(**) Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning RealEstateCareerHQ.com will get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, but at no additional cost to you.
To become a notary loan signing agent in Nevada, an applicant must meet the state-eligibility requirement, submit a notary public application to the Notary Division of the Nevada Secretary of State, complete the required 3-hour course, pass the notary exam, pay the filing fee, purchase the notary stamp and journal.
So what does a loan signing agent do in Nevada? 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 find the steps to become a notary loan signing agent in Nevada, income updates. What does it take to work in this profession? And other helpful details about this career.
Note that this guide is for general information only and not to provide any professional advice. Although I’ve tried to put down info as accurate as I could possibly find, you should always refer back to the Nevada Secretary of State and the State law.
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.
8 Steps to Become a Notary Loan Signing Agent in Nevada
Step 1: Meet the state-eligibility requirement
- At least 18 years of age
- Legal resident of Nevada or resident of a bordering state, but employed in Nevada
- Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah are the only states that are considered as a bordering state
- Able to read and write English
Step 2: Complete the online notary course and pass the exam
According to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Notary Division pursuant to NRS 240.018, you need to complete a 3-hour online notary course that is presented by the Nevada Secretary of State.
The objective of this education is to provide you with a full understanding of the responsibilities, duties, and professional standards of a notary public. Help to reduce complaints and lawsuits due to negligence or misconduct by a notary public.
The class curriculum would include the following:
– identifying document signers
– what a notary certificate is and how to use it earnestly
– which identification is valid and which is not
– the correct information required in your notary journal
– who is required to keep a journal
– how long you must keep a journal
– how to avoid fines
– the fee you may collect for your notary service
– how to calculate these fees
– who is responsible for the notary stamp and journal
– what to do if your notary stamp is lost or stolen
– how to avoid easy mistakes
Quote from Nevada Secretary of State- Training & Online Class Information
You may register the notary training class through the SilverFlume online portal. There is a $45 fee that you can pay by credit card, check, or money order.
If you are not paying with a credit card, you need to submit your registration by mail. Here’s the class registration form.
Note that the Secretary of State Office does not recommend using Internet Explorer for the online portal. Rather, they suggest Google Chrome or Firefox.
Once you complete the online course, you are required to pass the notary exam. Then you will be provided with a Training Certificate.
Step 3: Purchase a surety bond
The Nevada Secretary of State requires you to purchase a $10,000 surety bond. You must 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. The cost for a bond amount of $10,000 with $5,000 E&O coverage is $50. If you want to increase the E&O coverage to $30,000, then the total cost would be $90.
Step 4: File notary public oath & bond
Your next step is to bring the surety bond to the county clerk in the county that you reside. In there, you will take an oath.
Then the county clerk will certify the bond and oath for filing and record. You will be given a “Filing Notice,” which you will send along when you submit the application.
Step 5: Submit the notary public application to the Nevada Secretary of State
The Nevada Secretary of State is the office that grants the notary commission to applicants and maintains records of all notaries public in Nevada.
You need to fill out the “Application for Appointment as Notary Public”, Form #AANP. The questions on the application are pretty strict forward—for example, your name, business address, background info.
Note that you should only sign with your official signature. All details should be typed or printed legibly in blue or black ink.
There is a $35 application fee. Once again, it can be paid by a credit card, cheque, or money order. (Payable to the Nevada Secretary of State). If you are paying with a credit card, here’s the form you need to fill out.
Once all the required documents are in good order, you may send them to:
- SECRETARY OF STATE BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE NOTARY DIVISION 202 N. Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701
Don’t forget to attach the “Filing Notice” from the county clerk and the Training Certificate.
Step 6: Review the Notary Certificate of Appointment
Once everything is in good standing, you will receive the notary certificate through regular mail.
After the Nevada Notary Commission receives your application, it typically takes them 7-10 business days of processing them.
After you receive the certificate, it’s better to review and make sure all the details are correct. (e.g., your name, county of residence, commission dates).
Step 7: Get the notary business supplies
Notarize documents with a standardized stamp
To start the loan signing business, you’ll need have a notary stamp. 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. If you do, then usually they would mail it along with your notary public commission certificate.
However, its design must comply with the regulatory rules. The stamp must be readable. It can be in any color ink and must be permanent and photographically reproducible. You could have more than one notary stamp – for example, one at home and one at the office.
NRS 240.040 Use of stamp; embossed notarial seal not required; requirements of stamp; storage of stamp.
1. The statement required by paragraph (d) of subsection 1 of NRS 240.1655 must:
(a) Be imprinted in indelible, photographically reproducible ink with a rubber or other mechanical stamp; and
(b) Set forth:
(1) The name of the notary public;
(2) The phrase “Notary Public, State of Nevada”;
(3) The date on which the appointment of the notary public expires;
(4) The number of the certificate of appointment of the notary public;
(5) If the notary public so desires, the Great Seal of the State of Nevada; and
(6) If the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, the word “nonresident.”
2. After July 1, 1965, an embossed notarial seal is not required on notarized documents.
3. The stamp required pursuant to subsection 1 must:
(a) Be a rectangle, not larger than 1 inch by 2 1/2 inches, and may contain a border design; and
(b) Produce a legible imprint.
4. A notary public shall not affix his or her stamp over printed material.
5. A notary public shall keep his or her stamp in a secure location during any period in which the notary public is not using the stamp to perform a notarial act.
6. As used in this section, “mechanical stamp” includes an imprint made by a computer or other similar technology.
Quote from CHAPTER 240 – NOTARIES PUBLIC AND COMMISSIONED ABSTRACTERS- NRS 240.040
You must keep both the stamp in a locked and secured area, where only you have direct and exclusive control of it. (e.g. a locked drawer or cabinet.)
Maintain a good record of business practice
As a loan signing agent in Nevada, you must keep a journal of your notary acts. It has to be bounded with pre-printed pages. You may find it at stationery, office supply stores, or through notary organizations.
According to the regulatory rules, you only need to record the following items:
- The amount of fee charged
- Title of the document
- Date of service
- Name and signature of the signer
- Description of how you verify the identification of the signer
- Indicate whether an oath was administered
An interesting note that the journal is public so anyone can inspect it. Therefore, it might not be a good idea to include confidential information such as social security number, account number, or address.
You are required to keep your journal(s) for the entire period in which you are a notary public in Nevada. Even if you decide to quit the profession and the commission certificate expires, you must maintain the journal for another seven years.
Step 8: Incorporate e-notarization into your practice
One thing I really like about this industry in Nevada is the option for notary to work digitally. Doing so could bring you great convenience to streamline your notary practice.
The electronic notarization allows you to perform without physically present with the signer. Instead, you would verify their the signer’s identity through video and audio conference.
Class, exam, and registration for e-Notary
To become an electronic notary, you need to take the electronic notary training course and pass an exam. The required passing rate is 75% or higher. Once again, they are administered by the Nevada Secretary of State. The e-Notary training fee is $45.00.
You also need to submit an online application through the SilverFlume portal, which is the same one as your initial application. The registration fee is $50.00. The processing may take up to 3 weeks.
Note that you will not get another commission number. This application is merely an enhancement to your existing notary commission.
Choose an approved technology solution provider to conduct the e-notary acts
It should provide you with an electronic signature, seal, and digital certificate. The cost is approximately $75 (approximate) for two to three years.
As I’m writing this post, I see that the following providers are listed on the Secretary of State website:
- docVerify
- NotaryCam
- Figure Technologies
- Pavaso
- Nexsys Technologies
- Willing.com
- Notarize Inc.
Keep a good record of your e-notary acts
In Nevada, you cannot use a paper journal to record your e-notary acts. You are required to have an electronic journal.
Pursuant to NRS 240.201 an electronic notary public who performs electronic notarial acts shall:
– Describe each electronic notarial act in the electronic journal and specify whether the electronic notarial act was performed using audio-video communication;
– Maintain and protect the electronic journal at all times under his or her sole control; and provide for lawful inspection and copying of the electronic journal.
– An electronic notary public may maintain more than one electronic journal to record electronic notarial acts.
– The fact that the employer or contractor of an electronic notary public keeps a record of electronic notarial acts does not relieve the electronic notary public of the duties required by this section.
Quote from Nevada Secretary of State – eNotary FAQ
Since there could be confidential information in the electronic journal, it must be password protected or have other secure means of authentication. Also, it needs to be able to provide tangible or electronic copies of any entry made therein.
How much do notary loan signing agents make in Nevada?
The average annual income of Loan Signing Agents in Nevada is $47,829. The income typically ranges between $29,678 to $60,347. Top earning loan signing agents in Nevada are making over $90,026.
As a notary, you 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 Nevada
| City | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sparks | $49,770 |
| Reno | $49,024 |
| Henderson | $47,691 |
| North Las Vegas | $45,128 |
| Las Vegas | $44,830 |
| Carson City | $43,564 |
| Sunrise Manor | $43,085 |
| Paradise | $41,277 |
| Enterprise | $40,329 |
| Spring Valley | $40,058 |
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.
(+) Source: ZipRecruiter – March 13, 2022
Is there demand for notary loan signing agent in Nevada?
As long as people are obtaining mortgages or refinancing their homes, there would be a demand for notary loan signing agents in Nevada.
All originated mortgages in Nevada
| YEAR | RECORDS |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 91,540 |
| 2016 | 97,926 |
| 2015 | 81,624 |
| 2014 | 61,757 |
| 2013 | 82,011 |
| 2012 | 86,528 |
| 2011 | 51,445 |
| 2010 | 57,173 |
| 2009 | 70,049 |
| 2008 | 62,592 |
| 2007 | 113,248 |
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) (June 6, 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, Nevada is a not an “Attorney State,” which is good news if you are interested in starting a notary loan signing business.
What education do you need to become a Nevada notary public?
To become a notary public in Nevada, you’ll need to complete a 3-hour notary course from the Secretary of State.
In addition to the training course, some other good places to learn about the notary profession is by reading the FAQ page on the NV Secretary of State website. It pretty much covers most of the topics that you need to know. Here are the topics:
- The Notarial Act
- Identifying the Client
- Keeping the Journal
- The Notarial Stamp
- Certifying to a Copy
- Legality
- Carrying out the Business of being a Notary
- Fees
- Your Appointment
If you want to know more about electronic notarization, you may also refer to their e-notary FAQ page.
Another good resource is the NRS Chapter 240. It contains comprehensive details of the notary rules. However, the wording is quite formal, so I found the FAQ pages are a lot easier to understand.
I’ll leave their links in the reference section at the end of this post.
Is there a exam to become a notary in Nevada?
Yes, there is an exam to become a traditional notary or e-notary in Nevada. The required passing score is 75%.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Nevada?
It would cost approximately $372 to become a notary in Nevada.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs to start a notary signing business
| Notary Application | $35 |
| eNotary Registration | $50 |
| Notary Training | $45 |
| eNotary Training | $45 |
| Surety Bond with E&O | $90 |
| Digital Certificate | $75 |
| Notary Stamp | $17 |
| Journal | $15 |
There could be other expenses involved, such as travel expenses, car maintenance, auto insurance, laptop and other business supplies.
Career tips from Calvin Darville, an incredibly successful loan signing agent
” I would advise them to make sure they get training before entering the industry. I heard countless horror stories about the errors that incompetent notaries make.
I’ve even experienced some myself in my short span as a signing service owner. If a loan package isn’t executed correctly, it could literally blow a million-dollar deal. So my advice is definitely to get the proper training to limit errors.”
– Calvin Darville, President at Comfortable Closings
Here’s an interview I did with Calvin, where he shared his journey from being an Injured Football Player to a Successful Notary Loan Signing Agent. Be sure to check it out.
How long does it take to become a notary signing agent in Nevada?
The process time to become a notary signing agent in Nevada is about 7-10 business days, while it could take up to 3 weeks for being a e-Notary.
Can a felon be a notary loan signing agent in Nevada?
Having a conviction for a felony may impact the application to become a notary loan signing agent in Nevada. The Nevada Secretary of State needs to make sure that you are a person with credibility, truthfulness, and integrity to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
To become a notary or renew your notary commission in this state, you must: be … (3) possess your civil rights (a felon cannot be a notary)…;
Quote from Nevada Secretary of State
I could not find anywhere it says whether they would reject all applicants with a felony record. Well, some states would consider the severity of the conviction and how long ago did it occur.
Before you go through the study and registration, you may contact the Nevada Secretary of State’s office to discuss your specific case.
How to renew notary license in Nevada?
You need to renew the notary commission every four years in Nevada. The process is the same as you first applied (e.g., take the notary training class, passing the exam, submission application).
To avoid an interrupted business period, begin the renewal process in advance. Don’t wait till your current notary commission is expired.
Can I notarize for a family member in Nevada?
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 Nevada, where could I obtain more details?
You may contact the Nevada Secretary of State, Notary Division
- 202 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701
- Phone: 775-684-5708
- Fax: 775-684-7141
- Email: nvnotary@sos.nv.gov
Jacob: “Here’s a review of the Loan Signing System training. In there, you will find out the course curriculum, costs, and student ratings from different sources. I have talked to several notary signing agents who took the course. They will share with you their first-hand thoughts about the LSS.“
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)
- Nevada Secretary of State – Notary Division FAQ (Source)
- Nevada Secretary of State – eNotary FAQ (Source)
- NRS Chapter 240 – Notaries Public (Source)
- NV Administrative Code Chapter 240 (Source)
- Salary.com – Notary Signing Agent Salary in Nevada (Source)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) (Source)
- SuretyBonds.com – Nevada Notary Public Bond (Source)
- ZipRecruiter – Loan Signing Agent (source)
