When You decide to become a loan signing agent in Michigan, you should know the steps. With the right training, you can learn how to make up to $200 per appointment. If you don’t get the best training, however, you might struggle to make a good living as a loan signing agent.
If this is the career path you’d like to take, it’s time to understand it a bit better. Let’s look at the job duties of a loan signing agent in Michigan and the necessary steps to become one.
Job Duties of a Loan Signing Agent in Michigan
Becoming a loan signing agent in Michigan means you will do more than just notarize documents. You will walk borrowers through loan documents and show them where to initial and sign. Plus, you will act as the Notary Public during this process.
It’s common for loan signing agents to work with mortgage loan documents. You will likely attend many closing appointments every week, but you might do even more. Some loan signing agents work with law offices, hospitals, schools, or even government agencies.
Becoming a loan signing agent allows you to boost your resume. It can also add more income opportunities to your current career if you’re a lender.
How To Become a Loan Signing Agent in Michigan in 9 Steps
Step #1 – Meet the Basic Requirements in Michigan
Before you can become a loan signing agent in Michigan, you must meet some very basic requirements. It’s necessary to be 18 years of age and a legal resident of the United States or able to work in the United States. You will also need to be able to read, speak, and write English.
You cannot have any convictions or felonies in the past ten years, either. It’s also not possible to become a loan signing agent if you are currently imprisoned. As long as you meet these specific requirements, you can start the process of becoming a loan signing agent.
Step #2 – Obtain a Surety Bond
You will also need to get a $10,000 surety bond. This bond is required in the state of Michigan. You will need to hold this bond if you want to have an active commission as a Notary Public.
It may also be a good idea to get Error & Omission insurance or E&O insurance. This insurance will help protect you if you make a mistake you didn’t mean to make.
Step #3 – Complete Your Application
After you have your surety bond, you will need to fill out the Application for Notary Commission and Attorney Reappointment. This is known as Form 98 in Michigan. This is a pretty straightforward application and you will need to provide information that matches your state ID or driver’s license.
Step #4 – Visit the Clerk’s Office
You will need to bring your application, proof of your surety bond, and the filing fee of $10 to $20 to the local county clerk’s office. You will take an Oath at the clerk’s office.
Step #5 – File your Application
After you’ve visited the Clerk’s office, you will be given your application back to submit to the Michigan Department of State. You will also need to submit a $10 filing fee with your application.
Step #6 – Get your Notary Public Commission Certificate
After submitting your application, you will receive your notary public commission card through email. This often takes four to six weeks. Make sure to review the certificate for accuracy.
Step #7 – Get Advanced Loan Signing Agent Training
The process to become a Notary Public is one part of becoming a loan signing agent. With the right training, you can learn the business side of this career. you will learn how to gain more appointments, charge more per appointment, and finish appointments faster.
There are different types of training you can go through online. If you want to earn $75 to $200 per appointment, you will want the most advanced training you can find. Plus, the best training will teach you how to get through appointments in about an hour per appointment.
Step #8 – Get the Right Notary Supplies
You are not required to get a stamp-type seal in Michigan for notarization. However, you will have to include specific information on each document. It might be easier to do this with the right notary seal from an office supply store.
It’s best to understand the MICHIGAN LAW ON NOTARIAL ACTS before you get a stamp or seal for notarization.
The state of Michigan also doesn’t require you to keep a journal, but it can still be a good idea. This can help you show proof, if necessary, of any notarization you have provided.
Step #9 – Become a Remote Notary Public
You can incorporate remote and electronic notarization into your business. This is a big deal and one thing you will likely want to do if you want to be very successful.
You can take a course called Perform Remote and Electronic Notarizations Training to learn how to do this properly. If you want to become a Remote Online Notary in Michigan, you will need to do the following:
- Hold a traditional Notary Public commission
- Get the proper electronic/remote notarization system from an approved vendor.
- Give the Michigan SOS office the proper contact information for your system vendor through the proper form.
Once you complete these steps, you will be able to perform online notarization in Michigan. There isn’t a training course requirement, but a course can help you learn how to do the notarization properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loan Signing Agents in Michigan
How much can I make as a loan signing agent in Michigan?
With the right training, you can earn $75 to $200 per appointment. This can add up to a very nice income for a successful loan signing agent. However, without the right training, it might be difficult to earn a good salary.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, you will earn about $47K, on average, as a loan signing agent in Michigan. They put the range at $17K to $85K per year.
How long will my Notary Public commission last in Michigan?
You will have a commission for six years in Michigan. Once this time expires, you will need to renew your Notary Public or you won’t be able to work as a loan signing anymore.
Why do I need a surety bond in Michigan?
The state of Michigan, like many others, requires a surety bond to protect the consumer. This surety bond doesn’t protect you as a Notary Public. Instead, it protects the consumer from any type of Notary fraud or wrongdoing.
Michigan requires a $10,000 surety bond. If a claim is made, the bond will pay the consumer and the Notary will have to pay the bond back.
What is the cost to become a loan signing agent in Michigan?
You will need to spend $10 to become a Notary Public in Michigan. It’s also likely you will spend between $20 and $50 for supplies including a notary seal and journal. It’s also necessary to spend the money to get your surety bond, which will likely cost around $30.
If you decide to get E&O insurance, you will spend a little bit more. This can vary, but will likely cost less than $50 for the policy.
Specialized training for loan signing agents can range from $200 to $400, depending on the program you choose. If you get better training, it can help you make more money as a loan signing agent.
Do I have to complete training in Michigan?
No, you do not have to complete any type of training or take an exam in Michigan to become a loan signing agent. However, getting specialized training can help you run a more successful business as a loan signing agent.
Does Michigan allow remote or electronic Notary?
Yes, the state of Michigan allows you to do notaries via an online webcam. You will need to be a traditional Notary Public first and you will need to get a system that meets the requirements of the Secretary of State in Michigan.
How long will it take me to become a loan signing agent in Michigan?
The process of becoming a loan signing agent will likely take you between four and six weeks to complete. The processing time will take up the most time. You can complete the rest of the steps in just a few days. For most, the process can be completed pretty quickly, but the approval process will take several weeks.
If you’re ready to enjoy a new career as a loan signing agent in Michigan, these steps will be necessary. You will need to become a Notary Public and gain the right training to enter this career. Of course, if you’re already a lender, you might become a loan signing agent in Michigan to enhance your career.
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!