for the return by a depository institution of a dishonored check, negotiable order of withdrawal, or share draft may be charged and collected by the licensee. The fee is not included in charges defined in this division or in determining the applicable maximum charges that may be made under this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) A licensee may contract for and receive a delinquency fee not in excess of one of the following amounts:

(1) For a period in default of not less than 10 days, an amount not in excess of ten dollars ($10).

(2) For a period in default of not less than 15 days, an amount not in excess of fifteen dollars ($15).

(b) The delinquency fee may not be collected more than once for the same default and may be collected at the time of the default or at any time thereafter. If the delinquency fee is deducted from any payment received after default occurs, and the deduction results in the default of a subsequent installment, no fee may be collected for the resulting default. The delinquency fee under this section is not included in charges defined in this division or in determining applicable maximum charges that may be made under this article.

(c) For open-end loans made under Article 5 (commencing with Section 22450), a licensee shall not collect or receive the delinquency fee set forth in subdivision (a) unless there is a minimum of 20 days, inclusive, between the monthly billing date and the date upon which the minimum payment is due, exclusive of the applicable grace period provided in subdivision (a).

(d) This section shall not apply to precomputed loans as described in Section 22400.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 104, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
If credit loss-of-income insurance is provided pursuant to this division, it shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) The insurance shall provide indemnity in accordance with the terms of the policy after any single period of continuous unemployment of 45 days or less as determined by the policy, after which benefits shall commence. The insurance may be offered with retroactive coverage to an earlier date based upon unemployment having continued for the period stated in the policy.

(b) The statement required by Section 22337 shall include disclosure of the term of the coverage, the conditions of coverage, the benefits to be paid, and the exclusions from coverage.

(c) The borrower shall sign a certificate of voluntary acceptance of any credit loss-of-income insurance purchased. The certificate shall state in boldface type that is larger than the type used in the loan contract that purchase of the insurance is not a necessary condition of receiving the loan, and that the insurance may be canceled by the borrower at any time within 15 days after it goes into effect. If the borrower cancels the insurance within 15 days, a full refund shall be made of the premium paid.

(d) The minimum benefit shall be payment up to the agreed amount on not less than four benefit payments, as stated in the policy, which accrue during a covered period of unemployment, except that during the first 60 days after inception of the policy, the minimum benefit may be payment up to the agreed amount of one-half the number of benefit payments, as stated in the policy, which accrue during a covered period of unemployment. The maximum benefits shall be established in the contract of insurance.

(e) If combination credit disability and credit loss-of-income coverage is offered, credit disability and credit loss-of-income coverage shall also be offered separately.

(f) Benefits may not be denied because the insured cannot establish a valid claim for unemployment compensation benefits under Part 1 (commencing with Section 100) of Division 1 of the Unemployment Insurance Code solely because the former employer was not required to contribute to the State Unemployment Fund.

(g) If insurance with retroactive coverage is provided, the coverage shall provide for a prorated payment based upon the fraction of the month during which the insured is unemployed, provided that the insured is continuously unemployed during the waiting period set forth in the policy. If insurance without retroactive coverage is provided, the coverage shall provide for a prorated payment based upon the fraction of the month during which the insured is unemployed, after first excluding the elimination period set forth in the policy. For the purpose of this subdivision, a month is any period of 30 consecutive days.

(h) When unemployment continues for a number of months equal to or greater than the maximum number of benefit payments stated in the policy, the final payment shall be equal to the difference between a benefit payment and the initial prorated payment.

(i) As used in this section, “benefit payment” means payment of an amount equal to a loan repayment installment or a maximum amount established in the contract of insurance, whichever is less.

(j) The minimum benefit payment offered may not be less than the amount of a loan repayment installment unless the borrower or borrowers have two or more sources of income. If the maximum benefit payment offered is less than the amount of a loan repayment installment, the borrower shall also be offered coverage in which the maximum benefit payment is equal to the amount of a loan repayment installment.

This section does not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, or to a duly licensed finance lender in connection with any such loan or loans as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: A loan lawfully made outside the state may be enforced in this state as to the unpaid principal balance of the loan together with the interest, consideration, brokerage, and all other charges, to the extent of but not to exceed the unpaid principal balance and the aggregate amount of interest, consideration, brokerage, and all other charges permitted by this division in connection with a loan of the same amount made within this state.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: Any person who collects or attempts to collect in this state the unpaid principal balance of a loan made outside the state and a greater aggregate amount of interest, consideration, brokerage, and all other charges in connection with the loan than is permitted by this division in connection with a loan of the same amount made within this state, is subject to the provisions of this division.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: Any person who contracts for or negotiates in this state a loan to be made outside the state for the purpose of evading or avoiding the provisions of this division is subject to the provisions of this division.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: Every licensee shall display prominently in each licensed place of business a full and accurate schedule of the charges to be made and the method of computing the charges. The schedule is subject to the approval of the commissioner.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No person, except as authorized by this division, shall directly or indirectly charge, contract for, or receive any interest, discount, or consideration greater than the lender would be permitted by law to charge if he or she were not a licensee hereunder, upon the loan, use, or forbearance of money, goods, or things in action, or upon the loan, use, or sale of credit. This section applies to any person, who by any device, subterfuge, or pretense charges, contracts for, or receives greater interest, consideration, or charges than is authorized by this division for any loan, use, or forbearance of money, goods, or things in action or for any loan, use, or sale of credit.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No licensee shall knowingly induce any borrower to split up or divide any loan with any other licensee. No licensee shall induce or permit any borrower to be or to become obligated directly or indirectly, or both, under more than one contract of loan at the same time with the same licensee for the purpose or with the result of obtaining a higher rate of charge than would otherwise be permitted by this article, except as otherwise required by the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1691 et seq.; Public Law 93-495) and Regulation B promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12 C.F.R. 202 et seq.). For the purpose of this section, “borrower” includes any spouses, whether jointly or severally obligated.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 50, Sec. 40. (SB 1005) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) This section applies to a loan secured in whole or in part by a lien on a motor vehicle as defined by subdivision (k) of Section 2981 of the Civil Code.

(b) Any provision in any loan contract to the contrary notwithstanding, at least 15 days’ written notice of intent to dispose of a repossessed or surrendered motor vehicle must be given to all persons liable on the loan. The notice shall be personally served or shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or first-class mail, postage prepaid, directed to the last known address of the persons liable on the loan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2983.8 of the Civil Code, those persons shall be liable for any deficiency after disposition of the repossessed or surrendered motor vehicle only if the notice prescribed by this section is given within 60 days of repossession or surrender and does all of the following:

(1) States that those persons shall have a right to redeem the motor vehicle by paying in full the indebtedness evidenced by the loan note until the expiration of 15 days from the date of giving or mailing the notice, provides an itemization of the loan balance and of any costs and fees authorized by this division, and states the computation or estimate of the amount of any credit for unearned finance charges or canceled insurance as of the date of the notice.

(2) States either that there is a conditional right to reinstate the loan until the expiration of 15 days from the date of giving or mailing the notice and all the conditions precedent thereto or that there is no right of reinstatement and provides a statement of reasons therefor.

(3) States that, upon written request, the licensee shall extend for an additional 10 days the redemption period or, if entitled to the conditional right of reinstatement, both the redemption and reinstatement periods. The licensee shall provide the proper form for applying for these extensions with the substance of the form being limited to the extension request, spaces for the requesting party to sign and date the form, and instructions that it must be personally served or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to a person or office and address designated by the licensee and received before the expiration of the initial redemption and reinstatement periods.

(4) Discloses the place at which the motor vehicle will be returned to the persons liable on the loan upon redemption or reinstatement.

(5) Designates the name and address of the person or office to whom payment shall be made.

(6) States the licensee’s intent to dispose of the motor vehicle upon the expiration of 15 days from the date of giving or mailing the notice, or if by mail and either the place of deposit in the mail or the place of address is outside of this state, the period shall be 20 days instead of 15 days, and further, that upon written request to extend the redemption period and any applicable reinstatement period for 10 days, the licensee shall, without further notice, extend the period accordingly.

(7) Informs the persons liable on the loan that, upon written request, the licensee shall furnish a written accounting regarding the disposition of the motor vehicle as provided for in subdivision (c). The licensee shall advise them that the request must be personally served or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or certified mail, return receipt requested, to a person or office and address designated by the licensee.

(8) Includes a notice, in at least 10-point bold type if the notice is printed, reading as follows:

“NOTICE: YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO SUIT AND LIABILITY IF THE AMOUNT OBTAINED UPON DISPOSITION OF THE VEHICLE IS INSUFFICIENT TO PAY THE LOAN BALANCE AND ANY OTHER AMOUNTS DUE.”

(c) Unless automatically provided to the borrower within 45 days after the disposition of the motor vehicle, the licensee shall provide a written accounting regarding the disposition to any person liable on the loan within 45 days after their written request, if the request is made within one year after the disposition. The accounting shall itemize:

(1) The gross proceeds of the disposition.

(2) The reasonable and necessary costs and fees authorized by this division incurred in repossessing the motor vehicle.

(3) The satisfaction of indebtedness secured by any subordinate lien or encumbrance on the motor vehicle if written notification of demand therefor is received before distribution of the proceeds is completed. If requested by the licensee, the holder of a subordinate lien or encumbrance shall seasonably furnish reasonable proof of its interest, and unless it does so, the seller or holder need not comply with its demand.

(d) In all sales that result in a surplus, the licensee shall furnish an accounting as provided in subdivision (c) whether or not requested by the borrower. The surplus shall be returned to the borrower within 45 days after the sale is conducted.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) This section applies to a loan secured in whole or in part by a lien on a motor vehicle as defined by subdivision (k) of Section 2981 of the Civil Code.

(b) (1) In the absence of default in the performance of any of the borrower’s obligations under the loan, the licensee may not accelerate the maturity of any part or all of the amount due thereunder or repossess the motor vehicle.

(2) Neither the act of filing a petition commencing a case for bankruptcy under Title 11 of the United States Code by the borrower or other person liable on the loan nor the status of either of those persons as a debtor in bankruptcy constitutes a default in the performance of any of the borrower’s obligations under the loan, and neither may be used as a basis for accelerating the maturity of any part or all of the amount due under the loan or for repossessing the motor vehicle. A provision of a contract that states that the act of filing a petition commencing a case for bankruptcy under Title 11 of the United States Code by the buyer or other individual liable on the contract or the status of either of those persons as a debtor in bankruptcy is a default is void and unenforceable.

(c) If, after default by the borrower, the licensee repossesses or voluntarily accepts surrender of the motor vehicle, any person liable on the loan shall have a right to reinstate the loan and the licensee shall not accelerate the maturity of any part or all of the loan prior to the expiration of the right to reinstate, unless the licensee reasonably and in good faith determines that:

(1) The borrower or any other person liable on the loan by omission or commission intentionally provided false or misleading information of material importance on their credit application.

(2) The borrower or any other person liable on the loan has concealed the motor vehicle or removed it from the state in order to avoid repossession.

(3) The borrower or any other person liable on the loan has committed or threatens to commit acts of destruction, or has failed to take care of the motor vehicle in a reasonable manner, so that the motor vehicle has or may become substantially impaired in value.

(d) Exercise of the right to reinstate the loan shall be limited to once in any 12-month period and twice during the term of the loan.

(e) The provisions of this subdivision shall govern the method by which a loan shall be reinstated with respect to curing events of default that were grounds for repossession or that occurred subsequent to repossession.

(1) When the default is the result of the borrower’s failure to make any payment due under the loan, the borrower or any other person liable on the loan shall make the defaulted payments and pay any applicable delinquency charges.

(2) When the default is the result of the borrower’s failure to keep and maintain the motor vehicle free from all encumbrances and liens of every kind, the borrower or any person liable on the loan shall either satisfy all the encumbrances and liens or, in the event the licensee satisfies the encumbrances and liens, the borrower or any other person liable on the loan shall reimburse the licensee for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred therefor.

(3) When the default is the result of the borrower’s failure to keep and maintain insurance on the motor vehicle, the borrower or any other person liable on the loan shall either obtain the insurance or, in the event the licensee has obtained the insurance, the borrower or any other person liable on the loan shall reimburse the licensee for premiums paid and all reasonable costs and expenses incurred therefor.

(4) When the default is the result of the borrower’s failure to perform any other obligation under the loan, unless the licensee has made a good faith determination that the default is so substantial as to be incurable, the borrower or any other person liable on the loan shall reimburse the licensee for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred therefor.

(5) Additionally, the borrower or any other person liable on the loan shall reimburse the licensee for actual and necessary fees in an amount not exceeding the amount specified in subdivision (e) of Section 22202 paid in connection with the repossession of a motor vehicle to a repossession agency licensed pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, and actual fees in conformity with Sections 26751 and 41612 of the Government Code in an amount not exceeding the amount specified in those sections of the Government Code.

(f) If the licensee denies the right to reinstatement under subdivision (c) or paragraph (4) of subdivision (e), the licensee shall have the burden of proof that the denial was justified in that it was reasonable and made in good faith. If the licensee fails to sustain the burden of proof, the licensee shall not be entitled to a deficiency.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 716, Sec. 7. (SB 1099) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: A licensee, or the agent of a licensee, that has received a notice pursuant to Section 7507.6 of the Business and Professions Code, shall not make a subsequent assignment to skip trace, locate, or repossess the vehicle without simultaneously, and in the same manner by which the assignment is given, advising the assignee of the assignment of the information contained in the notice. As used in this section, “assignment” has the same meaning set forth in Section 7500.1 of the Business and Professions Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 192, Sec. 8. Effective September 7, 2007.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No licensee shall take a deed of trust, mortgage, or lien upon real property as security for any loan made under this division, except any lien as is created by law upon the recording of an abstract of judgment. This section shall not apply to any loan of a bona fide principal amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more as determined in accordance with Section 22251.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 347, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No licensee shall take any confession of judgment or any power of attorney, except a power of attorney taken to effectuate the transfer of the ownership of any motor vehicle or mobilehome at the time of making the loan.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No licensee shall take any note or promise to pay that does not accurately disclose the actual amount of the loan, the time for which it is made, and the agreed rate of charge or the annual percentage rate pursuant to Regulation Z promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 64, Sec. 18. (AB 2742) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: No licensee shall take any instrument in which blanks are left to be filled in after execution.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1115, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 5 of Ch. 1115.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a licensee shall not enter into any contract for a loan that provides for a scheduled repayment of principal over more than the maximum terms set forth below opposite the respective size of loans.Principal amount of loanMaximum termLess than $500 24 months and 15 days$500 but less than $1,500 36 months and 15 days$1,500 but less than $3,000 48 months and 15 days$3,000 but less than $10,000 60 months and 15 days(b) The maximum loan term of 60 months and 15 days does not apply to a loan secured by real property of a bona fide principal amount of at least five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(c) A licensee shall not enter into any contract for a loan that provides for a scheduled repayment of principal that is less than 12 months. This subdivision applies to a loan of a bona fide principal amount of at least two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), but less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

(d) This section does not apply to an open-end loan, a student loan made by an eligible lender under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1070 et seq.), or a student loan made pursuant to the Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 294 et seq.).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 708, Sec. 8. (AB 539) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
The payment by any person in money, credit, goods, or things in action as consideration for any sale or assignment of, or order for, the payment of wages, salary, commissions, or other compensation for services, whether earned or to be earned, is, for the purposes of regulation under this division, a loan secured by the assignment. The amount by which the assigned compensation exceeds the amount of the consideration actually paid is interest and charges upon or for the loan, calculated from the date of payment to the date the compensation is payable.

This section shall not be construed as modifying or affecting existing statutes governing wage assignments in the state, or as authorizing those assignments.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
This article does not prohibit any licensee from contracting for, collecting, or receiving the following:

(a) The statutory fee paid by the licensee to any public officer for acknowledging, filing, recording, or releasing in any public office any instrument securing the loan or executed in connection with the loan.

(b) Premiums paid by the licensee of the kind and to the extent described in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Section 226.4 of Regulation Z promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12 C.F.R. 226).

These amounts are not included in determining the maximum charges which may be made under this article.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
Each licensed finance lender shall:

(a) Deliver or cause to be delivered to the borrower, or any one thereof, at the time the loan is made, a statement showing in clear and distinct terms the name, address, and license number of the finance lender and the broker, if any. The statement shall show the date, amount, and maturity of the loan contract, how and when repayable, the nature of the security for the loan, if any, and the agreed rate of charge or the annual percentage rate pursuant to Regulation Z promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (12 C.F.R. 1026).

(b) Obtain from the borrower a signed statement as to whether any person has performed any act as a broker in connection with the making of the loan. If the statement discloses that a broker or other person has participated, then the finance lender shall obtain a full statement of all sums paid or payable to the broker or other person. The finance lender shall keep these statements for a period of three years from and after the date the loan has been paid in full, or has matured according to its terms, or has been charged off.

(c) Permit payment to be made in advance in any amount on any contract of loan at any time. The licensee may apply the payment first to any agreed prepayment penalty, then to all charges due, including charges at the agreed rate or rates up to the date of payment, not to exceed the applicable maximum rate permitted by this article.

(d) Deliver or cause to be delivered to the person making any cash payment, or to the person who requests a receipt at the time of making any payment, at the time payment is made on account of any loan, a plain and complete receipt showing the total amount received and identifying the loan contract upon which the payment is applied.

(e) Upon repayment of any loan in full, release all security for the loan, endorse and return any certificate of ownership, and cancel or plainly mark “paid” and return to the borrower or person making final payment, any note, mortgage, security agreement, trust deed, assignment, or order signed by the borrower, or an optical image reproduction thereof, except those documents that are a part of the court record in any action, or that have been delivered to a third person for the purpose of carrying out their terms, or a security agreement that secures any other indebtedness of a borrower to the licensee, or original documents otherwise required by law. When a trust deed on real property has been taken as security for a loan that has been subsequently paid in full, a duly executed request for reconveyance shall be delivered to the trustor or trustee for the purpose of recording a reconveyance. A termination statement, furnished to the borrower as provided for in Sections 9512 and 9513 of the Commercial Code, shall be deemed a release of the security when a financing statement has been filed pursuant to Section 9501 of the Commercial Code.

For purposes of this subdivision, an optical image reproduction shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) The optical image storage media used to store the document shall be nonerasable write once, read many (WORM) optical image media that does not allow changes to the stored document.

(2) The optical image reproduction shall be made consistent with the minimum standards of quality approved by either the National Institute of Standards and Technology or the Association for Information and Image Management.

(3) Written authentication identifying the optical image reproduction as an exact unaltered copy of the note, trust deed, mortgage, security agreement, assignment or order shall be stamped or printed on the optical image reproduction.

(f) Deliver or cause to be delivered to the potential borrower, or any one thereof, at the time the licensee first requires or accepts any signed instrument or the payment of any fee, a statement showing in clear and distinct terms the name, address, and license number of the finance lender and the broker, if any.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 64, Sec. 19. (AB 2742) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
Each licensed broker shall:

(a) Deliver to the borrower, or any one thereof, at the time the final negotiation or arrangement is made, a statement showing in clear and distinct terms the name, address, and license number of the broker and the finance lender. The statement shall show the date, amount, and terms of the agreement with the broker, and all amounts paid or to be paid to the broker and to any person other than the finance lender.

(b) Deliver to the finance lender making the loan a copy of the statement referred to and described in subdivision (a).

(c) Deliver to the person making any payment to the broker to be retained by the broker, a plain and complete receipt for each payment made, at the time it is made, showing the total amount received, and identifying the brokerage agreement and the loan contract upon which the payment is applied. If the payment is made by a person other than the finance lender, a copy of the receipt shall be delivered to the finance lender.

(d) When the borrower pays the loan in full, ensure that the finance lender fully complies with subdivision (e) of Section 22337.

(e) Deliver to the potential borrower or borrowers, at the time the licensee first requires or accepts any signed instrument or the payment of any fee, a statement showing in clear and distinct terms the name, address, and license number of the broker and finance lender.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to deny to any licensee hereunder the right of taking and using a security agreement that, in addition to securing an original obligation, may secure the repayment of sums that may be advanced to, or expenditures that may be made at the direction of, the borrower subsequent to the execution of the security agreement and prior to the satisfaction thereof.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) A licensee may sell promissory notes evidencing the obligation to repay loans made by the licensee pursuant to this division or evidencing the obligation to repay loans purchased from and made by another licensee pursuant to this division to institutional investors, and may make agreements with institutional investors for the collection of payments or the performance of services with respect to those notes.

(b) For the purpose of this section, “institutional investor” means the following:

(1) The United States or any state, district, territory, or commonwealth thereof, or any city, county, city and county, public district, public authority, public corporation, public entity, or political subdivision of a state, district, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or any agency or other instrumentality of any one or more of the foregoing.

(2) A bank, trust company, savings bank or savings and loan association, credit union, industrial bank or industrial loan company, finance lender, residential mortgage lender, or insurance company doing business under the authority of and in accordance with a license, certificate, or charter issued by the United States or any state, district, territory, or commonwealth of the United States.

(3) Trustees of pension, profit sharing, or welfare funds, if the pension, profit sharing, or welfare fund has a net worth of not less than fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000), except pension, profit sharing, or welfare funds of a licensee or its affiliate, self-employed individual retirement plans, or individual retirement accounts.

(4) A corporation with outstanding securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation; provided, however, that the purchaser represents that it is purchasing for its own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of the promissory note.

(5) A syndication or other combination of any of the foregoing that is organized to purchase the promissory note.

(6) A trust or other business entity established by an institutional investor for the purpose of issuing or facilitating the issuance of undivided interests in, the right to receive payments from, or that are payable primarily from, a pool of financial assets held by the trust or business entity if all of the following apply:

(A) The business entity is not a sole proprietorship.

(B) The pool of assets consists of one or more of the following:

(i) Interest bearing obligations.

(ii) Other contractual obligations representing the right to receive payments from the assets.

(iii) Surety bonds, insurance policies, letters of credit, or other instruments providing credit enhancements for these assets.

(C) The interests will be either of the following:

(i) Rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. “Investment grade” means that the securities will be rated by Standard & Poor’s Corporation as AAA, AA, A, or BBB, or by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc., as Aaa, Aa, A, or Baa, including a rating with a “+” or “–” designation or other variations that occur within these ratings.

(ii) Sold to an institutional investor as otherwise defined in this section.

(D) The offer and sale of the securities is qualified under the Corporate Securities Law of 1968 (Division 1 (commencing with Section 25000) of Title 4 of the Corporations Code) or is registered under federal securities laws, or is exempt from qualification or registration.

(c) In the absence of agreement to the contrary by the licensee and the institutional investor, all payments received from the collection of payments shall be deposited and maintained in a trust account, and shall be disbursed from the trust account only in accordance with the instructions of the owner of the promissory note.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 672, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) A licensee that is a finance lender may sell to (1) an institutional lender, or (2) an institutional investor described in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 22340, promissory notes evidencing the obligation to repay federally related mortgage loans, as defined in Section 1024.2 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations, purchased from and made by an institutional lender, and may make agreements for the collection of payments and performance of services with respect to those notes. For purposes of this section, “institutional lender” means any bank, trust company, savings bank or savings and loan association, credit union, industrial loan company or residential mortgage lender doing business under the authority of and in accordance with a license, certificate or charter issued by the United States or this state.

(b) In the absence of agreement to the contrary by the licensee and the institutional investor or institutional lender, all payments received from the collection of payments shall be deposited and maintained in a trust account, and shall be disbursed from the trust account only in accordance with the instructions of the owner of the promissory note.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 64, Sec. 20. (AB 2742) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) No licensee may make a loan to refinance a retail installment contract subject to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1801) of Title 2 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, that is held by the licensee, its subsidiaries, or affiliates, unless all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The buyer has been making installment payments required by the retail installment contract for a period of not less than 90 days. The retail installment contract has a term of not less than 180 days and does not provide for any scheduled installment that is more than twice the amount of any other scheduled installment.

(2) The loan provides for additional proceeds other than for insurance in an amount not less than the outstanding principal balance of the retail installment contract and provides for payment in full of the retail installment contract.

(3) The licensee shall not take a security interest in real property that is the principal residence of the borrower unless the loan has a principal amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more and the following notice written in the same language, for example, Spanish, as used in the loan documents, is incorporated into the statement used to comply with Section 22338:

“WARNING TO BORROWER: IF YOU ACCEPT THIS LOAN YOU WILL BE PUTTING UP YOUR HOME AS SECURITY. THIS MEANS THAT YOUR HOME COULD BE SOLD WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION AND WITHOUT ANY COURT ACTION IF YOU MISS ANY PAYMENT AS REQUIRED BY THIS LOAN.”

This notice shall be printed in not less than 14-point bold type, shall be set apart from the rest of the statement by a border, and shall appear directly above a signature block which shall be signed by the borrower. A security interest described in this paragraph that is taken without prior notice and the borrower’s signature, as required by this paragraph, shall be void and unenforceable.

(4) The licensee shall not sell, attempt to sell, or agree to sell any goods or services to the borrower, other than credit insurance as defined in Section 22314 and insurance required by the licensee to protect its security interest, until the loan has been in effect for at least 30 days. The amount of insurance required by the licensee to protect its security interest shall not exceed the lesser of the principal amount of the loan or the replacement value of the security as determined by the insurer.

(5) A licensee that is an assignee of the retail installment contract shall continue to be subject under the loan to all equities and defenses of the borrower against the seller arising out of the sale, notwithstanding an agreement to the contrary.

(6) The loan shall not provide for any scheduled installment that is more than twice the amount of any other scheduled installment. This paragraph does not apply to a loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more.

(7) If a loan of a bona fide principal amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more provides for any scheduled installment that is more than twice the amount of any other scheduled installment, the loan shall contain the following provision:

“The payment schedule contained in this loan requires that you make a balloon payment of $____ (amount of balloon payment) which is a payment of more than double the amount of the regular payments. You have an absolute right to obtain a new payment schedule if you default in the payment of any balloon payment.”

If the borrower defaults in the payment of any balloon payment, the borrower shall be given an absolute right to obtain a new payment schedule. Unless agreed to by the borrower, the installment amounts under the new schedule shall not be substantially greater than the average of the preceding installments.

(b) A loan made pursuant to this section shall be subject to this division and not to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1801) of Title 2 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code.

(c) An action by any licensee or borrower on a loan made pursuant to this section shall be tried in the county in which the loan was signed by the borrower, in the county in which the borrower resided at the time the loan was entered into, or in the county in which the borrower resides at the commencement of the action.

(d) Paragraphs (6) and (7) of subdivision (a) do not apply to open-end loans.

(e) A security interest provided by any retail installment contract in violation of subdivision (b) of Section 1804.3 of the Civil Code shall not serve as consideration in whole or in part for a loan made under this section, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary.

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) As used in this section, “instant loan check” or “live check” means any loan or extension of credit that is made available in the form of a check, draft, or any other negotiable instrument that can be deposited in a bank or used for third-party payments. “Instant loan check” or “live check” does not include a check, draft, or any other negotiable instrument provided in response to an application for credit or as a means of access to an existing loan or extension of credit, including a home equity or personal line of credit.

(b) No person shall produce, advertise, offer, sell, distribute, or otherwise transfer for use in this state any live check unless the document bears the following phrase printed in 12-point type on the front of the document: “THIS IS A LOAN OR AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT. YOU WILL PAY CHARGES.”

(c) Live checks shall only be negotiable for a period of 30 days after the date printed on the live check. Printed material accompanying the live check shall advise the consumer to void and destroy the live check if it is not going to be negotiated.

(d) Loan solicitations shall be mailed in envelopes with no indication that a negotiable instrument is contained in the mailing. Envelopes shall be marked with “do not forward” instructions to the postal service in the event that the intended addressee is no longer at the location.

(e) Any loan solicitation made through a live check shall be honored in the full amount by the issuer unless the account on which the solicitation is made is closed by the consumer prior to the date the check is cashed.

(f) In the event that a live check is stolen or incorrectly received by someone other than the intended payee, and the live check is cashed or otherwise negotiated based upon fraud or misrepresentation by someone other than the intended payee, the following safeguards for the consumer shall apply:

(1) The creditor, upon receipt of notification that the consumer did not negotiate the live check and is a victim of identity theft as defined in Section 1798.92 of the Civil Code, shall provide, and the consumer may complete, a statement confirming that the consumer did not deposit, cash, or otherwise negotiate the live check.

(2) Upon completion of the confirmation statement by the consumer, the consumer who was the intended payee shall have no liability for the loan obligation, absent any fraud by that consumer.

(3) Upon receipt of notification that the consumer did not negotiate the live check and is a victim of identity theft as defined in Section 1798.92 of the Civil Code, the creditor shall take appropriate actions set forth in Sections 1785.25 and 1785.26 of the Civil Code.

(g) The commissioner may, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, by order levy administrative penalties against a licensee who violates this section, and the licensee shall be liable for administrative penalties of no more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each willful violation. Any hearing shall be held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), and the commissioner shall have all the powers granted under the act. The remedy available under this subdivision is in addition to any other remedies available to the commissioner under this division that may be employed to enforce the provisions of this section.

(h) Nothing in this section shall preclude the application of any section or rule under this division.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 772, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) Any person who violates any provision of Section 987 of Title 10 of the United States Code, as amended by 126 Stat. 1785 (Public Law 112-239), or any provision of Part 232 (commencing with Section 232.1) of Subchapter M of Chapter I of Subtitle A of Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as published on July 22, 2015, on page 43560 in Number 140 of Volume 80 of the Federal Register, violates this chapter.

(b) A person that does not market consumer loans to, or does not extend those loans to, covered borrowers, as that term is defined under Part 232 (commencing with Section 232.1) of Subchapter M of Chapter I of Subtitle A of Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as amended on the date described in subdivision (a), shall not be in violation of Section 394 of the Military and Veterans Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 514, Sec. 3. (SB 266) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
Any licensee that violates any provision of any of the following federal acts or regulations violates this division:

(a) The federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, as amended (12 U.S.C. Sec. 2601 et seq.).

(b) The federal Truth in Lending Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq.).

(c) The federal Home Ownership Equity Protection Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1639).

(d) Any regulation promulgated under any of the federal acts in subdivision (a), (b), or (c).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 629, Sec. 6. (AB 260) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text: The unique identifier of any licensed mortgage loan originator shall be clearly shown on all residential mortgage loan application forms, solicitations, or advertisements, including business cards or Internet Web sites, and any other documents as established by rule, regulation, or order of the commissioner.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 160, Sec. 42. (SB 36) Effective October 11, 2009.)

article: 3. Loan Regulations


text:
(a) The Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans is hereby established.

(b) For purposes of this article:

(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation.

(2) “Program” means the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans.

(3) Pursuant to Section 22380.5, “licensee” also includes a licensee approved to participate in the former Pilot Program for Affordable Credit-Building Opportunities as described in Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 22348).

(c) This article does not apply to either of the following:

(1) A licensee that has not been accepted to participate in the program.

(2) A licensee that has been accepted to participate in the program that chooses to lend pursuant to provisions of this division that are outside of the program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 452, Sec. 137. (SB 1498) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22381.)

path: 9. CALIFORNIA FINANCING LAW > 2. Consumer Loans > 3.6. Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans


text:
(a) Any entity licensed under this chapter that wishes to participate in the program, that is in good standing with the commissioner and has no outstanding enforcement actions or deficiencies at the time of its application, shall file an application with the commissioner, in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, and shall pay a fee to the commissioner, in an amount calculated by the commissioner to cover its costs to administer this article.

(b) Any entity wishing to participate in the program that is not licensed pursuant to this chapter may submit a combined application to the commissioner, in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, for licensure under this chapter and admission to the program and shall pay a fee to the commissioner in an amount equal to the fees that would have been imposed if the person had submitted separate applications. To be eligible to apply in this manner, an entity must be free of outstanding enforcement or other disciplinary actions taken against it by any of California’s financial regulators or by a financial regulator of another state.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 467, Sec. 2. (SB 318) Effective January 1, 2014. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22381.)

article: 3.6. Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans


text: Every entity approved by the commissioner to participate in the program shall file with the commissioner on or before March 15 an annual report consistent with Section 22159, separate from any other annual report the licensee may be required to file.


text: Except as otherwise provided, nothing in this article shall exempt any licensee from any of the provisions of this division or Section 1632 of the Civil Code.


text: No licensee may offer or make a loan, nor impose any charges or fees pursuant to Section 22370, nor use a finder pursuant to Section 22371, without prior approval from the commissioner to participate in the program.