Notary Signing Agent Kentucky

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

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

Step 1: Become a Notary Public

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

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

• Meet the basic requirements: Kentucky notaries public must all be at least 18 years old, be US citizens or permanent legal residents, reside/be employed in the Kentucky county they’re applying for a commission in, and be able to read and write English
• Purchase a $1,000 surety bond: After this, the next step is to obtain a $1,000 surety bond to last at least four years — the length of your notary commission. This bond is what protects the public of Kentucky from any financial harm they could suffer due to your potential misconduct or negligence
• Fill out an application form: Next, fill out the Kentucky Notary Public Application for Appointment and file the completed document along with your bond form to the Notary Commissions department in the Kentucky Secretary of State
• Take your oath of office: When your application has been processed, your Certificate of Appointment will be sent to your county clerk — who will then email you with instructions on how to take your oath of office and receive this certificate
• Obtain the necessary supplies: Once you receive your Certificate of Appointment you’ve officially qualified as a notary public. However, before you can begin performing notarizations, you’ll need to obtain the necessary tools. Namely, a notary seal and a notary record book

Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course

Opting for a specialized loan signing training course can be a smart move in your journey to becoming a successful notary signing agent in Kentucky. Even though it’s not required, there are a number of benefits to it:

• Deep understanding: A detailed course provides you with a comprehensive grasp of mortgage loan signings and effective strategies to handle unexpected situations, thereby improving your expertise as an NSA
• Improved job prospects: Having a certificate from a respected course demonstrates your commitment and specialized abilities, making you more attractive to potential employers
• Increased confidence: The courses often include simulated real-world situations that can build your confidence. This, in turn, allows you to offer top-notch service and create positive interactions with your clients

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

Even though SPW compliance isn’t a requirement, it’s a clever strategy to pursue.

Just like completing a loan signing course, it signals to prospective employers that you’re well-versed in crucial finance and real estate concepts, which can make you more appealing as a job applicant.

To achieve compliance, you’ll need to clear a background check, ace an exam, and secure an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy with coverage of at least $25,000.

Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies

After you become commissioned as a notary public and complete a certified loan signing course, you will be ready to purchase all of your notary supplies.

These include a notary stamp or seal, which is what you’ll use to notarize documents during loan signings, as well as a notary record book or journal (used to keep a record of each notarial service you perform as a notary signing agent).

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 closing 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.