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Are you interested in becoming a Notary Signing Agent? Here’s everything you need to know about what the job entails and how to get started.
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What is a Notary Signing Agent?
A notary signing agent is a notary public who specializes in facilitating loan signings. Notary signing agents are sometimes referred to as loan signing agents, loan closers, or mobile notaries.
Notary signing agents are responsible for ensuring that all documents related to a loan are signed and notarized by the borrower. This includes the mortgage, promissory note, deed of trust, and any other documents required by the lender. Notary signing agents must be impartial and cannot give advice to either party in the transaction.
Notary signing agents must be experienced in handling loan documents and must have a thorough understanding of the loan process. They must be able to answer any questions that the borrower may have about the documents they are signing. In some states, notary signing agents are required to have completed a training course approved by the state Notary Commission.
If you are interested in becoming a notary signing agent, you can contact your state’s Notary Commission for more information.
The Duties of a Notary Signing Agent
As a notary signing agent, your role is to facilitate the signing of loan documents on behalf of lenders, borrowers, and escrow/title companies. This process is known as loan document signing or loan signings.
Notary signing agents are expected to adhere to a strict code of professional ethics, which includes being impartial and unbiased, as well as having a strong understanding of the loan documents that you will be asked to notarize.
In addition to your state-mandated Notary commission, you may also choose to become certified through the National Notary Association (NNA), which offers the Certified Loan Signing Agent (CLSA) designation.
Becoming a CLSA demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the profession, and it gives you access to a wide range of resources, including:
-Continuing education courses
-A national directory listing
-A free subscription to The National Notary magazine
-And more!
Qualifications to Be a Notary Signing Agent
To become a notary signing agent, you must first meet your state’s qualifications to become a notary public. In most states, this includes being at least 18 years of age, having a clean criminal record, and passing a notary exam. Once you have met your state’s requirements and been sworn in as a notary public, you can begin the process of becoming a notary signing agent.
The first step is to complete a Notary Signing Agent Certification course, which will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the role. Once you have completed the certification course, you will need to pass a background check and exam administered by the National Notary Association (NNA). Finally, you will need to apply for Errors and Omissions insurance, which will protect you financially in the event that something goes wrong during a notary signing transaction.
How to Get Started as a Notary Signing Agent
Becoming a notary signing agent is a great way to make some extra income. Notary signing agents are hired by title companies, banks, and other businesses to notarize documents for customers.
In order to become a notary signing agent, you must first become a notary public. You can do this by contacting your state’s secretary of state office and filling out an application. Once you have been sworn in as a notary public, you will need to purchase a bond and errors and omissions insurance.
Once you have been sworn in as a notary public and have the necessary bond and insurance in place, you can start marketing your services to title companies, banks, and other businesses that may need the services of a notary signing agent. You can find a list of these businesses by searching online or by contacting your state’s department of insurance.
The Notary Signing Agent Business
Notary signing agents are freelance mobile notaries who meet with and notarize documents for loan signings. Loan signings are generally conducted at the borrower’s home, office or other location convenient for all parties involved. As a notary signing agent, you will be an independent contractor, working flexible hours to accommodate your clients’ schedules.
You will need to be available to meet with borrowers during business hours, as well as evenings and weekends if necessary. Notary signing agents must be proficient in both English and Spanish in order to serve the large Hispanic population that often uses their services. In addition, you must have excellent people skills, as you will be dealing with customers during what is often a stressful time in their lives.
The duties of a notary signing agent include verifying the identity of the person or persons signing the documents, witnessing the signatures on the documents and then attaching your official seal as proof that the signatures are valid. In some cases, you may also be required to complete paperwork related to the loan transaction itself. Notary signing agents charge a fee for their services, which is typically paid by the party ordering the loan documents.
