Learn How to Become a Notary Signing Agent

Increase your expertise and income by becoming a Notary Signing Agent. It is one more step toward becoming a better Notary and to understanding more of the business—while adding to your income. Many mobile Notaries use it as supplementary income—on average you can earn between $50 and $150 per closing, depending on how you receive loan signing appointments (primarily from signing services or direct work). 

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A “Notary Signing Agent” is a duly commissioned or appointed Notary Public who has been trained to present loan documents to a borrower, show where the borrower must sign or initial, perform any necessary notarizations, and promptly send the entire document package to its destination for processing.

Lenders and title/escrow companies across America trust trained and background-screened Notary Signing Agents to escort borrowers through the loan signing process. Notary Signing Agents are indispensable contributors to successful loan closings.

What are the minimum qualifications to act as a Notary Signing Agent?

While each lender, title company and signing service's policies may differ, the industry strongly advises that you complete all of the steps below to enhance your chances of working with several companies.

• A currently commissioned Notary Public in a state that does not prohibit Signing Agent activity.
  • At least one year of experience as a Notary Public is recommended.
• Completion of a training course covering Notary Signing Agent duties, responsibilities and limitations.
• An initial background screening that meets Signing Professionals Workgroup standards (annually renewed).
• Carry Errors & Omissions Insurance for your basic notarial duties, and for Signing Agent work.

It is also recommended that Notaries are supported by a membership in a professional Notary organization that provides information on lawful performance of notarial acts and best practices.

Do any states restrict or limit Notary Signing Agent activity?

Yes, click here for a list of states that impose restrictions or limitations on Notaries Public performing Signing Agent work.

How important is standard Notary training/knowledge to a Notary Signing Agent?

It is impossible to function as a Signing Agent without a strong understanding of the fundamentals of notarization and your state’s Notary laws and administrative rules. Notary Signing Agents can be expected or pressured to complete notarizations that may cause the Notary to violate his/her/their state Notary law. Knowing how to notarize expertly, and when to say “No,” are extremely important.

Do I have to obtain a Notary commission before taking the Notary Signing Agent Training Course?

No—you may take the course and apply at the same time. You may not act as a Notary or a Notary Signing Agent until you have been officially commissioned or appointed by your state commissioning officer. An active Notary commission is required to take the American Society of Notaries certification exam (included with the Notary Signing Agent Training Course).

What will I learn from the Notary Signing Agent Training Course?

Our course covers the all-important fundamentals of notarial practice, the role of Notary Signing Agents, essential tools and business structure, insurance needs, marketing; receiving and setting loan document signing appointments, presenting loan documents, sending signed documents to their destination, keeping records; invoicing for services, and more.

What is “certification”?

“Certification” indicates that the individual has obtained the training in notarization skills and Signing Agent practices needed to perform competently as a Notary Public Signing Agent.

Why do I need to be a “certified” Notary Signing Agent?

Certification is an industry standard, one required by many if not most of the companies that hire Notary Signing Agents.

Does my Notary Signing Agent certification expire?

Yes, because loan document signing practices and procedures can change at any time. Requirements of Notary law or administrative rules can also change annually or sooner. The American Society of Notaries’ Notary Signing Agent certification expires after one year. Retraining and reexamination are necessary to renew the certification for another year.

Why do I need Signing Agent Errors & Omissions Insurance?

As a Signing Agent, you will have unlimited personal liability for losses caused by any mistake that occurred during the signing. The Notary Errors & Omission Insurance only provides coverage for the notarizations in a loan package. It will NOT cover acts unrelated to notarizations. This is why you should consider obtaining Signing Agent Errors & Omissions Insurance. This type of policy is designed to fill the gaps not covered by Notary Public Errors & Omissions Insurance. To learn more about this policy's coverage, click here.

Do I need a Notary E&O policy in addition to Signing Agent E&O?

If you are also performing notarizations outside of your duties as a Notary Signing Agent, you should carry traditional Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance.

Why do I need a background check, and what records are searched?

This is a requirement of mortgage lenders, because by law they must guard the privacy of every borrower’s personal information.  That duty requires lenders to ensure that all parties with access to a borrower’s personal information are appropriately screened, including Notary Signing Agents.  A background check for Notary Signing Agents will include or check:  Social Security Number Trace, National Criminal Database, Sex Offender Registry, Terrorist Watch List, County Criminal Court Search, Federal Criminal Court Search, Wants/Warrants Search, Employment Verifications, and Education Verification.

How long does background screening take?

From registration for a background screening to obtaining the results, the process takes approximately 5-7 days.  (This can vary by background screening provider.)

How far back (previous years) is my background screened?

Generally, from 7 to 10 years into your previous history, depending on applicable laws in your state of residence.

How often must a Notary Signing Agent be background-screened?

The current standard is once per year.

Can I dispute a result in my background screening that I think is incorrect?

Yes – the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) entitles a person to dispute background screening results.  Any reputable background screening provider will offer a dispute process.

Who hires Notary Signing Agents?

Assignments to work as a Notary Signing Agent come mostly from signing services, title/escrow companies, and lenders. Most new Notary Signing Agents register with or align themselves with signing services. These services receive loan signing opportunities from various title/escrow companies and lenders, and maintain their own registry of Notary Signing Agents who will perform those signings. The signing service collects fees for loan signings and pays the officiating Notary Signing Agent. Some well-established Notary Signing Agents receive assignments directly from title/escrow companies and lenders, and are paid directly by these parties.

How are Notary Signing Agents compensated?

See “Who hires Notary Signing Agents?” above.  

Are my Signing Agent earnings taxable?

Your Signing Agent earnings must be accurately tracked and reported as income.

Notary Signing Agent Training Course

If you're looking to go into business as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), then this course is a great next step.

Our Notary Signing Agent Training Course, with audible narration, is designed to provide a comprehensive and informative overview of the general responsibilities of a Notary Signing Agent. You will have 24/7 access to this course, so you can learn at your own pace. At the completion of the training course, you will have the opportunity to take the American Society of Notaries certification exam, at no additional cost, to earn the Society's designation, "ASN Certified Notary Signing Agent." Plus, you get unlimited access for 9 months from course completion, allowing you to come back and refresh as needed.

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Topics covered:

• Fundamental notarial practices and requirements
• Notary Signing Agent responsibilities
• Most common documents a borrower signs at a loan closing
• Sole proprietorship considerations
• Tips for working efficiently as a Notary Signing Agent
• And more

At the completion of the training course, you will have the opportunity to take the American Society of Notaries certification exam, at no additional cost, to earn the Society's designation, "ASN Certified Notary Signing Agent."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Notary Signing Agent?

A Notary Signing Agent is a duly commissioned Notary Public who specializes in presiding over the execution (signing) of loan documents. Lenders across the United States rely heavily on Notary Signing Agents to handle these sensitive transactions.

Can a Notary in any state perform Notary Signing Agent work?

No. Some states restrict a Notary's ability to perform Notary Signing Agent work, or ban it completely. Click here to view a list of states that currently are currently known to restrict or ban Notary Signing Agent work. 

Some states where a Notary might want to be a Signing Agent are called "attorney-only." What does that mean?

It means that a Notary who is not also an attorney licensed to practice in the Notary’s state of commission is prohibited from Signing Agent work completely; or required to perform the work only under the direct supervision of an attorney who is present for the closing ceremony.  Click here to view our list of state prohibitions and restrictions.

Who is this course for?

Any eligible Notary who is seeking to increase their expertise and income by becoming a Notary Signing Agent.

I recently applied for my Notary commission, but it has not been approved yet. Can I take this training course to learn how to become a Signing Agent?

Non-Notaries may take this training course, then take the exam after obtaining a commission. An active Notary commission is required for the examination.

Do I have to complete the course at one time?

No, unlike a classroom setting where you have to take the course in one sitting, a benefit of taking our training course is that once you have registered, you can log in and out of the course as many times as you wish, and the system will keep track of your progress.

How long is the course?

The course contains 12 sections with over 4 hours of in-depth content.

Is this course audio-enabled?

Yes, we provide audible narration so you may listen to the course content.

How long will I have access to the training materials?

You will have unlimited access for 9 months from course completion. 

How long is the "ASN Certified Notary Signing Agent" designation valid for?

It is valid for one year.

How important is standard Notary training/knowledge to a Notary Signing Agent?

It is impossible to function as a Notary Signing Agent without a strong understanding of the fundamentals of notarization and your state's Notary law and administrative rules. Notary Signing Agents can be expected or pressured to complete notarizations that may cause the Notary to violate their state Notary law. Knowing how to notarize expertly, and when to say "No," are extremely important.

Will I automatically get jobs or assignments after becoming a Notary Signing Agent?

No, you will not automatically receive work after becoming a Notary Signing Agent. The amount of work you put into marketing yourself will determine your success. Section 6 of our course provides tips for receiving Signing Agent work.

What if I take the course and don’t get steady Signing Agent work?

Signing Agent work is widely available, but it is competitive.  Some Notaries who take Signing Agent training thrive as Notary Signing Agents, and some do not. Training does not guarantee success… it provides information for you to pursue success. 

I have a question about some information taught in the course – how do I ask for help?

If you are logged-in to your course, please use the “NEED HELP?” button, located at the bottom of your screen, to submit a help request, or email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Briefly describe your question and the course section where the content is located. 

When I tried to register, it said my email was already in use. Why?

How do I change my login password?

I never received my token/link to reset my password.

Why did I receive an “invalid token” error when I try to reset my password?

I was unable to print my notary forms at checkout. What should I do?

How can I change my selected state on your website?

My account and shopping cart aren't working right. What's wrong?

Your website looks different on my computer. Why?

Can I access your website on my mobile device?

My online notary course isn't working. Why?

What browser works best?

I’m having trouble accessing parts of the website. What’s wrong? 

When I tried to register, it said my email was already in use. Why?

Our website only allows one registration per email address. We do this to avoid confusion and to protect each person's account. To see if you already have an account, try logging in. If you are not able to access your account or unable to create a new one with your email address, please contact our Customer Care Team.

How do I change my login password?

If you know your login credentials, you may update your email address through your user profile. Once logged in and in your account, select ‘Edit Profile’ which is located on the right, to update information on your profile.

If you’ve lost access to the email address associated with your account and do not know your login credentials, you may create a new account with a different email address or you may contact our Customer Care Team. We’ll do our best to help, but keep in mind, if we’re not able to verify you as the account owner, we cannot give you access to the account. 

I never received my token/link to reset my password.

There may be a number of reasons why you are not receiving an email to reset your password. Security measures like spam filters sometimes prevent our messages from being delivered. It can be helpful to adjust your spam filters to allow emails from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. through to your inbox. Please check your junk mail and trash folder for any messages from the Notary Public Underwriters before requesting your verification link again. 

If you are unable to resolve a delivery issue to the email address you are attempting to use, please contact our Customer Care Team. 

Why did I receive an “invalid token” error when I try to reset my password?

If you're trying to reset your password and you receive an error citing an "invalid token", it’s likely that you are using an invalid email link. This link becomes invalid every time a new password reset token is requested. So, if you have requested multiple password resets to your email, you will need to make sure you are selecting the token from the email that was most recently sent to you. 

I was unable to print my notary forms at checkout. What should I do?

You should be able to access your notary documents by logging into your profile and clicking on the notary application icon. If needed, we can email the documents to the email address we have on file for you. Please contact our Customer Care Team if the issue persists and you are unable to access your notary documents. 

How can I change my selected state on your website? 

You can change your state in the header of our website. Click on the drop down menu located near the account login to select a new state. 

My account and shopping cart aren't working right. What's wrong?

You must have JavaScript and cookies enabled on your computer in order for our shopping cart and account section to work correctly. To enable JavaScript on your computer, go here. You can also try using a different browser or clearing your cookies and cache. If the issue persists, please contact our Customer Care Team. 

Your website looks different on my computer. Why?

To get the best results when using our website, you will want to always use one of our supported browsers. We currently support: Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. 

Can I access your website on my mobile device?

Yes, our website will work on any mobile device with web browsing capabilities via an active data plan through a wireless carrier or a Wi-Fi connection. As a reminder, you may be required to print forms from the process and will need access to a printer. 

My online notary course isn't working. Why?

First, please verify you did purchase the Florida notary education course through Notary Public Underwriters. Once you have verified your course purchase, please make sure you are using a browser that isn’t Internet Explorer. JavaScript and cookies should be enabled on your browser. To get the best results when using our website, you will want to always use one of our supported browsers. We currently support: Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. If you are still having issues, please contact our Customer Care Team. 

What browser works best? 

To get the best results when using our website, you will want to always use one of our supported browsers. We currently support: Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. 

Important: Internet Explorer (IE) has been removed from our list of recommended browsers. This decision comes after Microsoft announced it would no longer support older versions of the browser. We are not confident that IE 11 will provide you the best user experience as Microsoft's own cybersecurity experts said, "We’re not supporting new web standards for it and, while many sites work fine, developers by and large just aren’t testing for Internet Explorer these days.”

You must also have JavaScript enabled on your web-browser.

For quick and easy instructions on how to enable JavaScript, please click here. 

I’m having trouble accessing parts of the website. What’s wrong?

If you are having an issue using our website, it could be for a number of different reasons. First, check your browser, and ensure you have the most up to date version. We do not recommend using Internet Explorer. Second, check you have cookies enabled on your browser. If you’ve verified that cookies are being accepted, and you’re still experiencing problems with the website, please clear your cookies and cache, close your browser, and try again. If you are still experiencing issues, there could be a temporary problem with our website. If this is the case, we would recommend contacting our Customer Care Team. If able, please take screenshots of the issue. They will be very helpful in diagnosing and resolving issues with our website.

 If you don't see your question listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We'd love to assist you.