Step 1: Basic Requirements
To become a Notary Public, the requirements vary by state. Some states have an exam requirement and others don’t. For all states, the minimum requirement is that you are at least 18 years old and a resident of the state where you are getting your commission. In some instances, you can get a commission in a state if you work or own a business there even if that is not your home state. You will also be required to complete a background check and obtain a bond.
Step 2: State Commission Requirements
Once you have completed the basic requirements, you will have to file an application with the Secretary of State to receive a notary commission. Once you have filed the necessary application, paid the appropriate fees and obtained your bond, you will be able to get a commission number assigned. The commission number is your specific identifier as a notary public for the state and county where you have registered. While you are waiting for your commission to be assigned, you can complete the next step.
Step 3: Loan Signing Agent Training
Notary Publics in each state are limited in the amount of money they can charge for each signature. You are not going to make a six figure income just doing normal notary signings. However, as a loan signing agent, you will make $100 or more by completing tasks associated with closing loan documents as well as notarizing those documents as needed. Loan signing agents get assignments from signing agencies, title companies and lenders to complete mortage loan closings for them. Generally, these closings take about an hour. So if you completed 20 loan closings a week at $100 per closing you would earn over $100K per year.
In order to acheive the Loan Signing Agent designation you will need to complete additional training and receive the designation either from the National Notary Association or from the Loan Signing System. This is not a state requirement however signing agencies, title companies and lenders require the additional training to ensure you have the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately complete loan signings on their behalf. After completing the required training, you will need to complete an industry specific background check and obtain E & O insurance. Once that is complete, you are ready to go into business.
Important Note: Some states do not allow non-attorneys to complete loan closings or have limitations on the actions a notary can perform with respect to loan closings. Be sure to consider the laws in your state before investing in a loan signing training program.
Attorney States: Georgia completely prohibits any non-attorney notary from doing any loan signings. Here is a list of states with restrictions: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Step 4: Essential Office Supplies
The supplies needed to be a successful notary public notary/loan signing agent are few. Below is a basic shopping list of required items to get you started as well as some optional ones that wll make life a little easier for you.
Required Supplies:
Notary Journal – All states require that notarial acts be recorded in a journal
Notary stamp – This will have your commission number and your state seal
Fingerprint pad – Some notarial acts will require that the signers fingerprint be recorded in your journal
Computer – Technically you will receive your offers on a phone or tablet but it is necessary to have a computer to print loan packages for signings.
Laser Printer with 2 trays – Loan document will be presented as both letter and legal size and must be printed that way. It is critical to have a printer that can print both letter and legal size pages.
Paper – To get started you will need one case of letter paper and at least one ream of legal paper. After you get started, you can subscribe to a paper delivery service Office Depot or Staples.
Optional (but helpful) Supplies
Locking Notary Bag – Keeping your notary supplies and documents secure is a requirement for notaries. You will be wise to invest in a bag to keep all of your essentials safe.
Business Cards – This is a nice to have but will help you with marketing yourself to title companies and lenders.
Step 5: Market Yourself
So now that you have your commission and your supplies, the next step is to market yourself. The first step is registering with as many signing agencies as possible. There is an exhaustive list of national signing companies here but there are a few that you should start with to start getting orders in the shortest possible time.
Snapdocs – is a nationwide platform for signing agencies to locate and offer jobs to notaries.
SigningOrder – is another nationwide platform with lots of volume for newcomers
There are many, many more agencys to sign up with and the more the better when you are just starting out. Once you get started you can narrow down your preferred agencies and areas but its best to start out with a wide range of opportunities.
Ready, Set, Go!!
You now have everything you need to get started on your path to a lucrative new career. But as with anything else, you will get out of it what you put into it. Follow the steps and you will most definitely find success!