How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in California

1. Get your California notary commission

Before you can do loan signings, you need an active California notary public commission. The state's steps are:

• Be at least 18 and a legal California resident.
• Complete a state-approved 6-hour notary education course (a 3-hour refresher is allowed for renewals).
• Pass the state notary exam (proctored for the California Secretary of State).
• Submit fingerprints via Live Scan for a background check.
• Once commissioned, file your oath of office and a $15,000 surety bond with your county clerk within 30 days.
• Buy your notary seal/stamp and a journal.

2. Get certified as a signing agent

Title companies and lenders expect signing agents to be certified and screened. The industry standard is the National Notary Association (NNA):

• Pass the NNA Signing Agent certification exam (renewed annually).
• Complete the NNA background screening, which lenders rely on under federal privacy rules.

This certification is what lets you accept the loan signings that pay the most.

3. Carry E&O insurance

Errors & omissions (E&O) insurance protects you if a mistake is made during a signing. Many title companies require it, and coverage from $25,000 up to $100,000+ is common. It's inexpensive and signals professionalism.

4. Get the right equipment

• A dual-tray laser printer — loan packages mix legal and letter paper.
• A mobile scanner for scan-backs.
• Reliable transportation and a phone that receives texts.

5. Start getting signings

Once you're commissioned, certified, screened, and insured, the final step is connecting with the companies that send out signings. Signing services match you to nearby jobs so you don't have to market yourself.

Inksent is a local signing network that texts you jobs in the ZIP codes you cover, pays a flat $90 per completed signing by direct deposit, and charges no membership fees. You set your own coverage and schedule. Apply to join the network — it takes about 3 minutes.