COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce said Dec. 29 its Division of Financial Institutions in January will begin using a national system that allows Ohio mortgage companies to apply for and manage their licenses electronically.

The state’s participation in the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System begins Jan. 4 and will improve supervision of the state’s mortgage industry, officials said in a news release.

Ohio’s participation in the licensing system was mandated by the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the news release.

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators developed the NMLS, officials said.