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What to look for when choosing your Notary Signing Agent training

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Updated 11-13-23. Training is essential to a successful career as a Notary signing agent, and continuing education is vital to keeping your skills sharp amid a constantly evolving mortgage finance industry. So if you're looking to become a Notary Signing Agent, make sure you get the best possible training by ensuring your program includes:

  1. Up-to-date industry information
  2. Comprehensive coverage of both Signing Agent duties and Notary essentials
  3. Acceptability to companies that work with Signing Agents

1. Up-to-date industry information

The industry is constantly changing, so when selecting a training course you will want to make sure it is up to date and covers any important recent developments.

2. Comprehensive coverage of both Signing Agent duties and Notary essentials

Signing Agents don't simply notarize documents — they are also tasked with bringing documents to the borrower, making sure all necessary signatures are completed and notarized at the signing, and then ensuring the completed loan documents are delivered in a timely fashion. But also, the Signing Agent is relied upon to perform notarizations properly. A good Signing Agent training course should cover topics such as:

  • The type of documents included in a loan signing packet and how to handle them
  • Examples of how to field questions, and where to refer signers for questions the signing agent cannot answer
  • What lenders, title companies and signing services look for in Signing Agents
  • Why your professionalism is important to everyone in the lending process
  • Notary fundamentals and best practices

3. Acceptability to companies that work with Signing Agents

Do companies look for Signing Agents who have undergone this training course? A good way to find this out is to ask the companies who may hire you what type of training they prefer or will accept. You can also find out more about what training signing services, lenders and title companies prefer on Signing Agent discussion groups or on Facebook.

David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.

39 Comments

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Gail Reed

28 Jul 2015

I am a new notary public in the state of Maryland, can you direct me on how to get my first gig, who should I sign up with to receive notifications, what should I invest in first if I want to be an independent agent. Thanks, seeking a coach or mentor for beginners

National Notary Association

30 Jul 2015

Hi Gail. You may want to ask other Notaries in our social media channels (www.nationalnotary.org/socialmedia) for recommendations on companies and if anyone is offering mentoring in your area. Good luck!

Ralph D. Wedertz

28 Jul 2015

Can you please advise when / where a current Certified Notary Signing Agent can obtain training for the Certified Notary Signing Specialist that is supposed to be the next evolution in designations?

National Notary Association

04 Aug 2015

Hello and thanks for reaching out. The SPW hasn’t announced when the exam will roll out, so the certification isn’t currently available. We will share the latest news with our readers as soon as more information is available. Have a great week.

Jose A Rodriguez

16 Nov 2015

Was a Certified NSA in 2012.............Requesting how to return as a Certified Notary Signing Agent..............Please advise

National Notary Association

17 Nov 2015

Welcome back Jose! You can contact our Customer Care team for assistance at 1-800-876-6827 or visit our website at www.NationalNotary.org/signing-agent to get started on renewing your training.

Miko

20 Jan 2018

what is your intake on the notary learning center? any input about their course?

Jim

10 Mar 2018

What are the 3 best courses in San diego?

Louannad@hotmail.com

04 Oct 2018

I passed the test but I guess I didn't purchase a training course. So how do I get a certificate? What's the process and the cost?

Louannad@hotmail.com

08 Oct 2018

Hello. Please contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-876-6827 for assistance.

Mary Leal Soliz

15 Jun 2020

I want to become a signing agent. I live in Bakersfield, CA. Kern County, When and where here in Bakersfield is your next training class?

National Notary Association

15 Jun 2020

Hello. We are currently following Kern County's COVID-19 stay-at-home orders until further notice: https://bakersfieldcity.us/gov/depts/city_manager/covid19.htm

jacquelyn mansito

17 Jun 2020

How to I take the NSA test and where? I live in CONROE, TEXAS 77304

National Notary Association

17 Jun 2020

Hello. Please contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-876-6827 or services@nationalnotary.org for information.

Sherry L Getz

20 Jul 2020

Is there a training course scheduled for the central PA area?

National Notary Association

24 Jul 2020

Hello. Please see here for information on PA NSA online certification available from the NNA: https://www.nationalnotary.org/pennsylvania/signing-agent

Karen Jenkins

17 Aug 2020

I live in Phoenix metro area now. I was a Notary previously in Colorado. I need to get my Notary for the State of AZ and then find out where the training course is for Phoenix metro area so I can become a notary signing agent. Any help is appreciated.

National Notary Association

17 Aug 2020

Hello. Please see here for information about how to become an Arizona Notary: https://www.nationalnotary.org/arizona/become-a-notary

Vicki Dobbins

19 Aug 2020

Please send more info for signing agent in Detroit, mi.

Elizabeth Sayers

19 Aug 2020

Am a notary trying 2 b a signing notary low on funds need help!

Lorisa Costanzo

02 Sep 2020

I am in Orlando and want to be a signing agent. What courses are best to take. Do I need a mentor?

National Notary Association

04 Sep 2020

Hello. The NNA offers training for persons interested in becoming a Florida Notary Signing Agent. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/florida/signing-agent

Zandreal Webley

14 Sep 2020

I reside in the SWFL area and I’m looking to become a signing agent. Where is the best place to get training and take the test?

National Notary Association

17 Sep 2020

Hello. If you're in Florida, information on NNA Signing Agent training is available here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/florida/signing-agent

Jenniferccampbell20@gmail.com

19 Mar 2021

I would like to become a Loan Signing agent. I am looking for resources to help study for the Insurance Producer Independent Contractors (TIPIC) license exam. I live in Maryland. Thank you!

National Notary Association

23 Mar 2021

Hello. More information about Title Insurance Producers is available from the state here: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Producer/pages/titlefaqs.aspx

D. Polk

29 Mar 2021

Hello. I am a notary looking to become a signing agent. I live in the state of Washington. Where is the best place to get training and take the test? Thank you!

National Notary Association

31 Mar 2021

Hello. You can get started with training and certification through the NNA here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/washington/signing-agent

Kathy Wright

12 May 2021

I want to become a signing agent to supplement my income. My income is limited is there a cheaper course i can take. can't afford it at the moment

anita.bracey@yahoo.com

14 Jun 2021

I am a Notary in the state of Illinois, and interested in becoming a Notary Signing Agent. How long is the training and what is the cost to become a NSA.

National Notary Association

17 Jun 2021

Hello. You can find information and prices for NNA training and certification programs for Illinois NSAs here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/illinois/signing-agent

christilla15@gmail.com

15 Sep 2021

I just got certified to be a notary signing agent in Texas, can you direct me on how to get my project/ client. I will be an independent contractor, so please direct me to the path to start the process. Also, seeking a mentor/coach as I move along with this process. I have an account with National Notary Association.

National Notary Association

06 Oct 2021

Hello. You may find the suggestions in these articles helpful: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2016/11/how-get-first-signing-agent-assignment and https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/09/how-mentoring-strengthens-the-notary-community. You may also wish to read this article about privacy restrictions when mentoring Signing Agents: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/09/4-bad-notary-signing-agent-habits-to-avoid. Good luck!

Beverly H.

04 Dec 2023

Hi, I am a Notary and would like to know how to become a Notary signing agent in Maryland. Does the NNA offer training in this particular area? If so what’s the process? Thank you

National Notary Association

04 Dec 2023

Hello. To become a Signing Agent in Maryland, you will need to obtain a title insurance producer license. Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/support/signing-agents/state-restrictions#Maryland. For additional information on how to become a Signing Agent, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/signing-agent/nsa

MONIQUE Tate

04 Dec 2023

Where in Detroit, Michigan can I take an training class?

National Notary Association

19 Jan 2024

Hello and thank you for contacting us. There are many vendors, including the National Notary Association, offering Signing Agent training courses and exams online. Get started here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/michigan/signing-agent

Cheryl C

08 Dec 2023

I would like to become a signing agent, I live in the state of Virginia, any assistance would be truly appreciated

National Notary Association

11 Dec 2023

Hello. Under Virginia’s Real Estate Settlement Agents Act, any person conducting a settlement in a real property transaction, including Notary Signing Agents, must be a licensed title insurance agent for the Commonwealth. According to the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, the handling of settlement funds, including the passing of a check for settlement costs from a borrower to a Notary Signing Agent, requires a title insurance license and an appointment from a title insurance company. Only attorneys, real estate brokers, financial institutions authorized to do business in Virginia under Title 55.1 or under federal law, or licensed title insurance companies and agents may perform real estate closings (COV 55.1-1003). Requirements for a title insurance license include a minimum $250,000 of coverage through an errors and omissions or malpractice insurance policy, a minimum $100,000 of coverage through a blanket fidelity bond or employee dishonesty insurance policy, and a surety bond of not less than $200,000 (COV 55.1-1004.B).

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