What is the difference between notary and signing agent?

Asked by: Kirsten Towne  |  Last update: February 10, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)

Notary Public: Handles a broad range of documents, including legal, title and escrow, real estate, and personal documents. Loan Signing Agent: specializes exclusively in loan documents.

How do notary Signing Agents get paid?

Notary Signing Agents are paid after the assignment has been completed. The payment terms usually are stated in the agreement you signed with the contracting company. Each company you work for will have their own rules. You should follow any procedures and duties for receiving payment that are outlined in the contract.

What type of notaries make the most money?

Specialize in real estate closings

Make money as a notary public by becoming a loan signing agent and specializing in notarizing real estate documents. Loan signings are often more complex and command higher fees.

Is the closing agent the notary?

The closing agent may also be a notary, and will often locate a suitable signing agent through a service like Statewide Document Services.

What documents can a loan signing agent notarize?

Notary Signing Agent Loan Documents
  • General Warranty Deeds. We answer frequently asked questions from Notary Signing Agents about general warranty deeds.
  • USA PATRIOT Act CIP Forms. ...
  • Compliance Agreements. ...
  • Notice of Right to Cancel. ...
  • TILA-RESPA Form. ...
  • Occupancy Affidavits. ...
  • Signature and Name Affidavits.

Notary Certificates - Jurats vs Acknowledgements

20 related questions found

How long does it take to become a loan signing agent?

How long does it take to become a Signing Agent? Applicants who are already commissioned as Notaries and follow the recommended industry certification process listed above can expect one to two weeks to become a certified Signing Agent.

How do notary signing agents get clients?

Many Notaries agreed that getting the word out in your community is one of the best ways to find new customers. If someone needs a notarization but aren't sure where to go, word of mouth about your business can be key to getting signers to come to you first.

How much does a notary make per closing?

Typically, a notary signing agent can earn $ 75 to $ 200 per loan signing. However, fees for more complex signings or those made outside of usual business hours may be higher. Earnings might also be affected by the number of signings completed per month.

What is the difference between a notary and a signing agent?

A loan signing agent notarizes and certifies financial and legal documentation related to loan documents. A notary is a public officer who is certified to witness and confirm the signing of documents. Whenever a contract crosses a desk, the need for a notary probably isn't far behind.

What are the responsibilities of a loan signing agent?

Loan signing agents work with lenders, title companies, and borrowers to ensure that loan documents are signed and notarized correctly. They are responsible for reviewing the loan documents, explaining the terms to the borrower, and ensuring that all parties sign the documents correctly.

Is notary a good side hustle?

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

How much do most notaries charge?

Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.

Is notary a stressful job?

Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.

How does notary go pay?

Primary agents get paid weekly. How is my payment sent? All checks are sent to the email we have on file as an e-check.

Who uses notaries the most?

What types of businesses benefit the most from having a Notary on staff?
  • Insurance companies.
  • Mortgage companies.
  • Title companies.
  • Corporations — of any type.
  • Real-estate companies.
  • Construction companies.
  • Schools — public or private of all levels.
  • Any other company that requires notarization on a regular basis.

What is the job outlook for a notary signing agent?

Being a notary signing agent has been considered one of the most prestigious and rewarding job profiles for many years and still is. But, as 2024 approaches, the market is ready to surprise a lot of notaries and signing services for sure and can dramatically transform the future of notary services.

Is being a signing agent worth it?

Becoming a signing agent provides an excellent opportunity for you to achieve your income goals. By working your chosen hours, your loan signing agent salary can be just as much as people who work at an office more than 40 hours per week.

Are notary signing agents self employed?

Notary Signing Agent Income

As independent contractors who work with lenders or escrow offices, Loan Signing Agents determine how much they charge and earn from their services.

How to be a mobile notary?

Steps to Become a Mobile Notary
  1. Meet the Basic Requirements. ...
  2. Complete Notary Education and Training. ...
  3. Pass the Notary Exam. ...
  4. Obtain a Notary Bond and Insurance. ...
  5. Apply for Your Notary Commission. ...
  6. Setting Up Your Business Structure. ...
  7. Marketing Your Services. ...
  8. Managing Appointments and Scheduling.

Is there a demand for notary signing agents?

With the rise of remote work and digital transactions, the demand for skilled notary loan signing agents has never been higher.

How do signing agents get paid?

Loan signing agents play a crucial role in the real estate industry by facilitating the signing of loan documents for Title Companies. When it comes to their payment structure, loan signing agents typically earn a fee for each loan signing they complete.

Can a notary be a closing agent?

A closing notary, also called a notary signing agent, is a notary public specifically trained to analyze the documents involved in a real estate or mortgage transaction.

Is it easy to become a notary signing agent?

In most states, you can just go down to your county clerk's office and say, "I want the application to be a notary" — and it's pretty much as simple as that. In California, you have to take a course, pass an exam, and clear a background check to become a notary public.

Is being a notary profitable?

Notaries generate income by charging fees for their notarial services, following state-specific laws. Initially, fees may seem limiting, ranging from $0.50 to $15 for a signature. However, with additional training, you can become a notary signing agent, capable of charging over $100 for a single loan signing.

How do I become a successful signing agent?

Loan signing agents that provide quality services, including being punctual, professional, and efficient, are likely to be more successful than those who don't. It is also important to double-check all documents for errors before sending them back to the client.