Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Arizona? We’ve got you covered.

In order to begin operating as a notary signing agent, you will need to:

• Become commissioned as a notary public
• Take a loan signing training course
• Become Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) compliant
• Purchase your notary supplies

This Notary Signing Agent Arizona article breaks down everything you need to know in easy-to-follow, succinct steps — helping you to commence your loan signing career with as little difficulty as possible.

What is a Notary Signing Agent

Notary signing agents (NSAs) are crucial in the real estate sector as they act as a guide for borrowers through loan document signings, acknowledging their signatures, and returning documents to the lender.

On the surface, the role of an NSA might seem identical to that of a notary public, but the distinction lies in the level of expertise required for each task.

While a notary public primarily verifies the identities of signatories and acknowledges signatures, an NSA possesses a deeper understanding of loan documents and has been trained to provide unbiased explanations of each document’s purpose.

Although no extra legal qualifications are required to become an NSA in Arizona, undertaking specialized training is strongly recommended for a couple of reasons. Namely, because it:

• Makes you a more appealing candidate to lenders, title companies, and other industry recruiters — who typically prefer NSAs with specific training due to the complexity of loan signings
• Ensures that you’re actually capable of competently fulfilling all of the responsibilities associated with being an NSA

Note: For more information on this specialized training, see Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course below.

How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Arizona

If the prospect of becoming a notary signing agent in Arizona interests you, you can get started today by completing the following necessary steps.

Step 1: Become a Notary Public

To start your career as a notary signing agent, you’ll first need to get qualified as a notary public in Arizona.

Doing so involves a number of steps, which have been broken down below:

• Meet the basic requirements: The Secretary of State requires all applicants to be residents of Arizona for income tax purposes, at least 18 years old, be a US citizen or permanent resident, and not have been convicted of a felony involving immoral or unethical behavior
• Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form that can be found on the Secretary of State’s website before printing it off and signing it
• Get a $5,000 surety bond: Once you’ve signed your application form, the next step is to obtain a $5,000 surety bond that meets the Arizona surety bond requirements. This will protect the general public from any potential financial harm they may suffer due to your negligence as a notary
• Submit your application: Mail the original copies of your signed application form, notarized bond form, and $43 in filing fees to the Arizona Secretary of State. If your application is successful, you should soon receive your notary commission certificate from the Secretary of State
• Obtain the necessary supplies: With your Arizona notary commission certificate in hand, it’s time to equip yourself with the necessary notary supplies, including a notary stamp/seal and a notary record book

Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course

Considering a specialized loan signing training course is a practical step in your journey as a certified notary signing agent in Arizona. Despite it not being a mandatory requirement, there are several advantages to doing so:

• Comprehensive knowledge: An in-depth course equips you with a thorough understanding of mortgage loan signings and effective ways to deal with unforeseen circumstances, enhancing your proficiency as an NSA
• Employability enhancer: Holding a certificate from a recognized course showcases your dedication and specialized skills, making you a preferred choice for hiring companies
• Confidence booster: The simulated “real-world” experiences of these courses can boost your confidence, enabling you to provide superior service and fostering positive client interactions

Did you know? A loan signing training course can also prepare you to pass the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) exam.

Step 3: Become SPW Compliant

While adherence to SPW standards isn’t a requirement, it can be a great help for your loan signing career as it makes you much more appealing to potential employers.

This is due to the fact that becoming SPW compliant sets you up with a comprehensive understanding of the vital finance and real estate concepts essential for a successful NSA career.

In order to achieve SPW compliance you’ll need to clear a background check, successfully complete an exam, and purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000.

Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies

After completing the steps above, you’ll be able to get started acquiring the necessary supplies in order to work as a notary signing agent.

This typically encompasses a notary stamp or seal, the tool you’ll utilize for notarizing documents throughout loan signings, as well as a notary record book or journal for every notarial signing service you execute.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

As a final step, you will likely want to purchase a comprehensive E&O insurance policy.

This is a type of insurance that protects you against any liability that may arise due to negligence or misconduct on your part.

Examples of where an E&O insurance policy can be useful include:

• You’re overseeing a busy loan signing and, in a rush, you accidentally miss a signature. The loan process stalls, the borrower incurs late fees, and you’re hit with a compensation claim
• While going through a home loan document, you wrongly notarize a signature. The mortgage approval is lost and the client files a claim against you
• During a loan signing, you skip a page inadvertently. The document is void, leading to delays and extra work. In this case, the lender could choose to file a claim against you in order to be compensated for any additional expenses

Note: Purchasing E&O insurance is actually a requirement for becoming SPW compliant.