Learn How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
Increase your expertise and income by becoming a Notary Signing Agent. It is one more step toward becoming a better Notary and to understanding more of the business—while adding to your income. Many mobile Notaries use it as supplementary income—on average you can earn between $50 and $150 per closing, depending on how you receive loan signing appointments (primarily from signing services or direct work).
A “Notary Signing Agent” is a duly commissioned or appointed Notary Public who has been trained to present loan documents to a borrower, show where the borrower must sign or initial, perform any necessary notarizations, and promptly send the entire document package to its destination for processing.
Lenders and title/escrow companies across America trust trained and background-screened Notary Signing Agents to escort borrowers through the loan signing process. Notary Signing Agents are indispensable contributors to successful loan closings.
What are the minimum qualifications to act as a Notary Signing Agent?
While each lender, title company and signing service's policies may differ, the industry strongly advises that you complete all of the steps below to enhance your chances of working with several companies.
- A currently commissioned Notary Public in a state that does not prohibit Signing Agent activity.
- At least one year of experience as a Notary Public is recommended.
- Completion of a training course covering Notary Signing Agent duties, responsibilities and limitations.
- An initial background screening that meets Signing Professionals Workgroup standards (annually renewed).
- Carry Errors & Omissions Insurance for your basic notarial duties, and for Signing Agent work.
It is also recommended that Notaries are supported by a membership in a professional Notary organization that provides information on lawful performance of notarial acts and best practices.
Do any states restrict or limit Notary Signing Agent activity?
Yes, click here for a list of states that impose restrictions or limitations on Notaries Public performing Signing Agent work.
How important is standard Notary training/knowledge to a Notary Signing Agent?
It is impossible to function as a Signing Agent without a strong understanding of the fundamentals of notarization and your state’s Notary laws and administrative rules. Notary Signing Agents can be expected or pressured to complete notarizations that may cause the Notary to violate his/her/their state Notary law. Knowing how to notarize expertly, and when to say “No,” are extremely important.
Do I have to obtain a Notary commission before taking the Notary Signing Agent Training Course?
No—you may take the course and apply at the same time. You may not act as a Notary or a Notary Signing Agent until you have been officially commissioned or appointed by your state commissioning officer. An active Notary commission is required to take the American Society of Notaries certification exam (included with the Notary Signing Agent Training Course).
What will I learn from the Notary Signing Agent Training Course?
Our course covers the all-important fundamentals of notarial practice, the role of Notary Signing Agents, essential tools and business structure, insurance needs, marketing; receiving and setting loan document signing appointments, presenting loan documents, sending signed documents to their destination, keeping records; invoicing for services, and more.
What is “certification”?
“Certification” indicates that the individual has obtained the training in notarization skills and Signing Agent practices needed to perform competently as a Notary Public Signing Agent.
Why do I need to be a “certified” Notary Signing Agent?
Certification is an industry standard, one required by many if not most of the companies that hire Notary Signing Agents.
Does my Notary Signing Agent certification expire?
Yes, because loan document signing practices and procedures can change at any time. Requirements of Notary law or administrative rules can also change annually or sooner. The American Society of Notaries’ Notary Signing Agent certification expires after one year. Retraining and reexamination are necessary to renew the certification for another year.
Why do I need Signing Agent Errors & Omissions Insurance?
As a Signing Agent, you will have unlimited personal liability for losses caused by any mistake that occurred during the signing. The Notary Errors & Omission Insurance only provides coverage for the notarizations in a loan package. It will NOT cover acts unrelated to notarizations. This is why you should consider obtaining Signing Agent Errors & Omissions Insurance. This type of policy is designed to fill the gaps not covered by Notary Public Errors & Omissions Insurance. To learn more about this policy's coverage, click here.
Do I need a Notary E&O policy in addition to Signing Agent E&O?
If you are also performing notarizations outside of your duties as a Notary Signing Agent, you should carry traditional Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance.
Why do I need a background check, and what records are searched?
This is a requirement of mortgage lenders, because by law they must guard the privacy of every borrower’s personal information. That duty requires lenders to ensure that all parties with access to a borrower’s personal information are appropriately screened, including Notary Signing Agents. A background check for Notary Signing Agents will include or check: Social Security Number Trace, National Criminal Database, Sex Offender Registry, Terrorist Watch List, County Criminal Court Search, Federal Criminal Court Search, Wants/Warrants Search, Employment Verifications, and Education Verification.
How long does background screening take?
From registration for a background screening to obtaining the results, the process takes approximately 5-7 days. (This can vary by background screening provider.)
How far back (previous years) is my background screened?
Generally, from 7 to 10 years into your previous history, depending on applicable laws in your state of residence.
How often must a Notary Signing Agent be background-screened?
The current standard is once per year.
Can I dispute a result in my background screening that I think is incorrect?
Yes – the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) entitles a person to dispute background screening results. Any reputable background screening provider will offer a dispute process.
Who hires Notary Signing Agents?
Assignments to work as a Notary Signing Agent come mostly from signing services, title/escrow companies, and lenders. Most new Notary Signing Agents register with or align themselves with signing services. These services receive loan signing opportunities from various title/escrow companies and lenders, and maintain their own registry of Notary Signing Agents who will perform those signings. The signing service collects fees for loan signings and pays the officiating Notary Signing Agent. Some well-established Notary Signing Agents receive assignments directly from title/escrow companies and lenders, and are paid directly by these parties.
How are Notary Signing Agents compensated?
See “Who hires Notary Signing Agents?” above.
Are my Signing Agent earnings taxable?
Your Signing Agent earnings must be accurately tracked and reported as income.