Notary Signing Agent Vermont

Interested in finding out how to become a notary signing agent in Vermont? 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 Vermont 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 oversee the signing of documents.

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

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

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

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria: All prospective NSAs must be at least 18 years old, a permanent legal resident or citizen of the US, a resident of or an employee under Vermont law, and satisfy Vermont’s background check requirements
• Create an account on Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation website: You can start your notary application by creating an account on Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) website
• Complete an oath of office form: After this is done, the next step is to complete the Oath of Office/Affirmation form and get it notarized. You can do this by taking the oath before a duly commissioned Justice of the Peace or notary public
• Upload your application form: Complete your online application, upload your oath, and pay the $30 application fee via the OPR portal. Once your application is approved, you’ll be notified of this via email and will be able to access your notary commission through your OPR account
• Take the Vermont state jurisprudence exam: As you continue completing your online application, you will need to download the Vermont state jurisprudence exam. Once you have completed this exam, upload a scanned copy of your answer sheet and submit your application.
• Obtain your notary supplies: Tool such as a notary seal and record book are essential for all notaries to be able to carry out their duties properly. Make sure these are specific to the state of Vermont
• Take a notary training course: While not required by law, all notaries are recommended to enroll in a notary course so that they stay up-to-date with Vermont’s notary regulations and practices as well as enhance their professional skills

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 Vermont, 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.

SPW compliance is particularly relevant to the finance and real estate industries because it ensures the proper handling of sensitive financial and legal documents during loan signings and real estate transactions.

This compliance helps maintain trust, accuracy, and security in these critical industries.

Getting compliant involves undergoing a background check, passing an exam, and purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) 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 a notary stamp or seal and a notary journal or record book to fulfill their duties effectively.

The notary stamp or seal is used to officially notarize documents, indicating your authorization and responsibility as a notary.

The notary journal or record book is used to maintain a record of all notarized transactions, providing certified court documents for potential legal proceedings.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

As the final step, you will likely need to purchase an E&O insurance policy.

E&O insurance provides financial protection in case of mistakes, omissions, or negligence in performing your notarial duties.

It also helps cover legal expenses and potential damages resulting from errors, ensuring you’re safeguarded against potential financial liabilities.

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.

Vermont Notary Signing Agent Restrictions

While Vermont presents promising opportunities for notary signing agents, it’s essential to understand the state’s specific restrictions, particularly when it comes to conducting real estate settlements.

Vermont is an “attorney closing state,” meaning that real estate transactions require an attorney to be present at the closing to oversee and facilitate the process, ensuring legal compliance and documentation accuracy.

The state also allows a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney to conduct a loan closing on behalf of a consenting client and the attorney is available for questions and legal advice.

In Vermont, notary signing agents cannot explain the meaning of a document or provide legal advice. Your 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 notary signing agent in facilitating real estate closings and loan signings while strictly adhering to the state’s legal guidelines.