Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Mississippi? 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi
If you’re interested in the idea of becoming a notary signing agent in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi.
In order to do this, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Meet the minimum requirements: All applicants in Mississippi must be at least 18 years of age, US citizens or permanent legal residents, and Mississippi residents (for at least 30 days prior to applying). You must be able to read and write English, not be currently imprisoned, on probation, or on parole, and not have had a notary commission revoked or received a lifetime felony conviction
- Fill out the application form: If you meet all of the above requirements, you can move on to complete your Application for Notary Public Commission. This document needs to be filled out on your computer, printed out, and then submitted alongside a $25 fee by mail to the Mississippi Secretary of State
- Purchase a $5,000 notary bond: Once you’ve received your pre-commission document from the Secretary of State, buy a $5,000 surety bond commencing and terminating on the dates listed on this form. Then take your Oath of Office in the presence of a Mississippi notary public and submit the notarized oath to the Secretary of State with evidence of your valid notary bond
- Obtain your notary supplies: After receiving all these documents, the Secretary of State will issue you a commission certificate via email — which you’ll need to purchase from most official vendors to buy your notary supplies. When buying your notary stamp, make sure it abides by Mississippi’s requirements
For a more in-depth overview of the process of getting commissioned as a notary public in Mississippi, we recommend having a look at our How to Become a Notary in Mississippi overview.
Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course
Considering a specialized Mississippi signing agent training course is a logical move on your path to becoming a notary signing agent.
Even though it’s not compulsory, there are a host of benefits that come along with it:
- 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.
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
While it’s not a requirement to meet the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) standards, it’s certainly a smart choice.
Just like going through a loan signing course, this shows potential employers that you really know your stuff when it comes to the crucial finance and real estate know-how required to excel as an NSA.
To become compliant, you’ll need to pass a background check, pass an exam, and buy an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy that covers you for at least $25,000.
Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies
Once you’ve successfully graduated from a recognized loan signing course, you’ll be all set to acquire your notary supplies.
The necessary tools of your trade include a notary stamp or seal, which is essential for notarizing documents during loan signings. Additionally, you’ll require a notary journal or record book — which serves to document every notarial act you perform in your capacity as a notary signing agent.
Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
Before commencing your career as an NSA, you’ll probably want to secure a wide-ranging E&O insurance policy.
This kind of coverage safeguards you against any potential liabilities that could pop up because of mistakes or improper behavior on your end.
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.
Notary Signing Agent Mississippi FAQ
How do I become a signing agent in Mississippi?
The first step to becoming a notary signing agent in Mississippi is getting commissioned as a notary public. This process involves meeting eligibility criteria, completing an application form, and buying a $5,000 surety bond. To find out more information about the further training needed to specialize as an NSA see our Notary Signing Agent Mississippi article.
How much does a loan signing agent make in Mississippi?
Depending on the loan signing agent’s volume of completed signings, experience, and the market demand for their signing services, their income can vary. Despite this, it’s common for loan signing agents to generally make between $75 and $200 per appointment. With consistent work, some experienced agents can earn upwards of $50,000 per year.
Does Mississippi allow remote online notarization?
Remote online notarization is not yet allowed by Mississippi notary laws, though it is currently legal in 39 other states. Since legislation is constantly updating and it’s possible the law has changed since this article was written, it’s best to verify this information with current and official sources.
How long does a notary commission last in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, a notary commission lasts for four years. After this time, notaries must go through the renewal process, which often involves completing an application form again and paying a fee. If you fail to submit a renewal request early enough before your commission’s expiration date, you may be required to start a brand new application to continue offering notary services.
What’s the difference between a notary public and a notary signing agent?
While a notary public verifies a signer’s identity and ensures they are signing willingly, an NSA has undergone additional training to handle and notarize loan documents, usually for mortgage loan closings. If this sounds of interest to you, find out how you can get your career as an NSA started today in our article on How to Become a Notary Signing Agent.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary Signing Agent page.