How to Become a Loan Signing Agent in NY (2025 Guide)

Becoming a Loan Signing Agent in New York (NY) is one of the fastest ways to earn consistent income as a notary—whether part-time or full-time. With high loan volumes, busy title companies, and a surge in remote closings, New York is a powerful market if you set yourself up correctly.

Here’s the complete 2025 step-by-step guide on how to become a loan signing agent in NY, what training you need, how much it costs, and—most importantly—how to start getting signing assignments.

What Is a Loan Signing Agent?

A Loan Signing Agent (LSA) is a commissioned notary public who is trained to handle:

• Refinance closings

• Purchases

• HELOCs

• Loan modifications

• Seller packages

• Commercial deals

• Reverse mortgages

• Hybrid/RON/eClosings

The role is to walk borrowers through lender documents, notarize required forms, ensure signatures are complete, and return the package to title accurately and on time.

Requirements to Become a Loan Signing Agent in NY

To become a loan signing agent in NY, you need to complete two major steps:

1. Become a New York Notary Public

2. Complete Loan Signing Agent training + background check + E&O

Let’s break each one down clearly.

Step 1 — Become a New York Notary Public

To become a loan signing agent in NY, you must first be a commissioned New York Notary Public. NY has its own rules, but the process is straightforward.

NY Notary Requirements

You must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

• Have a legal residence or business address in New York

• Be able to read and write English

• Not have disqualifying criminal convictions

Step-by-Step Process

1. Take the NY Notary Exam

• The exam is multiple choice, 1 hour long

• Cost is $15

• Scheduled through the NY Department of State

2. Complete the Application

• Fill out the NY Notary Public application form

• Pay the $60 filing fee

3. Receive Your Commission

Once approved, you’ll receive your:

• Commission certificate

• Oath of office card

4. File Your Oath

Your oath must be filed with the county clerk where you reside or do business.

Once this step is done, you’re officially a New York notary.

Step 2 — Complete Loan Signing Agent Requirements (NY)

New York does not regulate loan signing agents, so training and certification come from national bodies.

Here’s what you need:

1. LSA Training (Required for success)

The biggest mistake new NY notaries make is thinking they can do loan signings without training.

Recommended programs:

• Loan Signing System (LSS)

• NNA Loan Signing Agent Certification

• Notary Stars (great hands-on practice)

• BlueNotary RON + hybrid training

Training teaches you:

• How to explain loan documents

• What forms require notarization

• How to avoid critical errors

• How to package and return documents

• How to present key documents without giving legal advice

2. Background Check (Industry Requirement)

Most title companies require:

• NNA background screening (annual)

It’s standardized across the industry.

3. E&O Insurance

Title companies expect a minimum of:

• $25,000–$100,000 in E&O

Many high-volume LSAs carry $1M+, especially those handling RON or commercial closings.

4. Signing Supplies

You’ll need:

• Dual-tray laser printer (Brother or HP)

• High-speed scanner (Epson ES-580W / Xerox D70n)

• Blue + black pens

• Stamp/seal

• FedEx & UPS accounts

• Locking bag for docs

Step 3 — Build NY-Specific Loan Signing Skills

New York is unique because:

✔ Attorney states live nearby

NY is NOT an attorney state, but neighboring states (CT, MA, NC, GA, SC) are. Many signing companies prefer NY notaries who understand these differences.

✔ Hybrid & RON closings are growing

New York now allows remote notarization, which expands your reach.

✔ NY real property documents are strict

Borrowers often need clear explanation of:

• Coop documents

• CEMA and 255 (tax savings)

• NYC transfer documents

LSAs who understand these NY-specific documents get more direct business and higher fees.

Step 4 — Start Getting Loan Signing Work in NY

Here’s how to start generating assignments fast.

1. Create Accounts With Major Signing Platforms

Sign up with:

• Snapdocs

• SigningOrder

• Signature Closers

• Amrock

• Bancserv

• Solidifi

• Timios

• Xome

• Old Republic Title

• Mortgage Connect

• Inspire Closings

These are high-volume sources in NY.

2. Build Direct Relationships

This is where high earners ($100K+/yr) get their business.

Target:

• Title companies

• Escrow officers

• Real estate attorneys

• Mortgage brokers

• Private lenders

• Real estate agents

• Credit unions

NY businesses love local notaries who:

• Are fast

• Are professional

• Provide clean, error-free packages

• Are available for rush appointments

3. Offer RON + Hybrid Signings

RON is exploding in New York.

Platforms like:

• BlueNotary

• Proof

• Nexsys Clear Sign

• Pavaso

RON lets you complete closings statewide, not just in your county.

4. Market Yourself Professionally

To stand out in NY:

• Build a clean website (Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress)

• Add Google Business Profile (critical for local presence)

• Use SEO keywords:

  • “NY loan signing agent”

  • “mobile notary NYC”

  • “Brooklyn loan signing agent”

  • “Queens notarization services”

• Join local business groups and chambers

Step 5 — How Much Can a Loan Signing Agent Make in NY?

In New York, typical LSA fees are:

Signing Type	Average Fee (NY)
Buyer / Seller	$100–$200
Refinance	$125–$250
HELOC	$75–$150
Hybrid/E-Sign	$40–$75
RON	$25–$150+
Attorney-required docs	Varies

Total Startup Cost: $650–$1,600(depending on RON, equipment, and training choices)

Top NY notaries doing both mobile + RON + direct business earn:$6,000–$12,000/month,

with many scaling to $100K–$200K/year.

Step 6 — How Long Does It Take?

Becoming a New York loan signing agent typically takes:

• 2–6 weeks: Become a NY notary

• 1–3 weeks: Training + background check

• 1–2 months: Build momentum with signing companies

Many earn income within 30–60 days of training.

Final Thoughts: Becoming a Loan Signing Agent in NY

If you want financial independence, schedule flexibility, and the ability to earn $100–$200 per appointment, learning how to become a loan signing agent in NY is one of the best moves you can make.

New York is a massive, high-demand market, and top performers succeed because they:

• Get trained properly

• Stay accurate and professional

• Build relationships

• Master both mobile and RON signings

• Become the “go-to” person for title companies

Disclosure

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through those links. I only recommend products and services that I personally use, trust, or believe will add value to my readers.