Notary Signing Agent Kansas

Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Kansas? 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 Kansas 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 Kansas, 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 Kansas

If you’re interested in the idea of becoming a notary signing agent in Kansas, you can get started today by completing the following steps. 

Step 1: Become a Notary Public

In order to become a Kansas notary signing agent, you will first need to be commissioned as a notary public in the state.

In order to do this, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: In Kansas, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age, legal residents of Kansas (or a bordering state with frequent work in Kansas), and not be disqualified by state law from being granted a commission.
• Purchase a $12,000 surety bond: The next step for applicants who meet these eligibility criteria is to buy a $12,000 notary surety bond with a term of at least four years (the full duration of your notary commission). To be valid, this bond must be granted by an entity licensed to do business in Kansas.
• Get your notary supplies: In order to properly perform your notarial duties, you’ll need to buy a notary seal and journal. Make sure your notary seal meets the requirements laid out by the Kansas Secretary of State.
• Fill out the notary application form: Complete and submit your Notary Public Application Form (Form NO) to the Kansas Secretary of State along with a $25 application fee. The notary public appointment form must contain a copy/impression of your notary seal to be properly completed.
• Receive your notary certificate: After your application has been processed, the Secretary of State will deliver your notary commission certificate, wallet card, and handbook to your home address. You’ll now be officially able to begin notarizing documents

Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course

Considering a specialized notary training course is a practical step in your journey as a notary signing agent in Kansas. 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 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

Although SPW compliance isn’t mandatory, it’s a smart move.

This is because — just like taking a loan signing course — it demonstrates to potential employers that you’ve got a solid grasp of all of the important finance and real estate concepts that you will need to know in order to operate effectively as an NSA.

To become compliant, you’ll have to pass a background check and an exam, and buy Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance with at least $25,000 coverage.

Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies

Once you’ve received your commission as a notary public and finished off a certified loan signing course, you’re all set to gather your notary tools.

Your toolkit will include a notary stamp or seal, which you’ll be using to notarize documents during loan signings. Additionally, you’ll need a notary journal or record book — this is a handy log used for noting down each service you provide as a notary signing agent.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

As a final step, you’ll probably want to get yourself a good E&O insurance policy.

This is like your safety net, protecting you if you ever mess up or do something wrong that could get you in trouble.

Here are some examples of when an E&O insurance policy could be helpful:

• You’re swamped with a loan signing and accidentally skip a signature, causing the whole loan process to hit a brick wall. Since this caused the borrower to have to pay late fees, they’ve decided to come after you to recover those costs
• While working through a home loan document, you mistakenly notarize a signature. This causes the mortgage approval to fall through and now the client is claiming damages from you
• You miss a page during a loan signing, which causes the document to become void and results in a bunch of delays and extra work. The lender could potentially take legal action against you to recover their extra expenses

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