How to Become a Loan Signing Agent in New York
Once you become a commissioned Notary Public in New York, many people choose to take the next step and become a Loan Signing Agent (LSA). In New York, there are no additional state requirements or licenses needed to become a loan signing agent beyond holding an active notary commission. However, signing services and platforms set their own requirements, such as training, background checks, and RON credentials.
In this post, I share the steps you should take after becoming a notary, based on my personal experience.
Step 1: Understand What a Loan Signing Agent Does
A loan signing agent is a notary who specializes in handling and notarizing loan documents, such as refinance packages, purchases, HELOCs, and seller packages. In addition to notarizing signatures, a signing agent ensures that documents are properly presented, signed, and returned on time.
Because signing agents handle sensitive financial information, signing services have higher requirements than general notary work.
Step 2: Complete Loan Signing Agent Training (NNA)
After becoming a commissioned notary, the next step is to complete loan signing agent training.
From my experience, the National Notary Association (NNA) is one of the most recognized providers. When you purchase the NNA Signing Agent package, they guide you through the training and certification process.
In addition, NNA initiates your background check as part of the process.
Step 3: Complete Your Background Check
From my experience, most signing services will ask you to submit a background check before allowing you to receive assignments. While New York law does not require a background check, every signing service I applied to requested one.
Here is how the process usually works:
- After purchasing the NNA Signing Agent package, you receive an email to start the background check
- You submit your information through NNA
- The background check is typically completed within about 7 days
- NNA then provides you with a copy of the background check
Once you receive it, you can upload the background check to:
- Signing platforms
- RON platforms such as Proof
- Individual signing services that request it
Step 4: Apply Through Proof (Notarize)
Next, apply through a platform such as Notarize, now called Proof. This step is very important in your journey as a loan signing agent.
Proof offers widely recognized RON training and certification at no cost, which makes it an excellent option for new signing agents.
Additionally, some signing services require proof of RON training from approved providers before allowing you to receive assignments.
For example, when you apply to receive signing orders through Snapdocs, you must submit proof of RON training and certification from one of the approved platforms: Proof, NotaryCam, or Pavaso. Because Proof is one of the accepted providers, completing their free training allows you to meet Snapdocs’ requirements without paying extra fees.
After completing Proof’s training, you will receive the Notarize Network Platform Training (NST) New York Certification. This certificate confirms that you have completed Proof’s platform-specific and RON training.
As a result, Proof is a smart choice for gaining recognized training while also preparing yourself to work with major signing platforms. You can also use Proof to perform remote online notarizations (RON) once approved.
Step 5: Digital Certificate Requirement
Some signing services, including Snapdocs, may also require a digital certificate, especially for remote online notarization.
From my experience:
- Snapdocs accepts the Proof digital certificate
- Proof issues this digital certificate free for the first year after completing their training
This helps reduce startup costs while meeting platform requirements.
Step 6: Apply to Signing Platforms and Services
Once you complete training, background checks, and RON requirements, you can start applying to signing platforms such as:
- Snapdocs
- SigningOrder
- Direct signing services
Each platform may ask for some or all of the following:
- Active notary commission approval
- Background check
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
- RON training or certification (for remote signings)
- Digital certificate (for certain platforms)
Make sure all documents are ready before applying.
Step 7: Get the Right Equipment
From my experience, having the right equipment makes a big difference.
You should strongly consider:
- A dual-tray laser printer
- A scanner
If you do not have these at the beginning, you may end up going to places like Staples frequently, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Having your own equipment saves time and allows you to accept more assignments confidently.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a loan signing agent in New York requires extra steps beyond becoming a notary, but it is manageable if you follow the process carefully.
To summarize:
- Become a commissioned NY notary first
- Complete loan signing training (such as NNA)
- Complete and submit a background check
- Complete RON training through Proof
- Apply to signing services
- Invest in basic equipment
With preparation and consistency, you can begin building your journey as a Loan Signing Agent in New York.