How Long Does It Take to Get a Notary Signing Agent Certification?
Quick Answer
2–6 weeks from start to first signing appointment. Becoming a notary public takes 1–4 weeks, and the loan signing agent training and certification adds another 1–2 weeks.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Getting certified as a notary signing agent takes 2–6 weeks total. The process involves two main steps: obtaining your notary public commission and completing a loan signing agent training course with certification.
What Is a Notary Signing Agent?
A notary signing agent (NSA) is a notary public who specializes in handling loan document signings. They guide borrowers through mortgage closing documents, ensure proper execution, and notarize signatures. NSAs are independent contractors who work with title companies, signing services, and lenders.
Step-by-Step Timeline
| Step | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Notary public application | 1–4 weeks | State-dependent; some same-day |
| NSA training course | 3–7 days | Online, self-paced |
| Certification exam | 1 day | NNA or LSS certification |
| Background screening | 3–5 business days | Required by most signing services |
| Signing service registration | 1–2 weeks | Create profiles, get first assignments |
Step 1: Become a Notary Public (1–4 Weeks)
You must be a commissioned notary public before you can work as a signing agent. Requirements vary by state but generally include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and in some states completing a short notary education course. States like California require a mandatory course and exam, while others like Texas require only an application and bond.
Processing times for notary commissions range from same-day in some states to four weeks or more in others. Many states now offer electronic filing which speeds up the process.
Step 2: Complete NSA Training (3–7 Days)
Once you have your notary commission, the next step is specialized training in loan document signing. The two most recognized training providers are:
- National Notary Association (NNA) – Offers the NNA Certified Signing Agent course, which covers all standard loan documents, proper procedures, and common errors. The course takes approximately 6–8 hours and is available online.
- Loan Signing System (LSS) – Offers a comprehensive course focused on building a signing agent business, including marketing strategies and working with title companies. This course is more in-depth and takes 10–15 hours.
Most students complete their training course within three to seven days of part-time study.
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam (1 Day)
The NNA certification exam is an online, proctored test with 20 questions. You need a score of 80% or higher to pass. The exam covers loan document identification, notarial procedures, and error avoidance. Most people pass on the first attempt after completing the training course.
Step 4: Background Screening (3–5 Business Days)
Most signing services and title companies require a background screening through the NNA or a similar provider. This process takes three to five business days and typically costs $30–$65. A clean background check is essential since you will be handling sensitive financial documents.
Step 5: Register with Signing Services (1–2 Weeks)
After certification, you register with signing services and platforms that connect NSAs with loan closings. Major platforms include Snapdocs, SigningOrder.com, and NotaryRotary.com. Building profiles and getting approved can take one to two weeks. Your first assignments may come within days of registration, though it can take a few weeks to build a steady flow of work.
Costs to Get Started
The upfront investment to become a notary signing agent is relatively modest:
- Notary commission: $20–$100 (varies by state)
- Notary bond and insurance: $50–$200
- Notary supplies (stamp, journal): $30–$75
- NSA training course: $100–$300
- Background screening: $30–$65
- Total: approximately $230–$740
Earning Potential
Notary signing agents typically earn $75–$200 per signing appointment, with each appointment taking 45–90 minutes plus travel time. Full-time signing agents handling 8–15 signings per week can earn $50,000–$100,000+ annually. Earnings are influenced by your market area, relationships with title companies, and willingness to handle evening and weekend appointments.
Tips for Getting Started Quickly
To minimize your timeline, apply for your notary commission immediately since this is usually the bottleneck. While waiting for your commission to arrive, complete your NSA training course and study for the certification exam. This parallel approach can get you ready to accept signing assignments within two to three weeks of starting the process.