Notary Signing Agent Nebraska

Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Nebraska? We’ve got you covered.

In order to become a notary signing agent, you will need to:

• Be 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 Nebraska article breaks down everything you need to know in easy-to-follow, succinct steps, and should help you 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 handle loan signings, often for real estate transactions, and works with lenders, title companies, and borrowers.

Although no extra legal qualifications are required to become an NSA in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: You must be at least 19 years old, reside in Nebraska or a state bordering it (with evidence of your workplace being in the state), and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime in the five years preceding application. 

• Complete an initial application: The next step is to complete the Initial Application for Notary Commission. The notarial oath section of the application form must be signed in the presence of a notary. For questions, contact the Nebraska Notary Department by emailing sos.notary@nebraska.gov or calling (402) 471-2558.
• Purchase a $15,00 surety bond: Fill out the General Notary Public Bond Form. Make sure your surety bond is issued by a full-service insurance or bonding agency.
• Finalize your application: With your application, attach your US Citizenship Attestation Form, the General Notary Public Bond Form, and submit the $30 filing fee to the Nebraska Secretary of State, Notary Division.
• Take a notary training course: This step is not a legal requirement, however, many aspiring notaries find such courses to be invaluable in preparing them for the Nebraska notary public exam.
• Pass the notary exam: Take and pass the Notary Public Exam, which the State offers on the ClassMarker online portal. Once the Notary Division has received your application and the required documents, you will be emailed a link to take this test online.
• Purchase your notary supplies: Tools of the trade, such as a notary seal and journal, are essential to be able to effectively perform your duties. These will need to be specific to the state of Nebraska

Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course

After you receive your notary commission and are ready to begin operating as a notary public, you will likely want to undertake a specialized loan signing training course.

Even though this is not a requirement in the state of Nebraska, it is highly recommended as it offers the following benefits:

• In-depth understanding: A specialized course can allow you to dive deep into the complexities of mortgage loan signings, improving your overall understanding and capabilities as an NSA. It can also help you become well-versed in how to handle unexpected situations with professionalism.
• Boosts employability: Your certificate signifies commitment and a specialized skill set, both of which greatly increase your marketability. Candidates with additional qualifications are also very attractive to hiring companies. 
• Confidence builder: A course can provide you with a certain degree of “hands-on experience,” which will inevitably make you more comfortable and confident during actual signings. This confidence can translate into improved service and positive client experiences.

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 this step is optional, it is generally recommended.

Being SPW compliant shows your credibility and adherence to ethical guidelines, thus increasing trust from clients and companies.

SPW compliance ensures professionalism, consistency, and efficiency in your notary services, improving the overall quality of your work and client satisfaction.

Getting compliant involves undergoing a background check, passing an exam, and purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) insurance (with a minimum of $25,000 in coverage).

Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies

After you’ve been commissioned as a notary public and have spent time in order to become qualified as a loan signing agent, you will need to purchase your notary supplies.

Loan signing agents often have a notary stamp or seal to authenticate documents, confirming their identity and authority.

You may also obtain a notary journal, which you use to record details of each notarization, such as a signer’s identity, dates, and more. This provides a secure record of your transactions, ensuring compliance with laws, and protecting against fraud or disputes.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

In Nebraska, getting an E&O insurance policy may be optional, but makes a wise investment.

E&O insurance provides financial protection in case of errors, omissions, or negligence claims arising from notarial acts.

Examples in which an E&O insurance policy would 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.

Nebraska Notary Signing Agent Restrictions

While Nebraska presents promising opportunities for notary signing agents, it’s essential to understand the state’s specific restrictions, such as limiting the fees that notaries may charge.

Notaries can only charge a specific maximum fee for their notary services, as set by the Nebraska notary statute §33-133. Nebraska notaries cannot charge any ancillary fees for services or expenses related to the notarial act, such as courier fees, printing fees, or other supplementary costs.

They are only allowed to charge the standard fee for the notarial act they perform, which ranges from $1 to $5. The only other allowable fee that may be added to the notarial fee for taking acknowledgments is the current mileage fee of 36.5 cents per mile traveled.

In Nebraska, notary signing agents cannot explain the meaning of a document or provide legal advice. Your role is primarily to verify the identities of the involved parties, oversee the signing of documents, and notarize these signatures.

These specific requirements highlight the importance of your role as a loan signing agent in facilitating signings while strictly adhering to the state’s legal guidelines.