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To become a notary signing agent in Kansas, an applicant must submit a Notary Public Application to the Kansas Secretary of State, get a $7,500 surety bond, pay the $25 filing fee, purchase the notary stamp and other business supplies.
Although you could work on many different documents, this guide will focus on the loan signing aspect in the real estate market.
So what does a notary loan signing agent do in Kansas? When people are getting a mortgage to purchase a house, or they need to refinance their property, there will be loan documents involved. Your role as a notary loan signing agent is to walk through the set of loan documents with the borrower and witness them in signing the paperwork.
You would also need to verify the identity of the signers, place the notary stamp on the signed documents, then send them back to the escrow company.
But keep in mind that you should NOT be providing legal advice, and you cannot explain the terms of the loan documents to the borrower.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to become a notary loan signing agent in Kansas, income updates, and FAQ about this profession.
Would you like to learn how to make $75 to $200 per signing appointment? You must check out the Loan Signing System from Mark Wills. (**) This is one of the best training programs for loan signing agents. Many students have achieved remarkable business success after taking this program.
6 Steps to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Kansas
Step 1: Meet the basic requirement
- At least 18 years of age
- Legal resident of Kansas; OR resident of bordering state who is employed in Kansas
- Able to read and write English
Step 2: Purchase a surety bond
The Kansas Secretary of State requires you to purchase a $7,500 surety bond with a 4 years term. You may get it from a licensed surety such as a notary bonding company, an insurance company, or a notary organization. You could search for them online.
Note that the surety bond is to protect those for whom the notary public performs a notarization, but not you as a notary public.
If you need coverage for your professional services, you should consider getting an Error & Omission insurance (E&O).
I just checked with a surety bond issuer. Below is their premium structure.
| Coverage | Premium |
|---|---|
| $7,500 bond with $10,000 E&O coverage | $50 |
| $7,500 bond with $20,000 E&O coverage | $70 |
| $7,500 bond with $30,000 E&O coverage | $90 |
Step 3: Get a notary seal
To start the notary signing business in Kansas, you must have a notary seal. This helps you to include specific info in every document so you won’t leave out any required details.
You may purchase the notary seal from office supplies store. Also, its design must comply with the regulatory rules.
Each notary public must have a notarial seal, which shall contain the notary’s name exactly as it appears on the notary application. The seal must include the words “Notary Public” and “State of Kansas.” This seal must be used whenever a notary performs an official act. When notarizing a document, the notary public must add to the document the date of expiration of his or her appointment.
The notary public’s seal must be either a seal press or a rubber stamp. If a seal press is used, the impression from the seal must be inked or blackened. If a rubber stamp is used, the stamp must have permanent ink. Both the seal press and the rubber stamp must be capable of legible reproduction after copying. No seal can be used until an impression of it has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office
Kansas Legislative Sessions – K.S.A. 53-105
You must keep the notary seal in a locked and secured area, where only you have direct and exclusive control of it. (e.g. a locked drawer or cabinet.)
Step 4: Submit the notary public application to the Kansas Secretary of State
The Kansas Secretary of State is the office that grants the notary commission to applicants and maintains records of all notaries public in Kansas.
You need to fill out the “Notary Public Application Form.” K.S.A. 53-103. The questions on the application are pretty strict forward—for example, your name, business address, background info.
However, in Section B, you are required to take an oath and sign the form in front of a Kansas notary public. The qualified notary will also need to sign it. Then moving to Section C, you need to get the notary surety bond company to complete it.
Make sure the signature on the application will be the same as when you are notarizing documents. In addition, you need to place an impression of your notary seal on the form.
There is a $25 application fee and can be paid by a credit card, check or money order. You could make it payable to “Secretary of State.”
Once you filled out the application, you may mail it to Secretary of State, Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 S.W. 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1594.
Step 5: Review the notary certificate
Once everything is in good order, the KS Secretary of State will mail you the Commission Certificate. You should review and make sure all the details are correct. (e.g., your name, county of residence, commission dates).
Step 6: Maintain a good record of business practice with a notary journal
As a notary signing agent in Kansas, the State law does not require to keep a business journal.
However, maintaining a good record of your notary acts is an essential part of good business practice. It could serve as proof that you have taken reasonable steps to identify the signer of a document.
If you’re using a paper format journal, it is better to have one bounded with pre-printed pages. You may find it at stationery, office supply stores, or through notary associations.
As I am reading the Kansas Notary Public Handbook, they recommend that the signing party should sign the notebook. This way, the notary could have an example of his or her signature.
Consider recording the following in your journal:
- Date of notarial act;
- Type of notarial act performed;
- A description of the document;
- The signature and printed name and address of each person for whom a notarial act was performed;
- A description of the form of identification provided (i.e. driver’s license or photo identification) or a statement that the person was “personally known” to the notary;
- The location where the notarization was performed;
- The amount of fee charged, if any; and
- Personal notes.
It is better to retain the journal for a reasonable period. Some States would require a notary signing agent to keep the record for at least ten years.
Furthermore, besides keeping a physical journal, you could consider maintaining one in electronic format. Make sure it is tamper-evident and complies with the regulatory standard.
Here’s a Snippet of What Stephanie Espinal Think about Being a Notary Signing Agent!
“My advice is that don’t be afraid to start the loan signing career on a part-time basis. I would also tell them that they need to be passionate about the profession and not just because of the money. They must dedicate their time to learning the business and notarial laws from your state.
You will be working with people’s financial lives and any mistake you make with cause them a lot of money.”
– Stephanie Espinal, Notary Loan Signing Agent
Here’s an exclusive interview with Stephanie. In there, she shared what it takes to be a notary signing agent as a side gig, her valuable journey, and secret sauce to success.
Electronic notarization in Kansas
One thing I really like about this industry in Kansas is the option for notary to work digitally. Doing so could bring you great convenience to streamline your notary practice.
But let me first explain the difference between “Electronic notarization” and “Remote notarization.”
“Electronic notarization,” sometimes known as “e-notary,” is where you meet the signer in person, but the documents are signed and notarized digitally.
On the other hand, “Remote notarization” is also being done digitally. But you are not physically present with the signer. Instead, you would verify their the signer’s identity through video and audio conference.
As I’m reading the Kansas Notary Public Handbook, only “electronic notarization” is allowed. In other words, you are still required to meet the signer in person. The only difference is the method of signing.
How to become an electronic notary in Kansas?
To become an electronic notary in Kansas, you must first be registered as a notary public in the state. Then you need to complete a course approved by the Secretary of State and pass an exam.
You would need an electronic platform to conduct the e-notarization. This may include fingerprinting, digital signing pads, cloud-based and encryption processes.
Make sure to choose one that complies with the regulatory rules. According to the K.A.R 7.43.2, you need to select an authorized vendor that could issue a digital certificate. The digital signature must offer a high level of reliability and security to a notarized document.
How much can you make as a notary signing agent in Kansas?
The average annual income of Loan Signing Agent in Kansas is $45,424. The income typically ranges between $27,754 to $56,433. Top earning loan signing agents in Kansas are making over $84,187.
As a notary, although could work on different documents, but the loan signing in the real estate market could be a lucrative niche.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Loan Signing Agents in Kansas
| City | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Shawnee | $52,612 |
| Wichita | $48,825 |
| Olathe | $47,194 |
| Salina | $46,884 |
| Kansas City | $44,961 |
| Lawrence | $44,912 |
| Lenexa | $44,155 |
| Manhattan | $44,054 |
| Topeka | $43,797 |
| Overland Park | $43,533 |
source: ZipRecruiter – May 11, 2022
Can you make over $10,000/month as a loan signing agent? Be sure to check out our notary earning guide. You’ll find a case study where a loan signing agent has built her business to such a successful figure.
Is there demand for notary loan signing agent in Kansas?
As long as people are obtaining mortgages or refinancing their homes, there would be a demand for notary loan signing agents in Kansas.
All originated mortgages in Kansas
| YEAR | All originated mortgages |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 61,197 |
| 2016 | 69,335 |
| 2015 | 63,448 |
| 2014 | 53,984 |
| 2013 | 74,582 |
| 2012 | 84,924 |
| 2011 | 66,876 |
| 2010 | 78,256 |
| 2009 | 90,077 |
| 2008 | 72,280 |
| 2007 | 86,578 |
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) (July 03, 2020)
Furthermore, some states are “Attorney states,” which means only an attorney can handle the closing paperwork. Whereas, others are “Escrow States” where a loan signing agent can do the work.
According to the First American Title, Kansas is a not an “Attorney State,” which is good news if you are interested in starting a notary loan signing business.
If you want to succeed in the loan signing industry, you must check out this loan system training program. If you review the testimonials of his students, you’ll be amazed at how the notary career changes their life after they learned from Mark Wills. (**)
What education do you need to become a Kansas notary public?
Well, there is no education requirement to become a notary public in Kansas. But a good way to learn about this profession is to read the Kansas Notary Public Guide.
Source: Screen shoot of the Kansas Notary Public Handbook
This is a 51 pages comprehensive guide with 12 chapters, which covers almost everything you need to know as a notary.
Here are the topics that the Kansas Notary Public Guide covers:
- Purpose of Notaries Public
- History of Notaries Public
- Duties of Notaries Public
- Guidelines for Notaries Public
- Penalties for Improper Notarizations
- Electronic Notarizations
- Helpful Hints for Notaries Public
- Kansas Statutes and Regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Test your Notary Knowledge
- Glossary of Terms
- Contact Information/ Change of Status Form
I find the “Test your Notary Knowledge.” section is quite useful. It contains 13 true or false questions where you could see how well you know the materials.
Here is a sample question:
“2. Your wife, the sole owner of a used car lot, has asked you to “notarize” her signature transferring title of an automobile. You are not named individually as a party to the transaction. You may “notarize” the document.
True or False. “
Quote from Kansas Notary Public Handbook
On a separate note, if you want to become an electronic notary, you’ll need to complete a course approved by the KS Secretary of State.
Is there an exam to become a notary in Kansas?
There is no exam requirement to become notary in Kansas. You only need to pass an exam for becoming a e-notary in KS.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Kansas?
It costs approximately $147 to become a notary loan signing agent in Kansas.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs to start a notary signing business
| Notary Application | $25 |
| Surety Bond with E&O Premium | $90 |
| Notary Stamp | $17 |
| Journal | $15 |
There could be other expenses involved, such as travel expenses, car maintenance, auto insurance, electronic notary technology, laptop and other business supplies.
How long does it take to become a notary signing agent in Kansas?
After you mail the application to the KS Secretary of State, it would take 3-5 business days of processing time.
So including the mailing time, it should take less than two weeks to become a notary signing agent in Kansas.
Can a felon be a notary signing agent in Kansas?
Having a conviction for a felony may impact the application to become a notary signing agent in Kansas. The KS Secretary of State needs to make sure that you are a person with credibility, truthfulness, and integrity to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
As I’m reading the Notary Public Appointment Form, it has the following questions:
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or of a lesser offense involving moral turpitude or of a nature incompatible with the duties of a
notary public? A conviction after a plea of nolo contendere is deemed to be a conviction.Have you ever had a revocation, suspension or denial of a professional license for misconduct, dishonesty or any cause substantially relating to
Quote from Kansas Notary Public Appointment Form
the duties or responsibilities of a notary public?
Having a felony does not necessarily mean your application will automatically be declined. It depends on the severity and nature of the conviction. The Kansas Secretary of State would review it on a case-by-case basis.
Before you go through the registration, you may contact the Kansas Secretary of State’s office to discuss your specific case.
How to renew notary commission in Kansas?
To renew the notary commission in Kansas, you need to reapply every 4 years within 90 days before your current commission expires.
You just need to re-submit the Notary Public Appointment Form, which is the same form for your initial appointment. There is a $25 renewal fee.
By then, you would need to get a new notary seal and a $7,500 surety bond with another new four-year term.
To avoid an interrupted business period, begin the renewal process in advance. Don’t wait till your current notary commission is expired. Also, you would need to obtain a new notary stamp with a new expiry date.
Can I notarize for a family member in Kansas?
You must not notarize any documents where you have any financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. Therefore, notarizing a document for any family member could call into question, and such practice should be avoided.
I have more questions about being a notary loan signing agent in Kansas, where could I obtain more details?
You may contact the Kansas Secretary of State
- Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 S.W. 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1594.
- (785) 296-4564
- notary@ks.gov
- https://sos.kansas.gov
If you are reading up to this point, I bet you must be interested in the notary signing profession. But why reinvent the wheel when there is a proven system that works? Many students had great success following the Loan Signing System (LSS) from Mark Wills. You may click here to check it out yourself. (**)
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change without any notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. Some of the posts on this site may contain views and opinions from individual not related to JCHQ Publishing. They do not necessarily reflect our view or position.
(**) Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. Our company, JCHQ Publishing will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that we include them based on our experience or the research on these companies or products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Reference:
- First American Title- Your Guide to Real Estate Customs by State (source)
- Kansas Secretary of State (source)
- Kansas Notary Public Guide Handbook (source)
- Kansas Legislative Sessions Chapter 53 (source)
- Kansas Secretary of State – Agency 7 – Article 43 Electronic Notarization (source)
- Salary.com – Notary Signing Agent Salary in Kansas (source)
- ZipRecruiter – Loan Signing Agent Salary in Kansas (source)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) (source)
- SuretyBonds.com – Kansas Notary Public Bond (source)
