Notary Signing Agent North Carolina

Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in North Carolina? 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 North Carolina 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 financial transactions.

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

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: In North Carolina, aspiring notaries must be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated, a resident in the state and of the US, and have not been released from incarceration, probation or parole within the last 10 years
• Register to take the notary course: Register to take the notary public course at a local community college using the North Carolina Community Colleges website
• Get a North Carolina notary public guidebook: After this, you’ll need to purchase a 2016 North Carolina Notary Public Manual. This can be bought from local bookstores, local community colleges, and the UNC School of Government bookstore (or by calling (919) 966-4119).
• Pass the notary public exam: After completing the course, you must take and pass the North Carolina notary public exam with a score of 80% or higher
• File your application: Complete your application and get it notarized. Submit your application, your updated resume, the $50 application fee, and a business card (if you have one) to the North Carolina Secretary of State. The deadline for submission is within three months of taking the course
• Take the oath of office: If your application is successful, you will receive your notary oath notification letter from the Secretary of State via email. Within 45 days, take your oath of office, pick up your commission certificate at your county’s Register of Deeds, and pay a $10 fee
• 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina, 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 is beneficial, especially during a real estate loan closing, because it ensures you adhere to best practices and industry standards.

SPW compliance increases trust among your clients, lenders, and title companies, thus leading to smoother and more reliable transactions.

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 typically need a notary stamp or seal, as well as a notary journal or record book, depending on the state’s requirements.

The notary stamp or seal is used to officially notarize documents during loan signings. Your notary record book or journal is used to record details of each transaction, providing a legal record of the notarization.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

In North Carolina, having an E&O insurance policy is entirely optional but you may want to purchase one.

An E&O policy can cover legal expenses and potential damages, protecting your business and reputation against claims of errors or negligence resulting in financial losses.

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.

North Carolina Notary Signing Agent Restrictions

While North Carolina presents promising opportunities for notary signing agents, it’s essential to understand the state’s specific restrictions since the state is an “attorney closing state.”

If you are a notary signing agent in North Carolina but not a licensed attorney, you can still help with the loan document signing process, but not the “closing” of a real estate transaction. You must have a licensed attorney overseeing and supervising your work during this process to ensure everything is done correctly and legally.

In North Carolina, NSAs cannot explain the meaning of a document or provide legal advice. Their 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 loan signings while strictly adhering to the state’s legal guidelines.