Interested in increasing your earnings as a notary public? Our how to become a notary signing agent guide provides everything you need to get started.
Ever thought about a job that lets you work flexibly and earn well? Our straightforward guide on how to become a notary signing agent provides everything that you will need to get started.
This article will break down each step of becoming a notary signing agent, highlight the importance of understanding state-specific regulations, and delineate the most important tips when it comes to thriving in this role.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s state-approved packages, which come with E&O insurance, notary supplies, and a surety bond.
National Notary Association ($79+)
Before you get started, it is important to ensure that you understand the difference between a notary public and a notary signing agent.
A notary public is a public officer commissioned by a state government to help prevent fraud. Their duties involve witnessing the signing of documents, verifying the identity of the signers, and administering oaths when necessary.
On the other hand, a notary signing agent is a specialized type of notary public who is trained to handle and notarize loan documents. NSAs are often used in mortgage finance and real estate industries in order to facilitate the closing of loans. It’s a state-specific role that requires understanding of loan documents and the loan signing process.
Remember, even though becoming a notary signing agent can be a rewarding career, it requires dedication, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape.
In order to become a notary signing agent in your state, you will need to follow a few simple steps.
Before you can become an NSA, you will first need to get commissioned as a notary public. Although the process varies from state to state, some common steps include:
If you have not already been commissioned as a notary public, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Become a Notary article before moving forward.
Once you’re commissioned as a notary public, the next vital step in your journey to becoming a notary signing agent is acquiring specialized training.
This is accomplished through a loan signing training course, which is designed to equip you with in-depth knowledge about loan documents and the overall loan signing process. By the end of the course, you should be fully prepared to handle real estate transactions efficiently and professionally.
These training courses are commonly offered by both notary associations and private companies. They are typically flexible with their delivery methods, providing options to complete the course in-person or online.
Note: These courses are optional, yet highly recommended. This is because they should help you thoroughly understand the responsibilities, processes, and best practices involved in loan signing.
We recommend the National Notary Association’s state-approved packages, which come with E&O insurance, a surety bond, and the required notary tools.
National Notary Association ($79+)
After you complete your training, you will need to invest in the necessary notary public equipment. This includes items like a notary seal, journal, and a printer.
This is important because having high-quality, reliable equipment will ensure that you can perform your duties efficiently and professionally.
In addition, obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is strongly recommended. E&O insurance provides a safety net in case you encounter claims of negligence or errors during the notarization process. The industry suggests a minimum coverage of $25,000, but you might want to consider a higher limit based on your volume of work and level of risk.
This insurance not only protects you but also reinforces your professional image by demonstrating your commitment to safeguarding the interests of your clients.
As a final step, you can elect to satisfy additional, optional compliance measures in order to stand out and improve your earnings as a notary signing agent – this is where Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) compliance comes into play.
To become SPW compliant, you’ll need to pass an exam and undergo a background screening. These assessments are crucial for demonstrating your industry knowledge, your understanding of the ethical standards expected in the role, and your equitable character.
Achieving SPW compliance is not just a formality, but a critical milestone in your career. It greatly enhances your credibility in the eyes of prospective clients, proving that you adhere to the industry’s high standards.
Furthermore, SPW compliance opens up a wider range of job opportunities, making you an appealing candidate for mortgage lenders, title companies, and signing services.
With the preparation complete, you can start working as a notary signing agent.
You can get started by receiving assignments from title companies, lenders, and signing services, or by finding your clients independently.
Remember, gaining practical experience is key in building your reputation and expertise.
Promotion is essential in growing your NSA business.
We recommend joining notary signing agent directories in order to get more visibility, as well as utilizing digital marketing techniques, engaging with local business communities, and delivering excellent service to attract more clients and build a strong reputation.
Understanding the state-specific regulations governing the activities of notary signing agents is crucial for your career.
We recommend having a look at these before you start your application, as it can significantly affect how you will be able to operate.
| State | Restriction and/or Requirement |
| Connecticut | Only a Connecticut attorney may conduct the closing of a sale or refinance of Connecticut real estate. Out-of-state attorneys and non-attorneys are prohibited from conducting real estate closings for most mortgage loans. |
| Delaware | Only a Delaware attorney may conduct the closing of a sale or refinance of Delaware real estate. |
| Georgia | A real estate closing is the practice of law, requiring a Georgia attorney to be present or involved. |
| Indiana | Anyone conducting a real estate closing, including an NSA, must hold a title insurance producer license. |
| Maryland | Persons conducting a real estate closing must hold a title insurance producer license. |
| Massachusetts | Non-attorney notaries are prohibited from conducting real estate closings unless employed by a lender to notarize documents in conjunction with the closing of the employer’s real estate loans. |
| Minnesota | Persons conducting a real estate closing must hold a closing agent license. |
| Nebraska | A Nebraska law has been construed to limit notaries to charging only the maximum fee for a notarial act and the per-mile rate for travel authorized for government employees. |
| Nevada | Nevada statute limits the fees notaries may charge for notarial acts and travel fees based upon the time of day traveled. |
| New York | Certain companies providing assignments to signing agents may choose to use only licensed attorneys. In some parts of the state, a New York attorney may be required to conduct a closing for the purchase or sale of real estate. |
| North Carolina | While notaries who are not North Carolina attorneys may provide loan signing services at a real estate closing, oversight and supervision by an attorney is required. |
| South Carolina | A South Carolina attorney must supervise and conduct all real estate closings. |
| Texas | Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loans must be closed in the office of a lender, an attorney, or a title company. |
| Vermont | Requires a Vermont attorney to be present or involved in a real estate closing. |
| Virginia | Must hold a title insurance license if they receive or handle money for closing costs even once. |
| West Virginia | Must be an attorney in order to conduct real estate closings. |
Notary signing agents (NSAs) often make the most money. This is because they specialize in handling and notarizing loan documents, which requires additional training and certification. This added expertise typically translates into more money in comparison to general notary work, and they are often hired by title companies and escrow officers. For more information, have a look at our What Does a Notary Signing Agent Do article.
In order to become a notary signing agent, you will need to pay somewhere between $100 and $500, depending on your state and a variety of other factors. These include notary commissioning expenses, NSA certifications, background checks, and essential supplies such as a notary seal and a notarial journal. For more information, have a look at our What is a Notary Signing Agent article.
To become a notary signing agent, you must first be a commissioned notary public. Then, you’re required to undergo additional training focused on loan signings. Once the course is completed, you need to pass an exam and a background check. Additionally, you’ll need to invest in necessary supplies and error and omission insurance. Note: All notaries working as signing agents are recommended to purchase E&O insurance.
A notary public is an individual authorized by the state to perform notarial acts, including verifying and witnessing signatures on legal documents. On the other hand, a notary signing agent (NSA) is a notary public who has undergone extra training and certification to handle and notarize loan documents specifically, typically in real estate transactions (e.g., can perform loan signing appointments, etc.).
Yes, you will need to have an active notary commission in order to operate as a notary signing agent (NSA). Note: Keep in mind that notary signing agents are not loan officers and thus should not answer questions asked from a signer that relate to the terms of a loan.
Information on this page was researched and gathered from a multitude of sources and was most recently updated on August 23, 2024
Any Information on this site is not guaranteed or warranted to be correct, accurate, or up to date. StateRequirement and its members and affiliates are not responsible for any losses, monetary or otherwise. StateRequirement is not affiliated with any state, government, or licensing body. For more information, please contact your state's authority on insurance.
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