How to Become a Notary Signing Agent (Step-by-Step Guide)

Published January 8, 2023 · Updated May 26, 2026

Becoming a notary signing agent is one of the best ways to make money with a notary commission. Signing agents earn $75 to $200 per appointment walking borrowers through mortgage documents. Here is the exact process, start to finish.

Step 1: Get your notary commission

You must be a commissioned notary public first. Requirements vary by state: some require training and an exam, others just an application and fee. See our state-by-state guide to becoming a notary for your specific requirements.

Typical process: complete training (if required), pass the exam (if required), submit your application, pay the fee, get approved, buy your stamp and journal. This takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Step 2: Take a signing agent course

Your notary commission lets you notarize documents. A signing agent course teaches you how to handle mortgage and loan document packages specifically: deeds of trust, promissory notes, Truth in Lending disclosures, settlement statements, and the dozens of other forms in a typical loan package.

No state requires signing agent training, but title companies and signing services will not assign you work without proof of training. Our signing agent course covers every document type you will encounter and includes practice scenarios.

Step 3: Get a background check

Most signing services and title companies require a current background screening. This is separate from any background check your state may require for the notary commission itself. The NNA, Sterling, and other providers offer background checks specifically for signing agents. Budget $50 to $100.

Step 4: Buy your equipment

• Dual-tray laser printer: loan documents mix letter and legal size paper. An inkjet printer will not work. See our printer recommendations.
• Notary stamp and journal: required by your state. Order these after your commission is approved.
• Reliable transportation. You travel to borrowers’ homes and offices.
• E&O insurance: errors and omissions insurance is not legally required, but signing services often require it. $25,000 to $100,000 in coverage is standard.

Step 5: Sign up with signing services

Signing services act as middlemen between you and title companies. When a closing needs a notary in your area, the service sends you the assignment. Start with these platforms:

• Snapdocs: largest platform, lots of volume
• SigningAgent.com: NNA’s directory
• 123Notary: older directory, still active
• Notary Rotary, another directory option

Signing services typically pay $75 to $125 per appointment. As you gain experience, reach out directly to local title companies and escrow officers for direct assignments at $150 to $200+. See our guide to finding title companies.

Signing Agent Earning Potential

Depends on how many signings you do and whether you work with services or direct:

• Part-time (5 to 10 signings per week via services): $1,500 to $4,000 per month
• Full-time (direct with title companies): $50,000 to $100,000+ per year

See the full breakdown in our notary salary guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a signing agent?

Getting your notary commission takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. The signing agent course takes a few hours to a few days. You can be doing your first signing within a month of starting the process.

Do I need to be certified to be a signing agent?

No state requires certification, but most title companies and signing services require proof that you completed a signing agent course. Without it, you will not get assignments.

Can I be a signing agent part time?

Yes. Most signing agents start part time and keep their day job. You choose which assignments to accept.

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

A mobile notary travels to clients for general notarizations. A signing agent is a mobile notary with additional training in mortgage documents. All signing agents are mobile notaries, but not all mobile notaries are signing agents.

Do I need an LLC to be a signing agent?

No. You can operate as a sole proprietor. Some agents form an LLC for liability protection, but it is not required to start.