How to Become a Real Estate Notary Public

Are you looking for how to become a real estate notary public in California? The short answer: there is no separate “real estate notary” commission. A notary public in California can notarize any type of document, including real estate and loan documents, once commissioned. Many California notaries go on to become Notary Signing Agents to earn well above the state’s per-signature fees.

Step 1: Become a Commissioned Notary Public

Before you can notarize real estate documents (or any documents), you need to be appointed as a notary public by the California Secretary of State. The process is the same no matter what you plan to notarize:

1. Complete a state-approved education course: Six hours for new notaries, or three hours if you’re renewing a current commission. Our online course is authorized by the Secretary of State.
2. Pass the state exam: 45 multiple-choice questions, administered in person by CPS HR Consulting. You need a score of 70 or higher to pass.
3. Submit your application: The $40 application and exam processing fee is paid at the exam site by check or money order.
4. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting: Background check through the California Department of Justice and FBI.
5. File your bond and oath: Once the state approves your application, you’ll receive a commission packet. File your $15,000 surety bond and take your oath of office at the county clerk within 30 calendar days of your commission start date.

For the complete step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to become a notary public in California.

Step 2: Understand What You Can Do as a Notary

Once commissioned, you are authorized to perform all notarial acts recognized by California law, including:

• Acknowledgments: Verifying the identity of a signer who acknowledges signing a document. Deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents commonly require acknowledgments.
• Jurats: Administering an oath or affirmation and certifying that the signer swore to the truthfulness of the contents under penalty of perjury.
• Oaths and affirmations: Solemn promises made before a notary.
• Copy certifications: Certifying that a copy is a true and correct reproduction. In California, this is limited to powers of attorney and certain other documents.

California notaries can charge a maximum of $15 per signature for acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths. This fee is set by state law and cannot be exceeded. For more on fee limits, see how much is a notary in California.

Step 3: Decide If You Want to Become a Signing Agent

Here’s where the money opportunity comes in. A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a notary public who specializes in notarizing real estate loan documents. Signing agents are hired by title companies, escrow companies, and signing services to meet with borrowers and walk them through the loan signing process.

California does not require any additional certification to notarize loan documents. Your notary commission covers it. You can notarize a deed of trust, a mortgage, or any other real estate document the same day your commission is active.

That said, a signing agent course can be a smart investment even though the state doesn’t require one. Loan packages are complex, often 100+ pages with specific signing and notarization requirements for each document. A good course walks you through the most common loan documents, shows you where each signature goes, and helps you avoid mistakes that could delay a closing.

Some hiring companies, particularly national title companies and signing services, require you to hold a signing agent certification before they’ll send you assignments. For more on what signing agents do and how to get started, see Notary Training School’s guide to becoming a notary. A course can help you get started faster and open doors with more companies.

Our advice: get your notary commission first, then decide whether a signing agent course fits the companies you want to work with. That way you’re not paying for a certification you may not need.

What You Need Before Your First Loan Signing

If you decide to pursue signing agent work, you’ll need a few things beyond your notary commission:

• A reliable printer: Preferably a dual-tray laser printer that can print on both letter and legal-sized paper without manual switching. Many loan packages are 100+ pages.
• A notary journal: Required by California law for every notarization. You must keep a chronological record of every act you perform.
• E&O insurance: Errors and omissions insurance is not required by the state, but most hiring companies will ask for proof of coverage (typically $25,000 or $100,000).
• A background check: Many signing services and title companies require a separate background screening, even though you already completed one for your commission.

See our post on notary supply requirements for a complete list of what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to notarize real estate documents in California?

No. A standard California notary public commission authorizes you to notarize any type of document, including real estate and loan documents. There is no separate real estate notary license.

What is a Notary Signing Agent?

A signing agent is a notary public who specializes in notarizing loan documents for real estate transactions. Signing agents are hired by title companies, escrow companies, and signing services to meet with borrowers and walk them through the loan signing process.

Does California require signing agent certification?

No. California does not require any additional certification beyond your notary commission. However, some hiring companies may require you to complete a signing agent course or hold a certification as a company preference.

How much can a signing agent make in California?

Signing agents typically earn $75 to $200 per loan signing appointment, depending on complexity and distance. This is significantly more than the state maximum of $15 per signature for standard notarizations.

What supplies do I need for loan signings?

Beyond your standard notary stamp and journal, you will need a reliable dual-tray laser printer for printing loan packages (often 100+ pages), errors and omissions insurance, and a background check from a signing service.