Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Colorado? 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 Colorado 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.
Recommended: Interested in becoming a notary signing agent? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which come with everything you need to get started including your background screening, certification training, and exam.
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 Colorado, 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 Colorado
If you’re interested in the idea of becoming a notary signing agent in Colorado, you can get started today by completing the following steps.
Step 1: Become a Notary Public
In order to become a successful loan signing agent, you will first need to be commissioned as a notary public in Colorado.
In order to do this, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Meet the basic requirements: Before getting started, you’ll first need to confirm that you satisfy Colorado’s minimum requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, being a legal resident of the US, being a resident or employed in Colorado, and not being convicted of a felony in the last five years
- Take a notary training course: All notaries must complete a notary public training course through either a state-approved vendor or the Secretary of State’s free eLearning notary training course. The Secretary of State’s website also details a full list of vendors that are approved in Colorado
- Pass the Colorado notary public exam: After completing a training course, each notary applicant is required to take and pass the notary public examination. This will test your knowledge of Colorado notary law and should only take around 30 minutes to complete
- Get your Affirmation notarized: To commence your application you’ll need to complete the Affirmation for Appointment and Commission as a Notary Public form and sign it in front of an already commissioned notary
- Complete your notary application: Once this is done, you’ll be ready to fill out your application form, which can be found on the Notary Application page of the Secretary of State’s website
For a more in-depth overview of the process of getting commissioned as a notary public in Colorado, we recommend having a look at our How to Become a Notary in Colorado overview.
Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course
Considering a specialized loan signing training course is a practical step in your journey as a notary signing agent in Colorado. 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 foster positive client interactions
Did you know? A loan signing training course can also prepare you to pass the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) exam.
Recommended Course
Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which come with everything you need to get started including your background screening, certification training, and exam.
Step 3: Become SPW Compliant
In Colorado, becoming SPW compliant is not a legal requirement, though it is highly recommended due to its appeal to potential employers.
Moreover, SPW compliance demonstrates a deep understanding of the finance and real estate concepts essential to being able to work as an NSA.
Becoming compliant will require you to pass a background check and an examination, as well as obtain E&O insurance with at least $25,000 in coverage.
Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies
Once you’ve got your notary public license and have finished a special loan signing course, you’ll be ready to buy all the necessary notary equipment.
This includes a notary stamp or seal, which is the official mark you’ll use when signing loan papers, as well as a notary record book, or journal, which will be used to detail every act you perform as a notary signing agent.
Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
Before getting started as a notary signing agent, it’s highly recommended that you buy an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy.
Just as a surety bond protects the general public, this will keep you protected in the event that any misconduct or negligence on your part exposes you to financial risk.
Some examples of where an E&O insurance policy would protect you have been outlined below:
- 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: To become SPW compliant, you’ll need to buy E&O insurance.
Notary Signing Agent Colorado FAQ
How do I become a notary signing agent in Colorado?
After getting commissioned as a notary public in Colorado, you’ll need to pass a state-approved notary public course and exam, complete a notary application, and pay the relevant fees. For more information on this process, see our article on How to Become a Notary Signing Agent.
How much do loan signing agents make in Colorado?
On average, notary loan signing agents in Colorado will make between $75 to $200 per signing appointment — though this figure can vary greatly according to the individual’s experience and where they’re based. Generally, a more experienced agent or an electronic notary offering after-hours signings can potentially earn far more than this estimation.
How hard is the Colorado notary exam?
Despite requiring a good understanding of notary laws and procedures, the Colorado notary exam is not known for being particularly difficult and should only include material covered in your training course. Furthermore, the exam content should mainly relate to the operational procedures and guidelines of working as a notary in Colorado and only takes around 30 minutes to complete.
How long is the Colorado notary training course?
The length of the Colorado notary training course can vary depending on the provider you select. However, most general notary public courses last between three to six hours. You can find more details about the length of various approved courses detailed on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. For more information on this topic, see our Notary Signing Agent Colorado article.
How long is a notary commission good for in Colorado?
In Colorado, a notary commission is valid for four years starting from the date the Secretary of State commissions you as a notary. To ensure you can continue to act as a notary signing agent it’s essential to apply for reappointment well before your current commission expires.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary Signing Agent page.