How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Washington State

A Washington State notary signing agent (NSA)—also known as  a loan signing agent (LSA)—is a notary commissioned in Washington State who assists with the loan signing process. NSAs/LSAs are duly commissioned notaries public trained to present loan documents for signing, perform all necessary notarizations, and return the executed documents to the closing agent for processing.  They are especially essential in guiding homebuyers through the complicated mortgage signing process.

Notary loan signing agents usually work in the real estate and mortgage industries. They travel to people’s homes or businesses  to assist borrowers with mortgage and closing paperwork. Washington notary signing agents are responsible for making sure the loan documents have been properly signed and executed.

The Washington notary signing agent fulfills an important duty, because if such loan documents are executed improperly  or fail to be processed  in a timely manner, serious negative consequences could occur. 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 needed the money might find themselves in a bind.   

Salary.com reports that the salary range of notary signing agents in Washington falls between $42,267 and $55,034 a year, but many notaries do not work full-time and only supplement their income as signing agents. One advantage of becoming an NSA is that such notaries are often supplied with steady work by banks and mortgage companies.

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

Any commissioned notary in Washington can perform signing agent work. The State of Washington 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 Washington, follow these simple steps:

1- Apply to become a notary in Washington by following the steps outlined on: https://www.washingtonnotary.com/how-to-become-a-washington-notary.   The American Association of Notaries recommends that you become familiar with notarizing documents before starting your loan signing agent carrier.  

2- While Washington notaries are not required by law to take a loan signing course, your clients as well as the loan and mortgage industries that employ you will want to know you are educates about the loan signing process. It’s a good idea to take a notary public training course that provides a comprehensive overview of Notary Signing Agent (NSA) duties, responsibilities, and limitations. A good course will provide in-depth training on topics such as fundamental notarial practices and requirements, notary signing agent responsibilities, the most common documents a borrower signs at a loan closing, sole proprietorship considerations, and tips for working efficiently as a notary signing agent. 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. 

3- While no courses or exams are required to become a Washington notary signing agent, 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.  You will also reassure clients that you understand the laws and regulations involving loan signings and that you meet professional and industry standards. 

4- Purchases Errors and Omissions insurance with a minimum $25,000 in coverage. While Washington does not legally require notaries to maintain E&O insurance, and E&O policy will not only make you SPW compliant, but it will provide you essential protection as a Washington notary singing agent. As a loan signing agent, you will be handling numerous sensitive financial documents, and a mistake could put you at serious financial risk. 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 Washington law requires Washington notaries to carry protects the public, but an E&O policy will protect you.

5- Purchase your notary signing agent supplies. You will need a notary stamp and journal. The American Association of Notaries supplies notary stamps, notary seals, and notary journals at a discount of up to 40 percent less than the same supplies elsewhere.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Washington Notary Signing Agent?

A notary signing agent in Washington is expected to:

• Travel to the site where the notarization will occur.
• Carefully identify the borrowers using only acceptable means of identification, such as a photo identification issued by the state or federal government. 
• 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 Washington loan signing agent, you’ll likely want to expand your business. Here are a few tips for marketing yourself to more potential clients as a loan signing agent:

• Cultivate connections in the mortgage and loan and real estate industries.
• Join a professional association such as the American Association of Notaries.
• Create business cards indicating that you are a Washington notary signing agent and not merely a notary public.
• Advertise your services in a notary locator, such as the one provided by the American Association of Notaries.
• Create a website to promote your loan signing business.
• 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.

How to Become a Notary in Washington State

If you are interested in becoming either a Washington notary public or a Washington 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 Washington State.

Click here to take a basic notary signing agent course.