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

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: Tennessee law mandates all aspiring notaries to be at least 18 years old, a legal permanent resident or citizen of the US and the state, and to have not been convicted of specific offenses. 
• Complete and file an application form: Complete and submit an application form to your county clerk’s office to certify your election to the Tennessee Secretary of State. After paying the $12 application fee, you should be notified by the county clerk when they’ve received your notary commission certificate.
• Purchase a $10,000 surety bond: This bond protects the public from any liability that arises as a result of mistakes on your part when performing notarial services. These are commonly sold by the National Notary Association or a general insurance company. 
• Take your oath of office: Once you take your oath of office in front of the county clerk and get your bond recorded, you’ll be qualified to operate as a notary in Tennessee.
• Procure notary supplies: Tools of the trade, such as a notary seal and record book, are essential fulfilling your responsibilities and maintaining professionalism. In Tennessee, there are certain requirements that your equipment, especially your notary seal. 
• Take a notary training course: While entirely optional, these courses are popular among applicants as they provide the essential understanding of the notarial rules necessary to succeed in this career

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 Tennessee, 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 highly recommended for all notary signing agents.

Being SPW compliant instills trust, protects clients’ sensitive information, and mitigates legal risks during document signings — especially in financial and real estate signings. 

Overall, SPW compliance contributes to the integrity and efficiency of notarized 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 use a notary seal or stamp to emboss or imprint their official seal onto documents and sign their authenticity. 

Having a notary journal or record book documents your performed notarial acts. It contains details, such as the date, type of document, a signer’s identity, and all parties involved, providing a secure and organized record of notarial activities.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

While optional, it’s recommended to acquire a comprehensive E&O insurance policy.

This is a type of insurance that covers legal costs and potential damages if your client claims financial losses due to mistakes made during document signings, protecting you from personal liability.

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.