Title Insurance, Individual/TBA – Agent (TLA)

A Title Agent is an authorized or acknowledged agent of a title insurance corporation, and any subagent or other representative of such an agent, who for commission, compensation, or any other thing of value, performs the following acts in conjunction with the issuance of a title insurance policy:

  • sells, or negotiates the sale of a title insurance policy;
  • evaluates the insurability of title, based upon the performance or review of a title search; and
  • performs one or more of the following functions:
    1. Collects, remits or disburses title insurance premiums, escrows or other related funds;
    2. Prepares, amends, marks up or delivers a title insurance commitment or certification of title for the purpose of the issuance of a title insurance policy by a title insurance corporation;
    3. Prepares, amends or delivers a title insurance policy on behalf of a title insurance corporation; or
    4. Negotiates the clearance of title exceptions, in connection with the issuance of a title insurance policy.

Prelicensing Requirements

To qualify for a license, the licensing candidate must meet the following prelicensing requirements:

  • complete a Department approved prelicensing education course totaling not less than 20 hours of instruction. Visit the Prelicensing Provider/Course List on the portal for provider contact information. 
  • pass, within 2 years of applying for the license, the licensing exam administered by PSI Services.  Visit the Exam Vendor Information page for registration and scheduling instructions. 

Exceptions from the prelicensing requirements:

A candidate is exempt from the course and exam requirements if he/she is a New York licensed attorney in good standing with the NYS Office of Court Administration.  You must submit a currently dated (within 90 days) Certificate of Good Standing with your application.

Application Requirements

Match the submission code numbers listed under the Resident or Non-Resident columns with the corresponding numbers on the Submission Requirements Chart to determine what must be submitted with the license application.

Any required documentation must be uploaded on the license application.

Fees and Renewal Period

Licenses are issued for up to 2 years.  Individual/tba licenses will be issued with an expiration date determined by the applicant’s date of birth:

  • If born in an even numbered year, the license will expire on the birthday in an even numbered year.
  • If born in an odd numbered year, the license will expire on the birthday in an odd numbered year.

All licensing fees are non-refundable. A full fee is charged when a license is issued for a licensing period of more than one year; a half fee is charged when a license is issued for a period of one year or less.

For New York residents the full fee is $80, half fee is $40.

Non-residents please see the Fee Schedules to determine the licensing fee.

Payment Options

Licensing fees may be paid by credit card, electronic funds transfer (e-check) or paper check.  If electing to pay by paper check, the application will remain pending until the Department receives and processes the check.

There is a $20 fee for any e-check or paper check returned by the bank for insufficient funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information on Title Insurance Agent license, please visit see our FAQ page.

Apply Online

To access the  individual/tba adjuster application, visit the DFS Portal:

Check Status/Print License

The Department no longer mails paper licenses. Print the license as soon as it is issued.

Browsers and Blockers:

  • Use a supported browser: The latest version plus one previous of IE, FF, Chrome and Safari, are supported.
  • Disable “Pop-up Blockers” in your browser before using DFS portal applications.
  • Maintenance: Application may be unavailable from 7:30am to 7:45am daily for scheduled maintenance.

Apply by paper application

Email [email protected] to obtain a paper application and instructions