What document does the applicant sign to authorize the release of credit and employment information?

The correct answer is the Certification and Authorization Form, which is a document specifically designed to grant permission for the release of sensitive information, such as credit and employment details. This form is crucial in the mortgage application process because it allows lenders to access the applicant's credit profile and verify employment history, which are key factors in assessing loan eligibility and risk.

By signing the Certification and Authorization Form, applicants provide informed consent for the lender to obtain their credit report and contact their employer for verification purposes. This step is vital for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and for the lender's ability to make an informed decision regarding the loan application.

Other documents, such as the Uniform Residential Loan Application and the Good Faith Estimate, serve different purposes in the mortgage process, focusing either on collecting complete loan application information or providing estimates of the costs involved in the loan, respectively. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act Disclosure ensures that applicants are informed of their rights under federal law, but does not include authorization for accessing their personal information.