To work as a Notary Signing Agent, you must hold an active Notary Public commission and pass a background check. If you’re interested in becoming a Notary Signing Agent and maximizing your opportunities for loan signing assignments, follow the steps below:
- Check if your state has Signing Agent restrictions.
- Get your Notary Public commission.
- Pass a background screening.
- Take a loan signing training course and pass an exam.
- Buy your Signing Agent supplies.
- Purchase a minimum $25,000 E&O insurance policy.
- Start working as a Notary Signing Agent.
- Join Notary Signing Agent directories.
Notary Signing Agent Process
Cost to Become a Signing Agent
The cost of becoming an NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent® starts at $199. Startup expenses include your Notary Public commission, Signing Agent certification, equipment and supplies, and insurance.
Notary Signing Agent Timeline
Applicants who are already commissioned as Notaries and follow the recommended industry certification process listed above can expect to become a certified Signing Agent within one to two weeks.
Most of this time will be spent waiting for your background screening results. Other factors will be your availability and how long it takes you to become comfortable with all procedures and requirements for notarizing loan closings.
Notary Signing Agent Requirements
State Restrictions
Most states allow Notary Signing Agents to perform loan signing services in real estate closings. However, there are 19 states with specific requirements that may prevent or restrict Notary Signing Agents from performing loan signings.
| Restriction or Limitation |
State |
| Requires attorney involvement |
Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Vermont and West Virginia |
| Customary to have attorney involvement |
North New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Ohio |
| Requires a professional license |
Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota and Virginia |
| Limit on Notary fees |
Nebraska and Nevada |
| Limit on loan requirements |
Texas |
Find more details about your state’s Signing Agent restrictions.
Notary Public Commission
Anyone who meets the requirements to be a Notary Public in their state can go on to become a Signing Agent. To qualify for a Notary Public commission, generally you must be at least 18 years old, be a legal resident of your state and have no felony convictions.
The process typically includes submitting an application and fee, taking a training course, passing an exam, and getting your Notary supplies. You can get everything you need to apply for your commission with the NNA.
Notary Signing Agent Certification
A certification is not legally required, but it is preferred by mortgage finance companies to meet Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) compliance requirements.
The all-inclusive NNA Notary Signing Agent Certification includes the background screening, training and exam to help you succeed as a mobile Notary.
The NNA certification package includes:
- Background screening: The mortgage industry expects Notary Signing Agents to pass an annual SPW-compliant background check.
- Training: Completing a loan signing course is strongly recommended to learn how to master loan signings and prevent fraud.
- Exam: Passing an exam demonstrates you’ve been formally educated in the complex process of mortgage closings.
For more information on becoming NNA certified, view our Loan Signing Agent checklist.
Notary Signing Agent Supplies
In addition to your Notary seal and journal, Signing Agents should have:
- Transportation
- Smartphone
- Laptop
- Email
- Printer
- Scanner
- Bag
Many new Notary Signing Agents also find it helpful to use a few industry supplies and reference books when starting out.
E&O Insurance
Though not required by law, it's strongly recommended to purchase a Notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to cover you against damages resulting from unintentional mistakes.
The Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW), an industry standards organization, recommends Signing Agents carry a minimum Notary E&O policy of $25,000 following a study that found most claims against Notary Signing Agents averaged around $14,000. However, some individual companies may ask Signing Agents they work with to carry a larger policy.
Notary Signing Agent FAQs
How much can I charge for a loan signing?
There is no set fee schedule for Notary Signing Agents who perform loan document signings. Each Signing Agent must negotiate their own fees based on their business expenses, the companies they work with, travel and time required for assignments, and the demand for services in their area.
Be aware that the federal government strictly prohibits collaboration to set fixed fees for loan document signings, including price-fixing agreements, boycotts or attempts to persuade other Signing Agents to agree to charge an established minimum fee.
How often must I renew as a Notary Signing Agent?
The government does not define a renewal timeframe for Signing Agents within any state or federal law. However, the industry standard set by SPW requires Signing Agents renew their exam and background check every year.
The NNA offers everything you need to renew as a Signing Agent.