How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Texas
A Texas notary signing agent (NSA)—sometimes referred to as a loan signing agent (LSA)—is a notary commissioned in Texas who guides customers through the complicated loan signing process.
Notary loan signing agents primarily work for the real estate and mortgage industries. They’re mobile, which means they travel to people’s homes or businesses to assist borrowers with mortgage and closing paperwork. Texas notary signing agents are responsible for making sure the loan documents have been properly signed and executed.
The Texas notary signing agent fulfills a crucial duty, because if such loan documents are not executed properly and processed in a timely manner, serious negative consequences could result. Mortgage rates could go up during a delay in processing, and a buyer could lose the chance to lock in an attractive interest rate. A problem with the loan documents could delay a closing, and a seller who was planning to use the money to move might be trapped.
Notary signing agents can earn up to $200 per appointment, and they are often supplied with steady work by banks and mortgage companies.
How Do I Become a Texas Notary Signing Agent (NSA)?
Any commissioned notary in Texas can do signing agent work. The State of Texas does not require notaries to obtain any additional licensing or certification to do this type of work. If you would like to become a notary signing agent in Texas, follow these three simple steps:
- Apply to become a notary in Texas by following the steps outlined on: https://www.Texasnotaries.com/how-to-become-a-Texas-notary.
- While Texas notaries are not required by law to take a loan signing course, your clients as well as the mortgage and loan industries that employ you will want to know you are well versed in the loan signing process. Another benefit of taking a basic loan signing course is that it will allow you to judge if becoming an NSA is something you really want to do. Consider taking a certification test to further prove to potential employers that you have mastered the content you need to know to serve as a reliable signing agent.
- Protect yourself by purchasing a signing agents errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. While Texas does not legally require notaries to maintain E&O insurance, it would be wise to maintain such a policy. As a notary signing agent, you will be handling numerous sensitive financial documents, and a mistake could be costly. E&O insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that will protect you if you make an unintentional error in the course of your duties or if a false claim is filed against you. The $10,000 surety bond Texas law requires Texas notaries to carry protects the public, but an E&O policy will protect you.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Texas Notary Signing Agent?
A notary signing agent in Texas is expected to:
- Travel to the site where the notarization will occur.
- Carefully identify the borrowers using only acceptable means of identification.
- Witness the signing of loan documents.
- Ensure that mortgage, loan, and closing paperwork is complete and accurate.
- Perform the notarial act.
- Deliver the completed loan documents to the responsible parties.
Market Your Notary Signing Agent Business
Once you become a Texas loan signing agent, you’ll want to grow your business. Here are a few tips for marketing yourself as a notary signing agent:
- Cultivate connections in the mortgage and loan and real estate industries.
- Advertise your services in a notary locator.
- Create a website to promote your loan signing business.
- Make up business cards indicating that you are a Texas notary signing agent and not merely a notary public.
- Make it easy for clients, realtors, and financial institutions to contact you by providing multiple methods for them to do so and always responding promptly to calls and emails.
- Join a professional association such as the American Association of Notaries.
If you are interested in becoming either a Texas notary public or a Texas notary signing agent (or LSA), the American Association of Notaries is here to 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, from notary seals and stamps to notary journals.
Click here to learn how to become a notary in Texas.
Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information. However, it is important to note that 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 do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. 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.
Texas notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, the American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company (established 1900). American Association of Notaries is owned by Kal Tabbara, a licensed insurance agent in Texas.