California Assessments for Debt Collection Licensees Due Jan. 1, 2026

California debt collection licensees must pay their 2025–2026 DFPI annual assessment by January 1, 2026, to avoid penalties or potential license suspension.​

What is due and who must pay

All entities licensed under the California Debt Collection Licensing Act (DCLA) that hold an active California Debt Collection License as of July 1, 2025 are subject to the 2025–2026 annual assessment. The assessment funds DFPI’s administration and oversight of the DCLA for the upcoming fiscal year.​

Due dates and payment window

DFPI issues assessment invoices for debt collectors through NMLS on or before September 30, 2025. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date, but DFPI states that payments must be received no later than January 1, 2026, to avoid penalties and potential regulatory action.​

Amount and how it is calculated

Each licensee pays a pro rata share of DFPI’s costs, calculated primarily from the licensee’s reported net proceeds from California debtor accounts (e.g., from the 2024 annual report or supplemental information). Every licensee pays at least a minimum assessment of 250 dollars, with any additional amount based on the proportion of its net proceeds relative to all licensees.​

How to pay

Invoices are delivered and must be paid through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), using either credit card or ACH. Licensees should monitor the NMLS and their designated email for the DFPI assessment invoice and confirm payment posts in NMLS before the January 1, 2026 deadline.​

Consequences of late or non‑payment

Failure to pay the assessment by January 1 subjects a licensee to potential summary suspension or revocation of its California Debt Collection License and monetary penalties under California Financial Code section 100020. DFPI also indicates that enforcement actions and license status changes may be posted publicly on the DFPI website and NMLS Consumer Access, increasing reputational risk.​