Likely due to the similarities between the titles of the two positions, many professionals can get confused between notaries and notary signing agents. The title sounds official, but what actually sets them apart from a regular notary? And is this a career path that’s right for you?

In this article, we’ll answer the question of what is a Notary Signing Agent and break down their specific responsibilities — particularly in regards to legal and financial transactions like mortgages and loans. We’ll also guide you through the steps to become one, clearing up any uncertainties you may have and helping you to find clarity on whether this specialized profession is the right one for you.

What Does a Notary Signing Agent Do

A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a type of notary who has undergone additional training and certification to be able to handle loan document signings in the mortgage and real estate industries.

The main distinction between NSAs and regular notaries is that they deal with private financial information and are qualified to confirm everything in the loan documents is legal and accurate. As part of this, some of the common duties of a notary signing agent include:

• Printing loan documents
• Meeting with the signers and verifying their identities
• Notarizing their signatures on the documents
• Following any specific instructions from the parties involved
• Returning the documents promptly for processing

However, NSAs do have limitations on what they can do when it comes to loan signings. For example, NSAs cannot:

• Give legal advice or interpret the loan documents for the borrowers
• Change, alter, or correct any information or errors on real estate loan documents
• Charge fees that exceed the state maximum or that are not authorized by the parties involved
• Perform loan signing service in states that require an attorney or professional licensure, such as title insurance or real estate
• Notarize signatures of people who are not physically present and do not have proper identification
• Use their notary seal or commission for personal or fraudulent purposes

By becoming an NSA, you can enjoy flexible hours, high income potential, and the opportunity to help people with their home loans. However, be sure to always follow the laws and regulations of your state as well as the best practices and ethical standards of your profession.

How to Become a Notary Signing Agent

To become an NSA, you need to first become a notary public in your state. Let’s take a look at the following requirements:

Step 1: Become a Notary Public

The first step is to become commissioned as a notary public in your state. Although the requirements, process, and fees differ from state to state, some common steps include:

• Meet the Basic Qualifications: You must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of your state, and not have a criminal record
• Complete an Application: Fill out and submit the necessary forms to your state’s Secretary of State office or similar issuing authority
• Take a Notary Course: Most states require and recommend taking an educational course covering state laws and notarial procedures in order to qualify as an NSA
• Pass an Exam: In some states you may also need to pass a test on notary law and ethics, which may be included as part of the application
• Purchase a Surety Bond: This bond provides the public with protection in the event that any potential errors you commit in your notarial acts cause financial damage. You’ll have to verify the exact bound amount in your specific state, since the required amount varies on a state-by-state basis
• Purchase E&O Insurance: This insurance shields you from liability due to negligence or misconduct while performing your notarial duties

Step 2: Take a Loan Signing Training Course

Once you’ve taken the steps to becoming commissioned as a notary public, the next important step involves getting specialized training. You can get this from a loan signing agent training course, which teaches you everything you need to know about loan documents and how to sign them.

After finishing the course, you should be sufficiently qualified to deal with real estate transactions in a proper and efficient way.

You can find these training courses from both notary associations and online course providers. While there are normally a number of different ways of teaching, many loan signing agents find they prefer to take the course online at their own pace instead of in-person.

Step 3: Become SPW Compliant (Optional)

SPW (Signing Professionals Workgroup) is a group of major mortgage holders and notary associations that created a new standard for NSAs. SPW compliance means meeting the requirements and following the best practices set by the SPW for NSAs.

To become SPW compliant, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Pass a background check and an exam every year. This is to ensure that you meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s standards for third-party service providers hired by financial institutions. You can take the background check and exam from various organizations, such as the National Notary Association (NNA), the Notary Learning Center, and the American Association of Notaries
• Purchase an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. The minimum is $25,000 in coverage. This is to protect you from liability in case of any errors or omissions during your signings

Being SPW compliant not only enhances your credibility and professionalism, but also increases your opportunities and income as a NSA. You can work with more lenders, title companies, and settlement companies that require SPW compliance. You can also charge higher fees for your services, as you provide more value and quality to your clients.

Step 4: Purchase Signing Agent Supplies

As an NSA, you need to have the right supplies to perform your duties efficiently and professionally. Some of the essential supplies you need include the following:

• Notary stamp and seal: These are used to affix your official notary seal and signature on the documents you notarize. You should order your notary seal and stamp from a reputable vendor that complies with your state’s requirements and keep them in a secure place so that no one else uses them without your permission
• Journal or record book: This is used to record the details of every notarization you perform, such as the date, time, location, type of document, type of identification, and signature of the signer. You should use a bound journal with numbered pages and tamper-proof entries. You should also follow your state’s laws and regulations on how to maintain and store your journal

You can purchase these basic NSA supplies from various sources, including online stores, notary associations, and even private companies. When searching around, be sure to check the prices, quality, and reviews of different vendors before making your purchase.

Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O) is a type of liability insurance that protects NSAs from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in their professional services. This is important because it insulates you from the legal costs and damages if you make a mistake that causes financial loss to your clients.

When choosing an insurance provided to get your E&O coverage, pay particular attention to the premium each provider charges — this is the amount of money you pay for your insurance coverage. While it can vary depending on factors such as the amount of coverage, the term of the policy, and your risk level, the biggest determinant of your premium is the provider you choose.