Did you know, you can earn $100 per hour working part-time as a loan signing agent in Florida? However, before you can go this route, you will need to know how to become a loan signing agent in Florida. Of course, you can also work full-time and earn an even better income.
Whether you want to become a loan signing agent for extra cash or a full-time job, it’s not difficult to do. Let’s look at the job duties of a loan signing agent and how to become one in Florida.
Job Duties of a Loan Signing Agent in Florida
As a loan signing agent, you will work in the mortgage industry, most likely. You will spend time helping borrowers understand loan documents and go through the closing when buying a home. Some of the common job duties you will take on include:
- Understanding loan documents for mortgages
- Explaining important documents to borrowers
- Witnessing the signing of the documents during a closing
- Notarizing the necessary documents
- Verifying the identity of the borrowers signing the documents
- Stamping the documents with your notary seal
- Delivering documents
- Printing documents
You will take care of the closing from start to finish, in most cases. Most loan signing agents in Florida will handle the closing for home purchases and refinance loans.
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How To Become a Loan Signing Agent in Florida in 7 Steps
Step #1 – Meet the Basic Qualifications
You will need to meet all the basic requirements before you can become a loan signing agent in Florida. Simply put, you need to be at least 18 years of age, a legal resident of Florida, and have the ability to read and write English. That’s it!
Step #2 – Complete a Notary Training Course
A three-hour notary course will be necessary to become a loan signing agent in Florida. It needs to be a course approved by the Florida Department of State. The courses are administered in both the private and public sectors but have to register with the Executive Office of the Governor. You can find an approved list of courses here.
The course you will take will likely have eight sections. You will need to complete the questions at the end of each to move on. It takes at least 23 minutes to complete each section of this course.
After completing the entire notary training course, you will receive a course completion certificate. This certificate will have your name, the date, and a certificate number on it. It provides the proof you need when applying to become a notary public. Your certificate will be good for one year.
Step #3 – Get Your Surety Bond
You will need to get a $7,500 surety bond in Florida. This is required by the Florida Department of State if you want to become a loan signing agent. You can find your surety bond from an insurance company, notary bonding company, or notary organization.
The surety bond provides protection for those you provide services for. If you want protection for yourself, you will need Error & Omission insurance.
Step #4 – Complete Your Application
The next step is to complete your Florida Notary Public Commission Application. You will also need to find an AFFIDAVIT OF CHARACTER To sign your application. This person needs to have known you for at least a year, but they cannot be related to you. They are signing and stating that you are a trustworthy person.
You will need to sign your application and pay the $39 application fee. It’s also necessary to fill out the Bond of Notary Public form on the last page of the application. This must be signed and include the details of your surety company.
You’ll be able to submit this application online to the Florida Department of State.
Step #5 – Get Your Notary Public Commission Certificate
After your application has been approved by the Florida Department of State, you will get a notary public commission certificate. This will be forwarded to a bonding agency, and then sent to you.
Once you receive your certificate, make sure you review it. Make sure your name and other information are correct on the certificate.
Step #6 – Get Your Notary Supplies
Now you just need the right notary supplies to get started as a loan signing agent in Florida. You can get a notary seal from your surety bond company. You can also find one from another vendor.
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It’s not required, but a good idea to get a notary journal, as well. You may also need other supplies to get started as a loan signing agent in Florida. Make sure your journal and seal are kept locked and secure.
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$15.99
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Step #7 – Register for Online Notary
You will also want to register in Florida for an online notary. Not all states offer this, but Florida does. you can fill out the Registration for Online Notary form and submit it. You are required to have $25,000 in a surety bond, $25,000 in E&O insurance coverage, and you will have to complete the online notary public course. The registration fee is $10, as well.
Even with an online notary, you will still have to meet the signer in person. A rubber stamp or impression seal will not be necessary for an electronic notarization, however.
You can offer very convenient services as an online notary in Florida. You will have to use a RON Service Provider that is compliant with the laws in Florida, however.
When you’re ready to become a loan signing agent in Florida, you will need to complete these steps. Whether you’re becoming a loan signing agent to work as a loan officer or start your own business, the same steps are required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming Loan Signing Agent in Florida
How much can I make as a loan signing agent in Florida?
The average salary of a loan signing agent in Florida is $47,170, according to ZipRecruiter.com. They state the pay range runs from about $17K to $85K per year.
Salary.com says the range of salary in Florida for signing agents goes from $36,644 to $47,390. However, the numbers are not always accurate, as many loan signing agents in Florida work part-time.
Notary Training Institute™ Complete Program
This Signing Agent Bootcamp includes access to these courses and more!
- Notary Basic Training
- Notary Business Blueprint
- Six-Figure Notary Business
What type of training do I need to become a Florida notary public?
To be a loan signing agent in Florida, you will need to become a notary public. This requires a three-hour notary course from an approved provider. There is no exam to pass to become a notary in Florida. Instead, you will answer questions at the end of each section.
What does it cost to become a notary in Florida?
You will pay a $39 application fee in Florida. It will also cost around $115 to get your surety bond. This type of package from a surety bond issuer will include all the notary supplies you need to get started. Along with these expenses, you will likely need to pay for travel expenses, marketing, and other expenses.
How long will it take me to become a loan signing agent in Florida?
You will need to complete the three-hour course to become a loan signing agent in Florida. It will take another day or two to get your surety bond and complete your application.
As long as everything goes smoothly, you can become a loan signing agent in about three to four weeks. The biggest part of this process is how long it takes to get approved by the Florida Department of State.
Will I need to renew my notary in Florida?
Yes, you will need to renew your notary every four years with a new application and a refresher course. It’s also necessary to get a new notary seal and destroy your old one when you renew your notary.
Make sure you do this at least six months in advance to ensure there is no interruption to your business.
Will I be able to notarize documents for family members in Florida?
It’s never a good idea to notarize documents for family members. As a notary public, you cannot notarize documents where you might have a beneficial interest or a financial interest in the transaction. Even if this isn’t the case with a family member, it could become a reason for questions. It’s best to avoid this practice.
Can I become a loan signing agent in Florida as a felon?
If you have been convicted of a felony in the past, you may struggle to become a loan signing agent in Florida. However, it’s not impossible. It will depend on the nature of the conviction. The Florida Department of State reviews these types of notary public applications on a case-by-case basis.
There are many benefits to becoming a loan signing agent in Florida. You can work for yourself and help with closings for mortgages with this credential. It’s also a great option if you are already a loan officer and you want to be able to do closings.
Jordan Fabel
Covering different 'paths' that people's lives can take. Creative, foster parent, ticket dismissal, you get the idea. Exploring the requirements, certifications, exams, and obviously, approved courses along each path. I, personally, am the high school dropout son of two teacher parents. So how did I get here? That story is coming soon!