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Certified Notary Signing Agent Job Description

Stephen Rampur
A certified notary signing agent is an authorized professional who generally undertakes the responsibility of conducting loan signings. Read ahead to know more...
As per the National Notary Association (NNA), notary signing agents are public servants of the state, and are responsible for witnessing the signing on any type of significant documents.
These professionals have a wide expertise and complete knowledge about reviewing, assessing, and authenticating mortgage loan documents. The earnings count on the business or signings they get, which generally range from $140 to $200 per agreement. Travel notaries may even add travel expenses to their fees.
Usually, the charges are determined according to the travel distance, kind of loan, and how urgently the client needs the services. Some notaries may also charge 'rush fees' for services that are to be provided in a very short span of time or with a short notice.
There are many types of legally binding documents which they notarize and deal in; like affidavits and deeds of attorney. Certified Notary Signing Agents (CNSAs) are those who have been licensed by certain companies which train notary agents. The state government does not have any role to play in certifying the signing agents.

Some Guidelines on Becoming a Notary Signing Agent

You need to inquire with the state governor's office, regarding the requirements you have to meet, in order to become a notary signing agent. You may even meet the National Notary Association, to find out about the requirements and eligibility in your particular state.
To be registered as a notary in your state, complete the notary application and pay the processing fees, which may differ from region to region. Normally, the fees are somewhere between $50 to $60.
If you further want to be certified, you need to approach the National Notary Association. The certification process includes a criminal background check. Complete the required coursework that is available on NNA's website to receive the certification. After being certified and registered with your state, you are all set to work.

Notary Signing - A Second Job

People from other fields and professions may also work as a notary to support their first profession. They consider notary signing as a side job. For instance, a real estate professional may apply for becoming a notary, so that he could notarize documents related to home selling. In the same way, an accountant might also find becoming a notary, a useful addition to his business.

Notarizing of the Documents

Every agent possesses a particular stamp which is to be placed on all documents that are notarized. They are supposed to list the date, and can't sign any date other than the actual date of that particular day. They are also not authorized to notarize certain documents that are beneficial to them.
For example, a notary cannot notarize the will of his own family, which after notarization would be in his favor. They need to ensure that the documents they are notarizing are original and veritable. They are also required to witness clients' signature on the documents. After notarizing the documents, they keep a clear record of the transaction in a book, which is known as a 'protocol'.
The notary signing profession is a good option for those who want to support their principal occupation. Moreover, it can also be a way of some small irregular earnings. I hope the above article has given you some information that is useful to you about certified notary signing agents.