Notary Signing Agent New Hampshire

Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in New Hampshire? 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 New Hampshire 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 provide unbiased explanations of each document’s purpose.

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

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: To apply as a notary in New Hampshire, all applicants must be a resident of New Hampshire, at least 18 years old, and meet background check requirements
• Complete an application form: Fill out the Notary Application Form from the Secretary of State’s website. You can also choose to make a request by calling (603) 271-3242 or email your request to administration@sos.nh.gov. Mail your request in writing to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s (NH SOS) office. You will need to have your application endorsed by two NH notaries public and one NH registered voter
• Complete the criminal record release authorization form: Complete the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form (at the back of the application form) and get it notarized. Submit your application with the $75 fee and Criminal Record Release Authorization Form to the NH SOS
• Take your oath of office: Once your application has been processed, you will receive your commission, oath, notary public manual and other information via mail. Sign and take your oath of office in the presence of two notaries public, two justices of the peace, or one notary public and one justice of the peace. Return the oath to the Secretary’s office and keep the commission for your records
• Buy your notary supplies: Notaries must use an embossed official seal or an electronic or a rubber official stamp for all notarial acts. You may also get a notary record book or journal for all in-person and remote notarizations
• Take a notary training class: This step is not a legal requirement, but taking a notary course enhances your knowledge and skills in notarization procedures, legal requirements, and ethical practices for you to become a more proficient and reliable notary public

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 New Hampshire, 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 will streamline real estate signings and transactions, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a higher level of professionalism, leading you to more opportunities and success in the field.

All in all, SPW compliance enhances your credibility and trust among clients and employers, lenders, and title companies.

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 require having a notary stamp or seal for notarizing documents, providing a visual indicator of their official notary status.

Getting a notary journal or record book is crucial for recording details of your notarial acts, thus maintaining thorough and legally required records.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

In New Hampshire, getting a surety bond and E&O insurance is not required by law.

While it’s not mandatory, you can protect yourself and your business from possible legal costs or damages by purchasing an optional E&O insurance.

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.