Notary Signing Agent New Jersey

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

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of or employed in New Jersey, and have not been convicted of a crime in any state for an offense involving dishonesty, or a crime of the first or second degree
• Read the New Jersey notary public manual: Before starting your notary application through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, you will need to review the New Jersey Notary Public Manual
• Complete a notary education course: New Jersey applicants are required to complete a six-hour course of study which is approved by the State Treasurer before sitting a mandatory exam
• Pass the notary exam: After you have completed these education requirements, you will need to pass the New Jersey Notary Public Exam. This exam contains 50 questions and will need you to pay a $25 fee to sit it
• Complete and file an application form: Once you take this exam, the next step is to complete the notary application form. This will be forwarded to the senator or assemblyperson of your choice for endorsement after you’ve paid the filing fee ($25 for paper applications or $30 online)
• Take an oath of office: If you’re approved, the state’s Notary Public Unit will send a Commission Certificate and Oath Qualification Certificate — which you will need to take to your county clerk within three months. The county clerk will then administer your oath of office, collect a filing fee, and send the completed Certificate to the Notary Public Unit
• Procure 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 New Jersey

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 Jersey, 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.

SPW compliance signifies your commitment to professionalism and proficiency, giving clients and companies confidence in your ability to handle transactions accurately and securely.

Overall, SPW compliance enhances your credibility and trustworthiness, leading to increased opportunities for real estate signings. 

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 use tools, such as a notary stamp or seal, to authenticate and validate documents they notarize. It adds an official seal of approval to signify the transaction’s legality. 

Having a notary journal or record book helps you maintain a detailed record of all notarial acts, a signer’s identity, and dates, providing a paper trail and protection against potential legal disputes or claims.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

While E&O insurance is optional in New Jersey for notary signing agents, it’s still highly recommended. E&O insurance protects you from potential financial losses resulting from errors or omissions in your notarial work.

It provides a safety net in case a client or party involved in a transaction makes a claim against you, offering peace of mind and financial protection.

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.