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Loan Signing Agent Notary


What is a signing agent?

A signing agent, better known as a “loan signing agent notary public,” holds qualification, knowledge, and experience in notarizing real estate documents. Signing agents are employed by private companies and are not certified or qualified by any state beyond the normal notary application process. A signing agent has no special powers. The duties of a signing agent notary are restricted only to the execution of proper notarial procedures.

How do I get on a list as a signing agent? I have been in the secondary market mortgage banking industry for 20 years.

Notary signing agents are employed by private companies and are not certified or qualified by the state’s commissioning authority beyond the normal notary application process. There are companies that offer “loan signing agent notary public” seminars. After a notary public completes the loan signing agent study course, these companies add the name of the notary public to their lists, which are then provided to title companies.

What type of companies hire signing agent notaries?

Financial institutions, mortgage industries, and title companies employ signing agent notaries public to notarize loan documents for a much higher fee.

I had a client get angry with me because I would not explain the terms of the mortgage documents to him. I explained that I was not allowed to do that as a loan signing agent. Was I right?

Yes. It is illegal for a loan signing agent notary to give legal advice, explain legal documents, or aid customers in completing their legal documents. Notary signing agents are employed by private companies, and are not certified or qualified by the state’s commissioning authority beyond the normal notary application process.

Do I have to be licensed by the state to be a signing agent?

No. Signing agents are employed by private companies, and are not certified or qualified by the state’s commissioning authority beyond the normal notary application process.

Some companies offer certification to be a signing agent. Is this certification accepted by the state?

Notary signing agents are employed by private companies and are not certified or qualified by the state’s commissioning authority beyond the normal notary application process. There are several companies that offer “loan signing agent notary public” seminars. After a notary public completes the loan signing agent study course, these companies add the name of the notary public to their lists, which are then provided to title companies. Many title companies use the lists provided by these companies to call upon notaries public to act as “loan signing agent notaries public” and notarize mortgage transactions.

Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions.