Earn More as a Signing Agent in Texas

One of the best ways for a Texas notary to make more money is to become a signing agent. All it usually takes is some additional training and a clean criminal record.

Read on to learn about the application process, what kind of training you need, and how to maximize your earning potential.

What Is a Notary Signing Agent?

A signing agent is a commissioned notary who can perform signing services on real estate loan documents. They typically work for lenders and title companies and help walk borrowers through the final steps of the mortgage closing process.

The basic responsibilities include:

• Printing loan documents
• Acknowledging that the signer(s) understand the document’s purpose and are signing it willingly
• Witnessing and notarizing all required signatures
• Returning the documents to the appropriate stakeholders

While signing agents understand loans, they cannot replace a loan officer. In Texas, no amount of training allows a signing agent to answer specific questions regarding the nature of the loan itself.

How Much Can You Make?

Unlike traditional notaries, signing agents are not limited by state-mandated fee limits.

In Texas, a notary can usually* only charge a maximum of $10 per notarial act. Requesting more can result in suspension, a revoked commission, or criminal prosecution.

Signing agents, however, act as independent contractors and can charge for their labor in addition to notarization. Charging additional fees for printing the loan documents, mailing the loan package, and transportation expenses (if applicable) means signing agents can earn between $75 and $200 per signing appointment.

*Online notaries can charge up to $25 per remote online notarization (RON) in addition to the standard fees.

How to Become a Signing Agent

Most states, including Texas, have no specific requirements for notary signing agents. The Secretary of State only requires a valid notary commission.

Employers, however, generally expect more. Before trying to find work as a signing agent, you should complete the following:

• A signing agent training course
• A thorough background check

While not technically required, the training and background check show that you fully understand your notarial duties and can be trusted with the highly sensitive personal information found in loans.

Not currently a notary? View a detailed guide that walks through the entire application process here.

Taking a Training Course

Like with any job, employers will look for an agent with great experience, impressive knowledge, or a combination of both.

Taking an education course can prove to potential employers that you’re the expert they need.

Our Notary Signing Agent Course is a great place to start, as it teaches you everything you need to know, including:

• What's involved in the typical loan signing process
• How to market your services and develop a client base
• Notarization requirements
• How to keep a record-keeping journal
• Ways to start your own business
• The supplies you’ll need

Plus, the course is completely online, which means you can take it at your leisure and spend extra time on whichever sections need your attention.

You'll have access to the course material for one year, and when you're done, you'll receive a certificate by email.

Completing a Background Check

Most mortgage providers require their employees to complete annual background screenings as part of their ongoing effort to comply with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requirements.

This is because loans contain personal details that are not always found in other documents that need notarization. Completing a background check shows potential employers that you can be trusted with sensitive information like Social Security Numbers, income statements, and bank account numbers.

Notaries.com offers a Level 1 background check, which is a basic screening that is accepted by most employers.

It checks for pending criminal cases, arrests, employment history, and the national sex offender registry.

Legal Restrictions

Agents can work with most loans, but there are some restrictions.

The Texas Constitution states that Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loans can only be signed and closed within the office of a lender, attorney, or title company.

Wraparound mortgage loans (known as wrap mortgages) can only be closed by an attorney or a title company.

Signing Agent Commission Packages

New and renewing notaries in Texas who want to be a signing agent can get everything they need with our packages.

The signing agent upgrade gets you access to our training course and background check for one low price.

Both packages offer customizable add-ons. Whether you need extra ink for your stamp or want an errors and omissions insurance policy, we can help! Just choose your package to get started.