(**) 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 Wyoming, the applicant must:
- Meet the state-eligibility requirement;
- Study for the Wyoming notary laws;
- Complete the Notary Public Self-Help Test;
- Obtain a $500 surety bond;
- Take an oath of office;
- Submit a application and $95 fee to the Wyoming Secretary of State;
- Review the notary certificate of commission;
- Purchase a notary seal;
- Maintain a business journal;
- Keep up with notarial best practice
Although you could work on different types of documents (i.e., POA, marriage certificate, living will), the loan signing business in the real estate market seems to be a lucrative niche.
So what does a loan signing agent do? 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 signing services company or closing attorney. 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 out the steps to become a notary in Wyoming, income updates, and FAQ about this profession.
But before we start, I want to give a brief disclaimer. This post is not intended as legal advice or state/federal notary public training. It is for general information only. Please check with your state to be sure that loan signing agents are utilized in the closing process. Always follow your state’s notary laws and best practices.
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.
A Table Summary to Become a Notary in Wyoming
| Age | Notary Course | Exam | Surety Bond | Term of Office | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At least 18 | No | Optional | $500 | 4 years | $30 |
10 Steps to Become a Notary in Wyoming
Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirement
- Be at least age 18;
- Be a resident of Wyoming and the county that you’re making the application
- Be able to read and write English
Step 2: Study the Wyoming notary laws
The financial well-being of many people depends on the accuracy and completeness of your notary work. You must equip yourself with the necessary notary knowledge.
A good way to prepare for it is to study the “Wyoming Notary Handbook.”
This handbook is prepared by the Wyoming Secretary of State. It is a 37-pages comprehensive guide that covers mostly everything you need to know about being a notary. For example,
- What Is The Purpose Of Notarizations?
- How Do I Become A Notary Public For Wyoming?
- Who Supplies The Notary Seal Or Stamp?
- What Is The Total Cost Involved In Becoming A Notary Public?
- Power and Liabilities as a Notary
I also refer to this handbook from time to time as I’m writing this post.
Another excellent resource is the Wyoming Notary Public Statutes
Here are the sections that you should pay close attention:
- Officers Authorized to Administer Oaths W.S. 1-2-102
- Public Officer and Public Servant Defined W.S. 6-5-101
- Soliciting Unlawful Compensation W.S. 6-5-104
- Misconduct by Public Officer W.S. 6-5-107
- Issuing False Certificate W.S. 6-5-108
- Issuance of Certificate Without Proper Acknowledgment W.S. 6-5-114
- Usurpation, False Representation as Public Servant W.S. 6-5-307
- Felon Cannot Hold Office W.S. 6-10-106
- Notaries Public W.S. 32-1-101 through 32-1-114
- Acknowledgment of Conveyances W.S. 32-1-113
- Where Conveyance to be Recorded W.S. 34-1-118
- Protest of Nonpayment W.S. 34.1-3-104
- Evidence of Dishonor of Negotiable Instruments W.S. 34.1-3-505
- Certificate of Acknowledgment W.S. 34-5-104
- Uniform Law on Notarial Acts W.S. 34-26-101 through 34-26-109
The Wyoming Statutes indeed is a good reference if you want to know more in-depth about each notary topic.
However, its wording is more technical and formal than the ones in the handbook. So I would go to the handbook first, and read the Statutes only if I need further clarification.
Anyway, I’ll leave the links of both the Notary Handbook and the Wyoming Code in the reference section.
Step 3: Complete the Wyoming Notary Public Self-Help Test
This test is to see how well you know about the Wyoming notary laws, procedures, and ethics. It is purely optional. You do not need to submit it to the Secretary of State. The test consists of 20 True/False questions, and you can find the answers at the bottom of the page.
You may click here to view the test.
Step 4: Submit a notary public application
The Wyoming Secretary of State is responsible for appointing and commissioning notaries. You need to submit a Notary Public Commission Application to them.
Most of the questions in the application are pretty strict forward—for example, your name, business address, background info. It’s better to check that the name on the application will be the same as when you are notarizing documents.
There is a $30 application fee. You can make a check or money order payable to Wyoming Secretary of State.
Step 5: Review the notary commission letter
Once your application is approved, the Wyoming Secretary of State will email you a letter. It consists of details to complete the remaining requirements. Typically speaking, you will receive it 5-7 days after they receive the application.
It is a good idea to review and make sure all the details on the letter are correct. (e.g., your name, county of residence, term of commission).
Step 6: Obtain a surety bond
The Wyoming Secretary of State requires you to purchase a $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.
Keep in mind 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 practice, 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 |
|---|---|
| $500 without E&O coverage | $50 |
| $500 bond with $10,000 E&O coverage | $90 |
| $500 bond with $15,000 E&O coverage | $100 |
| $500 bond with $25,000 E&O coverage | $120 |
Source: Suretybonds.com (Sept 25, 2020)
Step 7: File an oath and bond at the Clerk’s Office
In the letter that was mentioned in Step 5, you can find the start of your commission date. Within 60 days, you must record the surety bond and oath with your Country Clerk’s Office.
The oath is an affirmation that you agree to assume the notary public’s duties and comply with the Wyoming notary laws.
The Clerk’s Office should have your notary commission certificate. You can get it after you record the oath and bond.
Step 8: Get a notary seal
To start a notary signing business in Wyoming, you must use an engraved official seal or rubber stamp.
It is a helpful business tool that ensures you won’t leave out any required details. It indicates the signing agent as an impartial witness and helps to prevent fraudulent acts.
You may purchase the notary seal from office supplies store. Its design must comply with the regulatory rules. For example, it must contains the following:
- The words “Notary public,” “Wyoming”
- Your name and the county that you reside
The notary seal or stamp can be:
- Circular but with no more than 2 inches in diameter
- Rectangular but with no more than 3/4 inches in width by 2.5 inches in length
Step 9: Maintain a good business with a notary journal
Although it is not required to keep a notary journal in Wyoming, 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 your journal is maintained in a physical format, you should have one bounded with numbered pages. You may find it at stationery, office supply stores, or through notary associations.
Whereas for a journal in an electronic format, it needs to be a permanent, tamper-evident. Make sure that it is complying with the rules of the Wyoming Secretary of State.
In the notary journal, you may consider recording the following items in each entry:
- Date on Document;
- Date Notarial Act Performed;
- Type of Document;
- Type of ID presented by Principal(s);
- Name, address and signatures of the signer(s);
Step 10: Keep up with notarial best practice
Continuing education is critical to being a notary signing agent. Rules and regulations would change over time. Also, there will be new technology to advance your business practice. A good way is to take high-quality courses from a trusted provider.
Learn to earn as a Loan Signing Agent
Without sufficient income, you are just doing it as a hobby and not a real business. The first step you should take is to learn how to build a “PROFITABLE” notarial practice.
But this could take years of trial and error in coming up with a feasible strategy. Rather than reinventing the wheel, a MUCH better way is to learn from someone who has done it before successfully.
Mark Wills is a top-notch coach for notary signing agents. He developed the Loan Signing System (LSS) training program, where many of his students have achieved massive success. Some can earn great money as a side-gig, where some are earning over six-figures every year.
You may click here to check out his training program. (**)
Advance your credential by becoming an NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent
The National Notary Association (NNA) is one of the largest associations and most recognizable for notaries. They provide regular updates, training and networking events to the members.
Getting the NNA Certified status can show to title and escrow companies that you are maintaining a high standard as a signing agent. Thus, strengthen their trust and confidence in your signing services.
>>Here is a review I wrote about the NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent Program<<
In there, you can find an exclusive interview I had with Melina Fuenmayor. She will share with you her thoughts in obtaining the certified credential.
Does Wyoming allow remote online notarization (RON)?
Remote online notarization (RON) gives you the convenience not to be physically present with the signer. Instead, you would verify their the signer’s identity through video and audio conference.
At the time I’m writing the post, there are emergency rules imposed which allows remote notarization in Wyoming.
However, this could be a temporary measure. Whether they would revert to in-person notarization afterward is unknown yet. Therefore, you should check with the Office of the Secretary of State.
To become an remote online notary in Wyoming, you must:
1) Choose a technology provider
As a notary signing agent, you would be handling documents with confidential details. Therefore, it is critical to choose a technology platform with a high level of security.
Below is a list of approved technology providers I found on the Wyoming Secretary of State website.
- CSC Global, Inc.
- DocVerify
- Figure Technologies (for in-house
Figure employees) - Jetexas Information Technovation
- Nexsys
- Notarize
- NotaryCam
- Pavaso
- SafeDocs
- SIGNiX
- Simplifile – for IPEN only
- World Wide Notary
2) Complete RON training
To ensure you are familiar with the platform for digital notarization, you are required to complete a training from the technology provider. It should cover topics such as the RON standards, identity-proofing, credential verification, recording and retention, security features to ensure
the integrity of the notarial process.
Once you complete the training, you will receive a completion certificate.
3) Register at the Wyoming Secretary of State
You need to complete the form, “Intent to Perform Temporary Remote Online Notarization in Wyoming.” In there, you will provide the name of the RON technology vendor and the training completion certificate.
Then you may email them to notaries@wyo.gov.
How to become a mobile notary in Wyoming?
Some signers cannot travel to your office in signing the documents, and they do not have the technology to perform the remote notarization. In such a situation, there would be a demand for a mobile notary. In short, a mobile notary is merely a notary that travels around in meeting signers.
To become a mobile notary in Wyoming, you must:
- Register with the Wyoming Secretary of State as a notary. This is basically the same notary commission certificate, as discussed earlier. You don’t need to get a new one.
- Have ease of transportation. It is better to have your own car so that you could conveniently drive between appointments.
- Setup essential equipment: A mobile printer and an approved electronic notarization platform allow you to work on the documents whenever and wherever. You may check out our resource page for amazingly helpful tools that could streamline your business.
How much can you make as a notary signing agent in Wyoming?
The average annual income of Notary Loan Signing Agents in Wyoming is $54,517. The income typically ranges between $29,540 to $60,066. Top earning loan signing agents in Wyoming are making over $89,607.
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 Wyoming
| City | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Laramie | $50,950 |
| Casper | $48,983 |
| Jackson | $48,835 |
| Green River | $48,231 |
| Riverton | $47,530 |
| Rock Springs | $47,339 |
| Sheridan | $46,803 |
| Gillette | $46,548 |
| Cheyenne | $45,763 |
| Evanston | $43,618 |
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 14, 2022
Is there demand for notary loan signing agent in Wyoming?
As long as people are obtaining mortgages or refinancing their homes, there would be a demand for notary loan signing agents.
All originated mortgages in Wyoming
| YEAR | RECORDS |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 13,702 |
| 2016 | 15,484 |
| 2015 | 15,107 |
| 2014 | 13,556 |
| 2013 | 17,900 |
| 2012 | 19,114 |
| 2011 | 14,507 |
| 2010 | 15,602 |
| 2009 | 20,290 |
| 2008 | 16,892 |
| 2007 | 21,052 |
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) (Sept 25, 2020)
Since not all active notaries can perform remote online notarization, whenever possible, you should consider incorporating RON in your practice to maintain a competitive edge.
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. (**)
How much does it cost to become a notary in Wyoming?
It costs approximately $115 to become a notary signing agent in Wyoming.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs to start a notary signing business
| Notary application fee | $30 |
| $500 Surety bond without E&O | $50 |
| Notary seal | $20 |
| Journal | $15 |
There could be other expenses involved, travel expenses, car maintenance, auto insurance, E&O coverage, remote notary technology, laptop and other business supplies.
Can a felon be a notary in Wyoming?
Having a conviction for a felony may impact the application to become a notary in Wyoming. The Wyoming Secretary of State needs to make sure that you are a person with credibility, truthfulness, and integrity to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
However, having a felony does not necessarily mean your application will automatically be declined. It depends on the severity and nature of the conviction. The Wyoming Secretary of State would review it on a case-by-case basis.
A notary public is an office[r] of the state of Wyoming and being convicted of a felony disqualifies a person from holding any office of honor, trust or profit within this state, unless:
(i) The conviction is reversed or annulled;
Quote from Wyoming Notary Handbook
(ii) The applicant receives a pardon;
(iii) The applicant’s rights are restored pursuant to Wyoming Statute
7-13-105(a);
How long does it take to become a notary in Wyoming?
It takes 5 to 7 business days to become a notary in Wyoming. Upon approval of your application, the Secretary of State will email you a letter. Then within 60 days, you are required to file the surety bond and oath at the County Clerk’s Office.
Once everything is in good order, you can purchase the notary seal and journal.
How to renew notary commission in Wyoming?
The notary commission is not renewed automatically in Wyoming. You must reapply the notary commission every four year. The steps are the same as you were applying for the initial application.
- Submit a renewal application to the Wyoming Secretary of State
- Pay the $30 fee
- File a new surety bond and take an oath of office
Note that the Secretary of State does not send a reminder for the renewal. To avoid a business interruption, you should set yourself a reminder and start the renewal process before the expiration of your current commission.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document in Wyoming?
You may refuse to notarize a document in Wyoming if:
- You are unsure about the identify of the signer;
- The signer cannot understand what they are signing;
- There is a conflict of interest in the transaction
And you should record in the journal with a detailed description why you refused to perform or complete a notarial act.
Can I notarize for a family member in Wyoming?
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 public in Wyoming, where could I obtain more details?
You may contact the Wyoming Secretary of State:
- Herschler Building East, 122 W 25th St, Ste 100, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
- Ph: 307.777.7370
- Email: Notaries@wyo.gov
How’s the loan signing business? Let’s hear from the Loan System Ambassador!
” I’m in Arizona, and the average fee for signings is $150 for purchases and refi’s and $125 for seller docs. With my signing service, I bring in about $30K per month.
I’m still growing my business and hope to double that by the end of the year. It’s definitely not easy to get business and takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work. I set weekly, monthly and yearly goals for myself and my business and how I want to grow it. “
– Irene Rueda, Loan Signing Agent and Arizona Loan Signing Ambassador
What’s a better way to learn about the notary loan signing business than speaking to someone who is incredibly successful in the industry?!! Here’s an exclusive interview with Irene Rueda, where she shared her journey in the loan signing business, how she got from making $800/m to $30,000/m and her thoughts about Mark Wills’s LSS training program. Be sure to check it out!
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)
- Wyoming Secretary of State – Notary Public (source)
- FAQ (source)
- Salary.com – Notary Signing Agent Salary in Wyoming (source)
- ZipRecruiter – Loan Signing Agent Salary in Wyoming (source)
- SuretyBonds.com – Wyoming Notary Bond (source)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) (source)
