First, what is a notary signing agent? A notary signing agent is a notary that is specifically trained to facilitate mortgage closings. Mortgage lenders, title firms and escrow companies pay notary signing agent professionals to make loan closings as easy as possible for borrowers by couriering loan documents, notarizing signatures and delivering settlement checks.

There are training courses and other classes located in busy cities and nearby areas to educate and certify notary signing agents on complying with laws regarding confidentiality of private financial records and other information. The option of live, online, or self-study courses are a possibility to meet an individual’s needs. Basic notary signing agent training consists of a course book, certification exam, and background screening.

It may take between 4-6 weeks to complete the notary signing agent course and related requirements. This includes test results, instructions authorizing to take fingerprints in an approved place, and time to receive notification from the Secretary of State that buying the official bond and notary stamp are permitted.

Once the commission has been issued, a person has 30-calendar days from the beginning of the term prescribed in the commission to take, subscribe, and file an oath of office and file a $15,000 surety bond with the Los Angeles county clerk’s office. The commission does not take effect until the oath and bond are filed with the Los Angeles county clerk’s office. The official notary filing must occur in the county where the notary works and is the address listed on the application submitted to the Secretary of States office. If the oath and bond are not filed within the 30-calendar day time period, the commission will not be valid, and the person commissioned may not act as a notary public until a new appointment is obtained and the person has properly qualified within the 30-calendar-day time limit.

An official notary public signing agent can provide notary services all over California. In virtually all of the certificates the notary public is called on to complete, there will be a venue heading such as State of California, County of Los Angeles. Government Code section 8200

Additionally, most people will find that upon the completion of notary public courses and obtaining the proper credentials, an notary signing agent can make a great living.