Signing Agent Insurance
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Notary Signing Agent |
The following are the most common questions asked by our customers regarding Notary Signing Agents. However, if your question is not listed below, feel free to contact us to receive an answer to your question.
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
What are the fundamental requirements to be a Notary Signing Agent?
Can a Notary in any state perform Signing Agent work?
Why do I need a background check, and what records are searched?
How long does background screening take?
How far back (previous years) is my background screened?
How often must a Notary Signing Agent be background-screened?
Can I dispute a result in my background screening that I think is incorrect?
How important is standard Notary training/knowledge to a Notary Signing Agent?
Why do I need to be a “certified” Notary Signing Agent?
Does my Notary Signing Agent certification expire?
How is Signing Agent E&O different from my Notary E&O policy?
Do I need a Notary E&O policy in addition to Signing Agent E&O?
Are Notary Signing Agents required to have a surety bond?
Can a Notary in any state perform Signing Agent work?
Why is training important to work as a Notary Signing Agent?
Who hires Notary Signing Agents?
How are Notary Signing Agents compensated?
Are my Signing Agent earnings taxable?
What is “PII,” and why is it important?
How long will I have access to my course online?
I’m having trouble taking my course (logging in; resetting password; navigating the course; etc.)… how do I ask for help?
I have a question about some information taught in the course – how do I ask for help?
I don’t think Signing Agent work is for me… can I have a refund of my course fee?
What if I take the course and don’t get steady Signing Agent work?
What is a Signing Agent Notary?
A Notary Signing Agent is a duly commissioned Notary Public who specializes in presiding over the execution (signing) of loan documents. Lenders across the United States rely heavily on Notary Signing Agents to handle these sensitive transactions.
What are the fundamental requirements to be a Notary Signing Agent?
The individual must be:
- a currently commissioned Notary Public in a state that does not prohibit Signing Agent activity (see “Working as a Signing Agent” below);
- capable of satisfactorily passing a comprehensive criminal background check.
It is also recommended that the individual be:
- a Notary Public with at least one year of experience regularly performing notarial acts;
- trained on the requirements of Notary law and best practices;
- insured by a Notary Signing Agent errors and omissions policy;
- supported by membership in a professional Notary organization that provides information on lawful performance of notarial acts and best practices.
Can a Notary in any state perform Signing Agent work?
No. Some states restrict a Notary's ability to perform Notary Signing Agent work, or ban it completely. Click here to view a list of states that currently are currently known to restrict or ban Notary Signing Agent work.
Why do I need a background check, and what records are searched?
This is a requirement of mortgage lenders, because by law they must guard the privacy of every borrower’s personal information. That duty requires lenders to ensure that all parties with access to a borrower’s personal information are appropriately screened, including Notary Signing Agents. A background check for Notary Signing Agents will include or check: Social Security Number Trace, National Criminal Database, Sex Offender Registry, Terrorist Watch List, County Criminal Court Search, Federal Criminal Court Search, Wants/Warrants Search, Employment Verifications, and Education Verification.
How long does background screening take?
From registration for a background screening to obtaining the results, the process takes approximately 5-7 days. (This can vary by background screening provider.)
How far back (previous years) is my background screened?
Generally, from 7 to 10 years into your previous history, depending on applicable laws in your state of residence.
How often must a Notary Signing Agent be background-screened?
The current standard is once per year.
Can I dispute a result in my background screening that I think is incorrect?
Yes – the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) entitles a person to dispute background screening results. Any reputable background screening provider will offer a dispute process.
How important is standard Notary training/knowledge to a Notary Signing Agent?
It is impossible to function as a Signing Agent without a strong understanding of the fundamentals of notarization and your state’s Notary laws and administrative rules. Notary Signing Agents can be expected or pressured to complete notarizations that may cause the Notary to violate his/her/their state Notary law. Knowing how to notarize expertly, and when to say “No,” are extremely important.
Why do I need to be a “certified” Notary Signing Agent?
“Certification” indicates that the individual has obtained the training in notarization skills and Signing Agent practices needed to perform competently as a Notary Public Signing Agent. Certification is an industry standard, one required by many if not most of the companies that hire Notary Signing Agents.
Does my Notary Signing Agent certification expire?
Yes, because loan document signing practices and procedures can change at any time. Requirements of Notary law or administrative rules can also change annually or sooner. The American Society of Notaries’ Notary Signing Agent certification expires after one year. Retraining and reexamination are necessary to renew the certification for another year.
How is Signing Agent E&O different from my Notary E&O policy?
A Signing Agent Errors and Omissions policy is specifically for Notaries who work as Notary Signing Agents. A traditional Notary E&O policy provides coverage for the notarial acts performed in a loan document package… but doesn’t cover any mistakes or oversights made when performing other Notary Signing Agent responsibilities. Notary Signing Agent E&O insurance covers notarization errors and oversights, plus other highly responsible activities of a Notary Signing Agent such as dating the Right of Rescission document; ensuring forms are properly signed and initialed; failing to complete a signing timely due to the Notary Signing Agent’s fault; and late return of date-sensitive documents.
Do I need a Notary E&O policy in addition to Signing Agent E&O?
If the Notary does other Notary work, besides loan signings, he/she will need to carry both policies because the Signing Agent E&O is limited to just transactions involving real estate loan signings.
Are Notary Signing Agents required to have a surety bond?
Notaries Public in states that require a surety bond as a qualification/requirement for obtaining a Notary commission must hold such as bond for their entire commission term. Whether or not the Notary acts as a Signing Agent has no bearing on a surety bond requirement.
Can a Notary in any state perform Signing Agent work?
No. Some states restrict a Notary's ability to perform Notary Signing Agent work, or ban it completely. Click here to view a list of states that currently are currently known to restrict or ban Notary Signing Agent work.
Why is training important to work as a Notary Signing Agent?
Notary Signing Agent work is highly detailed and highly responsible work, requiring not only expertise in performance of notarial acts but also informed practices in the requirements of handling and presenting loan documents for signing. An individual must be certain that they perform all notarizations correctly and refuse to carry out any procedures or practices that contradict the requirements of Notary law. When handling loan documents, an individual must be aware of standard document handling procedures, the title/purpose of each loan document, acceptable methods of interacting with a borrower’s sensitive personal information, and how to respond to last-minute issues. All such requirements are subject to change, so initial Notary Signing Agent training should be supplemented with refresher training every year.
Who hires Notary Signing Agents?
Assignments to work as a Notary Signing Agent come mostly from signing services, title/escrow companies, and lenders. Most new Notary Signing Agents register with or align themselves with signing services. These services receive loan signing opportunities from various title/escrow companies and lenders, and maintain their own registry of Notary Signing Agents who will perform those signings. The signing service collects fees for loan signings and pays the officiating Notary Signing Agent. Some well-established Notary Signing Agents receive assignments directly from title/escrow companies and lenders, and are paid directly by these parties.
How are Notary Signing Agents compensated?
See “Who hires Notary Signing Agents?” above.
Are my Signing Agent earnings taxable?
Your Signing Agent earnings must be accurately tracked and reported as income.
What is “PII,” and why is it important?
“PII” means “personally identifiable information.” It is any information that permits an individual’s identity to be known or deduced or inferred. Well-known examples of PII include a Social Security Number (SSN), driver license number, birth date or a full name. PII is the most precious borrower information entrusted to a Notary Signing Agent. Notary Signing Agent training should include methods of safeguarding PII. Notary Signing Agents must follow all lender requirements for handling of PII.
How long will I have access to my online training course?
You will have unlimited access for 9 months from course completion.
I’m having trouble taking my course (logging in; resetting password; navigating the course; etc.)… how do I ask for help?
If you cannot log in, please try resetting your password using the password reset tool. If you still cannot access your course, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800.821.0831.
If you are logged-in to your course, please use the “NEED HELP?” button, located at the bottom of your screen, to submit a help request, or email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Briefly describe your question and the course section where the content is located.
I have a question about some information taught in the course – how do I ask for help?
If you are logged-in to your course, please use the “NEED HELP?” button, located at the bottom of your screen, to submit a help request, or email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Briefly describe your question and the course section where the content is located.
I don’t think Signing Agent work is for me… can I have a refund of my course fee?
Refunds are eligible for individuals who have not progressed past lesson 2 of the Notary Signing Agent Training Course. Please contact Notary Public Underwriters if you believe Signing Agent work is not for you so we can assist you with this request.
What if I take the course and don’t get steady Signing Agent work?
Signing Agent work is widely available, but it is competitive. Some Notaries who take Signing Agent training thrive as Notary Signing Agents, and some do not. Training does not guarantee success… it provides information for you to pursue success.
Contact Us
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Live Help: 800.821.0831
Address: P.O Box 5378 • Tallahassee, FL 32314
Courtesy, dependability, and integrity are the core values that define us and the reason why Notary Public Underwriters stands for "The Stamp of Excellence". Since 1985, we have provided fast and friendly service to new and renewing notaries. We offer much more than notary commissions; along with being one of the leading producers of stamps and embossing products in the United States, we supply Errors & Omissions insurance and promote notary education through training and comprehensive handbooks. Our passion is serving notaries just like you and given the chance, we know you will love us too.
Signing Agent Insurance
Notary Public Underwriters is pleased to offer an Errors & Omissions Insurance product specifically designed for notaries who assist with loan closings. Signing Agent Errors & Omissions Insurance fills in the gaps left with a traditional Notary E&O policy, which only provides coverage for the actual notarizations in a loan package.
Purchase your policy online today!
The policy provides coverage for actions such as:
- Innocent errors or omissions related to signing agent specific notarial acts
- Incorrectly dating the Right of Rescission
- Missed initials or non-notarized signatures
- Improper corrections made to documents
- Failure to complete the signing on time due to the sole negligence of the signing agent
- Late return of date-sensitive documents
Can You Afford the Consequences of a Mistake?
What was the value of your last closing? A fraction of the payout could be devastating. Lawsuits involving loan closings and notaries are rapidly increasing, and the notaries involved in these transactions are paying the price.
- A Notary Signing Agent completed a loan closing and was responsible for returning the documents via expedited mail. However, the Notary accidentally threw away the wrong envelope and the documents were never sent.
- A signing agent completed a closing, put the documents in the mail, and completed all required assignments. However, the title company never received the documents and accused the signing agent of never sending them and delaying the closing.
- A mortgage lender sued a signing agent for failing to provide customers with copies of documents, which resulted in a change in rescission date.
All Signing Agents were held liable for damages in the above examples. Traditional Notary Errors & Omissions insurance does not protect you in these cases — only Signing Agent E&O insurance can.
Signing Agent Insurance is available by CNA Surety and is underwritten by Western Surety Company. CNA Surety, one of the largest surety companies, is known for its expert underwriting, financial strength and market leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can benefit from Signing Agent E&O?
- What are the requirements needed to purchase Signing Agent E&O insurance?
- Why is Signing Agent E&O essential to a Notary performing loan closings?
- How do I purchase a Signing Agent E&O policy?
- What is a Signing Agent?
- What does the policy cover?
- Does the policy cover punitive damages?
- What does "Claims Made" mean?
- What if I am no longer a Signing Agent but want to continue coverage for anything that might be discovered after my policy ends?
- Why isn't this available in all states?
- Are higher limits available?
- How do the limits work?
- How does the deductible work?
- Does a Signing Agent also need Notary E&O Insurance?
- Do the policy dates need to match my Notary commission?
If your question is not answered here, please contact us by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 800.821.0831.
Who can benefit from Signing Agent E&O?
Any Notary who is officiating loan closings or businesses that use the services of signing agents can be confident in notaries that carry this comprehensive coverage.
What are the requirements needed to purchase Signing Agent E&O insurance?
The Notary must hold an active commission, have experience or have completed a Signing Agent Training Course, or have been certified within the last year. We also highly recommend that you join have a membership with a Notary association and maintain a recordbook.
Why is Signing Agent E&O essential to a Notary performing loan closings?
Signing Agent E&O fills the gaps left with traditional Notary E&O, which only provides coverage for the actual notarizations in a loan package.
How do I purchase a Signing Agent E&O policy?
You may purchase one of our Signing Agent E&O policies online. Please scroll to the top of this page to select your state to begin. Alternatively, you may complete the application and order form and return them along with your payment. You may also email your forms to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What is a Signing Agent?
The term "Signing Agent" means a Notary who conducts loan signings. Another name is witness-only loan closer. In addition to notarizing signatures where required, the "Signing Agent" is responsible for obtaining all other signatures and initials on the documents, and then returning the documents to the lender.
What does the policy cover?
It is designed to cover unintentional errors or omissions while the Notary is acting as a "Signing Agent". In addition to the notarizations, it covers such things as getting all other signatures and initials, correctly dating the documents, completing the signing in the time period specified, and promptly returning the signed documents. Defense costs are also covered within the coverage amount.
Does the policy cover punitive damages?
Punitive, treble, exemplary or similarly categorized damages are excluded.
What does "Claims Made" mean?
The basis of the claim and the filing of the claim must both occur while the policy is in force. No coverage for prior acts is available.
What if I am no longer a Signing Agent but want to continue coverage for anything that might be discovered after my policy ends?
Extended reporting coverage, also known as "tail coverage", is available through CNA Surety for those who purchased a policy from us. The extended reporting coverage rider only extends the time available to discover a claim – it does not extend the coverage itself. Please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053 for more information.
Why isn't this available in all states?
Notary Public Underwriters currently offers this policy in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. As states approve our rate and form filings, additional states will be added to the list. Please be aware that coverage may not be available in all states.
Are higher limits available?
We are offering limits of $75,000 per claim/$150,000 aggregate and $125,000 per claim/$250,000 aggregate at this time. Larger limits may be available in the future.
How do the limits work?
The "per claim" limit is the maximum amount the policy will pay on any one claim. The "aggregate" limit is the maximum amount the policy will pay on all claims combined.
How does the deductible work?
The deductible is per claim and only applies to the actual loss amount. The deductible does not apply to defense costs.
Does a Signing Agent also need Notary E&O Insurance?
If the Notary does other Notary work, besides loan signings, he/she will need to carry both policies because the Signing Agent E&O is limited to just transactions involving real estate loan signings.
Do the policy dates need to match my Notary commission?
The policy dates do not need to match your commission term.
FAQ
- Who can benefit from Signing Agent E&O?
- What are the requirements needed to purchase Signing Agent E&O insurance?
- Why is Signing Agent E&O essential to a notary performing loan closings?
- How do I purchase a Signing Agent E&O policy?
- What is a Signing Agent?
- What does the policy cover?
- Does the policy cover punitive damages?
- What does "Claims Made" mean?
- What if I am no longer a Signing Agent but want to continue coverage for anything that might be discovered after my policy ends?
- Why isn't this available in all states?
- Are higher limits available?
- How do the limits work?
- How does the deductible work?
- Does a Signing Agent also need Notary E&O Insurance?
- Do the policy dates need to match my notary commission?
If your question is not answered here, please contact us by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 800-821-0831.
Who can benefit from Signing Agent E&O?
Any notary who is officiating loan closings or businesses that use the services of signing agents can be confident in notaries that carry this comprehensive coverage.
What are the requirements needed to purchase Signing Agent E&O insurance?
The notary must be an experienced Signing Agent or meet other qualifying criteria including maintaining a journal, membership in a notary association, or signing agent training.
Why is Signing Agent E&O essential to a notary performing loan closings?
Signing Agent E&O fills the gaps left with traditional Notary E&O, which only provides coverage for the actual notarizations in a loan package.
How do I purchase a Signing Agent E&O policy?
Fill out the application and order form and return them along with your payment. You may also fax your forms to 877.856.1663.
What is a Signing Agent?
The term "Signing Agent" means a notary who conducts loan signings. Another name is witness-only loan closer. In addition to notarizing signatures where required, the "signing agent" is responsible for obtaining all other signatures and initials on the documents, and then returning the documents to the lender.
What does the policy cover?
It is designed to cover unintentional errors or omissions while the notary is acting as a "signing agent". In addition to the notarizations, it covers such things as getting all other signatures and initials, correctly dating the documents, completing the signing in the time period specified, and promptly returning the signed documents. Defense costs are also covered within the coverage amount.
Does the policy cover punitive damages?
Punitive, treble, exemplary or similarly categorized damages are excluded.
What does "Claims Made" mean?
The basis of the claim and the filing of the claim must both occur while the policy is in force. No coverage for prior acts is available.
What if I am no longer a Signing Agent but want to continue coverage for anything that might be discovered after my policy ends?
We are offering optional extended reporting coverage. The extended reporting coverage rider only extends the time available to discover a claim – it does not extend the coverage itself.
Why isn't this available in all states?
Notary Public Underwriters currently offers this policy in Arizona, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. As states approve our rate and form filings, additional states will be added to the list. Please be aware that coverage may not be available in all states.
Are higher limits available?
We are offering limits of $75,000 per claim/$150,000 aggregate and $125,000 per claim/$250,000 aggregate at this time. Larger limits may be available in the future.
How do the limits work?
The "per claim" limit applies to a single act or multiple acts related to a single event. If the signing agent has multiple claims filed for different loan signings done in the same year, the most we will pay is the aggregate amount.
How does the deductible work?
The deductible is per claim and only applies to the actual loss amount. The deductible does not apply to defense costs.
Does a Signing Agent also need Notary E&O Insurance?
If the notary does other notary work, besides loan signings, he/she will need to carry both policies because the Signing Agent E&O is limited to just transactions involving real estate loan signings.
Do the policy dates need to match my notary commission?
The policy dates do not need to match your commission term.
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