Notary Signing Agent Missouri

Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Missouri? 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 Missouri 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 real estate 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 Missouri, 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 Missouri

If you’re interested by the idea of becoming a notary signing agent in Missouri, 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 Missouri.

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

• Meet the eligibility requirements: In Missouri, there are specific minimum requirements that applicants must meet in order to qualify as a notary public. It’s best to refer to the Secretary of State’s website for a full list as there are differing requirements for residents and non-residents
• Take a state-approved course: Before you can fill out an application, you’ll first need to read through the Missouri Notary Public Handbook and complete a state-approved training course. This can be done through one of two ways: online, or as a written training course
• Complete a notary public application: With this step completed, you’ll be ready to submit your notary application. This can be done electronically on the Secretary of State’s website, by mail, or by calling (866) 223-6535
• Get a $10,000 surety bond: Once your application has been approved by the Office of the Secretary of State, you’ll need to buy a $10,000 notary bond from any licensed surety provider with a term of at least four years. The surety bond should start on the same date as your notary commission
• Take your oath of office: Within 60 days of your application being approved by the Secretary of State, you must bring your surety bond to the county clerk’s office and take your oath of office. Next, mail your oath of office and surety bond to the Secretary of State within seven days
• Buy your notary supplies: If everything goes to plan, you’ll now be ready to buy the notary supplies needed to perform your duties — this will include a notary seal and a notary journal

Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course

Considering a specialized Missouri signing agent training course is a practical step in your journey as a bank notary signing agent in Missouri. 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 adhering to Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) standards isn’t obligatory, it’s a smart decision to make.

Similar to enrolling in a loan signing course, it’s a clear indication to potential employers that you hold a firm understanding of the key financial and real estate concepts required to function efficiently as a notary signing agent.

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

Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies

After you’ve completed your notary certification and have successfully passed a reputable loan signing course, you’ll be in a position to begin thinking about gathering all your notary equipment.

This list will include a notary stamp or seal, an essential tool for notarizing documents during loan signings, along with a notary record book or journal.

Similarly, your notary journal is pivotal for maintaining a log of every notarial service you execute in your role as a notary signing agent.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

As a concluding measure, it would probably be wise for you to obtain an extensive E&O insurance policy.

This insurance type serves as a shield, protecting you against any liability that might surface as a result of inadvertent mistakes or unprofessional behavior 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.