--- title: "Notary vs. loan signing agent: what is the difference? | MCC" description: "How a notary public differs from a loan signing agent, who needs which, what a signing agent adds for mortgage closings, and what to ask before you book one." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/notary-vs-loan-signing-agent" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Notary vs. loan signing agent: what is the difference? Every loan signing agent is a notary, but not every notary is a loan signing agent. Here is what the extra title means. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Every loan signing agent is a notary, but not every notary is a loan signing agent. A notary public holds a state commission and can notarize signatures on everyday documents; a loan signing agent also handles mortgage and other loan document signings. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) · [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) **Free tools:** [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) · [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## A notary public A notary public holds a state commission and can notarize signatures. Many notaries handle everyday documents such as affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle paperwork and school forms. ## A loan signing agent A loan signing agent is a commissioned notary who specializes in mortgage and real estate closing packages. There is no separate state license in New Jersey for the title; it describes experience and training in closing documents, usually along with E&O insurance, a background check and printing equipment for the package. ## What the agent does at a closing The agent receives the documents from the title company or lender, prints them, meets the borrower, verifies identity, guides the borrower to each signature, completes the notarizations, and returns the package by the deadline. The agent does not explain loan terms, answer questions about rates or give legal advice. ## Which do you need? For a mortgage, refinance, HELOC or deed, use a loan signing agent, and the title company will often assign one. For a single affidavit or a form, a regular notary is enough. ## Questions to ask before you book Is the agent a commissioned New Jersey notary? Do they carry errors and omissions insurance? Can they print the package, double-sided if required? When can they return it? What do they charge for travel and printing, and does that fee match what your lender allows? ## Common questions **Does a signing agent charge more than a regular notary?** Often, because closing packages take more time and printing. The title company or lender usually sets the fee for the agent it assigns. **Can I pick my own signing agent?** Sometimes. Ask your title company or lender; many accept a borrower's request if the agent meets their requirements. ## More notary guides - [Signing Agent E&O Insurance: What It Covers and Why](/notary/guides/signing-agent-errors-and-omissions-insurance) - [Loan Modification Signing: What the Notary Does](/notary/guides/loan-modification-signing-what-to-know) - [What to bring to your loan signing (and what to expect)](/notary/guides/what-to-bring-to-a-loan-signing) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Loan Signing Agents Certified loan signing agents for purchase, refinance, HELOC and reverse mortgage closings across New Jersey. Evening and weekend signings, scanbacks tracked. Loan signing agent →](/notary/loan-signing-agent)[### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Loan Signing Cheat Sheet Know what you are looking at in a loan package, where the borrower signs, and why the right-to-cancel dates matter, without ever explaining loan terms. [See what's inside ($19)](/toolkits/loan-signing-cheat-sheet) [Free sample](/toolkits/loan-signing-cheat-sheet#free-starter)14-day full refund Course: [Loan Signing Agent Fundamentals](/courses/loan-signing-agent) ($99) covers the loan package, the appointment, scanbacks and returns, explained for notaries in any state. It is training with a certificate of completion, not a credential. Document pack ### Signing Agent Kit for Loan Signings The next step after the starter kit: a checklist for the whole loan signing, a call script that heads off problems, a worksheet that shows what a job really nets, and ready messages. [See what is inside ($29)](/toolkits/signing-agent-kit) Also in the [Notary Business Bundle](/toolkits/notary-business-bundle): 3 products for $59 instead of $77 separately. Built from the State of New Jersey Notary Public Manual. Check current rules with the state. Or start with the [free 5-part email course](/notary/start-a-notary-business-email-course). Working notary? Get [free rule-change alerts](/notary/rule-change-alerts). ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)