How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Florida

A Florida notary signing agent (NSA)—sometimes referred to as a loan signing agent (LSA)—is a notary commissioned in Florida who has experience in walking customers through the loan signing process.

Notary loan signing agents work for the mortgage or real estate industries. They travel to people’s homes or businesses  and assist borrowers with mortgage and closing paperwork. It is the duty of a notary signing agent to make sure the loan documents have been properly signed and executed so that they can be processed efficiently and without obstacles. This is an important duty, because if such loan documents are not processed in a timely manner, a buyer could miss out on an attractive interest rate lock or even lose the opportunity to buy his or her dream house. Likewise, a seller could be delayed in a necessary move because a sale takes too long to close. 

Loan signing agents typically make between $75 and $200 per “loan signing job.”  Another benefit of being an LSA is that you can often have steady work supplied to you by a relator or mortgage company.

How Do I Become a Florida Notary Signing Agent (NSA)?

While Florida state law does not require signing agents to be licensed by the state, there are certain industry standards that should be met if you hope to be employed in the real estate or mortgage industry.

To become a notary signing agent (or LSA), follow these steps:

1. Receive a Florida notary public commission by following the steps outlined on https://www.floridanotaries.com/how-to-become-a-florida-notary  
2. Take a loan signing course to ensure that you are well versed in the loan process.  We recommend taking a basic loan signing course to see if this is something you would like to pursue. You may also need to take a certification test to prove to potential employers that you have mastered the knowledge you need to be a reliable signing agent.  
3. Purchase errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. While E&O insurance is not required by Florida law, it’s a good idea to have such as policy because, as a loan signing agent, you will be handling a lot of sensitive financial documents. E&O insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that will protect you if you make an unintentional mistake in the course of your duties or if a false claim is filed against you. Your notary bond protects the public, but an E&O policy will protect you.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Notary Signing Agent?

Here are few of the duties of a notary signing agent:

1. Verify the identity of borrowers.
2. Review the loan document with the borrowers.
3. Witness document signings.
4. Ensure the accuracy and completion of loan documents.
5. Perform the notarial act.
6. Deliver the completed documents to the appropriate parties.

Create Your Signing Agent Business Marketing Plan

When you decide to embark on a new enterprise, it’s always a good idea to write down a marketing plan. A signing agent business marketing plan will help to make your goals a reality. Your marketing plan can serve as a roadmap to growing your business. When drafting a marketing plan for your signing agent business, you’ll want to consider the following questions:

• How will you gain a competitive advantage in the notary signing market?
• What unique value will you add as a notary signing agent?
• What resources will you use to promote your business? Online advertisements? Word-of-mouth? A website?
• How will you interact with customers? Will clients be able to make an online appointment for your services? What channels will you use to communicate with your clients?
• What is your advertising budget? How much are you willing to spend to grow your business?  
• What businesses will you work with? Will you cultivate relationships with financial institutions and realtors?  

If you are interested in becoming either a Florida notary public or a Florida notary signing agent, the American Association of Notaries can help. We are your one-stop shop for notary training, application assistance, notary law updates and news, notary bonds, E&O insurance, and notary supplies.

Click here to learn how to become a notary public in Florida