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

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: All notary publics in Ohio must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state (or a non-resident attorney who practices law in Ohio), and not have any “disqualifying offenses” on their record
• Get a background check: After confirming this, go to an approved Webcheck® provider to get a criminal record check from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). It can take up to 40 days for you to receive the BCI report; when you do, you will need to upload it to the Ohio Secretary of State’s online filing system
• Complete a notary education course: Next, you’ll need to take a three-hour notary training or education class from a state-approved education and testing provider. The fee for a traditional notary commission is $130 and $250 for a remote online notary (you’ll also only need to complete a two-hour course instead)
• Pass the notary exam: After completing the notary course, you must take and pass the exam via your chosen state-approved testing provider. If you don’t pass on your first try, you’ll have to wait 30 days to retake it. If you fail a second time, you’ll have to start the entire application process from the beginning
• Complete and file an application form: You can start your New Notary Commission Application online through the Secretary of State’s website. All attachments must be uploaded in PDF form. You’ll need to pay a $15 filing fee to submit your application
• Procure notary supplies: Tools of the trade, such as a notary seal and record book, are essential for maintaining professionalism and fulfilling your responsibilities. These will need to be specific to the state of Ohio

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 Ohio, 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 your commitment and specialized skill set, and can thus increase your marketability. Hiring companies also generally tend to prefer candidates with additional qualifications
• 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.

This is because becoming SPW compliant demonstrates that you understand and follow industry standards, which makes you far more appealing to potential recruiters.

On top of this, SPW compliance indicates professionalism, builds trust with clients, and contributes to smoother and more efficient closing processes.

Getting compliant involves undergoing a background check, passing an exam, and purchasing Errors and Omissions insurance (minimum $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 need official tools, like a notary stamp or embossing seal, to authenticate documents they have notarized.

You will also need a notary journal or record book to note down the details of your notarized transactions, including a signer’s identity, document types, and dates.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

In Ohio, getting E&O insurance is optional but highly recommended.

However, most notaries purchase this type of insurance policy because it covers legal expenses, damages, and settlements against financial losses and potential reputational damage.

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.