Not all notaries are the same. A notary signing agent has specialized training for loan documents that a standard notary public does not. Here's what sets them apart and when you need each.

The Basics: What Is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to perform notarial acts. Every state commissions notaries — millions of them serve across the country.

A notary public can:

Witness and authenticate signatures
Administer oaths and affirmations
Certify copies of documents
Take acknowledgments
Perform jurats (where the signer swears to the truth of a document's contents)

A standard notary commission requires passing a background check, sometimes a short exam, paying a fee to the state, and obtaining a seal. The training to become a notary is minimal in most states. Notaries serve individuals signing wills, affidavits, powers of attorney, contracts, and dozens of other document types.

What Is a Notary Signing Agent?

A notary signing agent (NSA) is a notary public who has received additional specialized training in mortgage and loan documents. NSAs work in the real estate and lending industry, completing loan signings for title companies, mortgage lenders, and signing service companies.

Here's what sets an NSA apart:

Document-Specific Training NSAs are trained to understand the purpose and proper execution of every document in a loan package — the promissory note, deed of trust, closing disclosure, ALTA settlement statement, right of rescission, and more. They know which documents require initialing versus full signatures, which require witnesses, and which cannot be modified.

Loan Package Experience A typical loan closing package includes 100–200+ pages of documents. NSAs understand how to guide borrowers efficiently through this package, in the correct order, without providing legal advice.

Background Screening Title companies and lenders typically require NSAs to pass a background check more rigorous than the state notary commission process. Industry certifications (like NNA Certified Signing Agent or NSSA) require background screening through the National Notary Association.

Title Company Certification Many title companies maintain their own lists of approved signing agents. Getting on these lists requires proof of certification, insurance, and sometimes individual vetting.

E&O Insurance Notary signing agents typically carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, often with higher coverage limits than a standard notary. Lenders require this insurance to protect against signing errors.

When Do You Need a Standard Notary vs. an NSA?

Use a standard notary public for:

Power of attorney documents
Wills, trusts, and advance directives
Affidavits and sworn statements
Immigration documents
General business contracts
Vehicle title transfers
Any general notarization need

Use a notary signing agent for:

Mortgage loan closings
Refinance transactions
Home equity loan signings
Reverse mortgage closings
Commercial real estate loan packages
HELOC document signings

If you're a homebuyer or refinancing, your title company or lender will typically arrange the NSA — you don't need to find one yourself. The NSA comes to you (or connects via RON) at the closing appointment the title company schedules.

How Much Do They Earn Differently?

Standard notary fees are regulated by state law and tend to be modest — $5–$25 per notarial act, with most signings involving only a handful of acts.

Notary signing agents earn considerably more because loan packages involve many acts and require specialized knowledge. NSA fees typically range from:

Standard residential closing: $75–$150
Complex or multi-document closings: $150–$300
Remote online notarization (RON) closings: $100–$200+
Specialty closings (reverse mortgage, commercial): $150–$350+

Experienced NSAs in high-demand markets can earn $75,000–$150,000 or more annually working full time.

Can Any Notary Become a Signing Agent?

Yes — any currently commissioned notary public in the U.S. can pursue NSA training. The path typically involves:

Holding an active notary commission in your state
Completing an NSA training course (many reputable options from NNA, NSSA, or Signing Agent University)
Passing a background screening
Obtaining E&O insurance
Getting certified by an industry certification body
Building relationships with title companies and signing services

RON certification (for remote closings) requires additional steps — most states require a separate RON authorization and approval to use a state-approved RON platform.

The Remote Dimension: RON Signing Agents

As remote online notarization has grown in real estate, a new hybrid category has emerged: RON-certified notary signing agents who conduct loan closings entirely via video.

This requires all the skills of a traditional NSA plus:

Technical proficiency with RON platforms (Notarize, DocVerify, Pavaso, etc.)
Strong video communication skills
Ability to guide borrowers through electronic signing interfaces
Understanding of state-specific RON requirements

RON signing agents can serve borrowers anywhere within their authorized states, eliminating the geographic constraints of traditional mobile notary work.

Summary: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Standard Notary	Notary Signing Agent
State commission required	Yes	Yes
Loan document training	No	Yes (specialized)
Handles loan packages	No	Yes
Background screening (lender-required)	Varies	Yes
E&O insurance	Varies	Yes (required)
Typical per-signing fee	$5–$50	$75–$350
Works with title companies	Occasionally	Primary client base

Whether you need a standard notary or a specialized signing agent, Looking Glass Runners connects you with licensed professionals available around the clock.

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Notary Public vs. Notary Signing Agent: What's the Difference?