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The Complete Guide on
How to Become a Successful Notary Public & Loan Signing Agent
We'll Help You Put This All Together
Let's Start with the Difference Between Being a Notary Public and a Loan Signing Agent in
Jacksonville, Florida
Understanding the difference between a Notary Public and a Loan Signing Agent (LSA) is essential when exploring a career in this field. While both roles are rooted in the authority of a state commission, their responsibilities, training, and earning potential vary. Recognizing these distinctions will help you make informed decisions about your notarial career path.
A Notary Public is commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness. Their core duties include:
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verifying identities of signers through government-issued ID
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witnessing signatures and ensuring the signer is willing and aware
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administering oaths and affirmations for sworn statements
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completing notarial certificates with their signature and official seal
The scope of a notary’s work is broad. General notarial acts include documents such as affidavits, contracts, powers of attorney, wills, medical directives, and business agreements. Because notaries are regulated by state law, each state sets its own rules on what documents can be notarized and how much can be charged per act.
A Loan Signing Agent (LSA, Signing Agent, Notary Signing Agent) is a commissioned notary who has additional training in mortgage loan documents and real estate transactions. Their work goes beyond basic notarizations to include:
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presenting loan packages during real estate closings
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ensuring every signature, initial, and date is properly completed
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guiding signers through complex documents like deeds of trust, promissory notes, closing disclosures, and refinance agreements
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returning executed documents quickly and accurately to lenders, escrow, or title companies
Although LSAs cannot provide legal or financial advice, their familiarity with loan packages makes them a vital link between the borrower and the lending institution.
Key Differences to Keep in Mind
Authority: Every Loan Signing Agent is a Notary Public first. You cannot become an LSA without first being commissioned as a notary.
Scope of Work: Notaries perform general notarial acts; LSAs focus specifically on loan and mortgage documents.
Clients: Notaries work with the general public, businesses, and government offices. LSAs primarily serve title companies, escrow officers, lenders, and signing services in the mortgage industry.
Why It Matters
Becoming a Notary Public is the first step. It provides the legal authority and credibility to perform notarizations.
Adding Loan Signing Agent specialization builds on that foundation, opening the door to higher-paying assignments in the real estate sector. For many notaries, this is where the career shifts from part-time side work to a profitable business.
Learn more from the National Notary Association: What is a Notary Signing Agent?
Let's Talk (Honestly) About How Much You Can Earn as a Notary Public & Loan Signing Agent in
Jacksonville, Florida
When people search “How much can a notary make?” or “Is becoming a Loan Signing Agent worth it?” they often land on bold claims and flashy numbers on social media. The reality, however, is more nuanced—and it’s important to approach this career with accurate expectations.
Be Careful Who You Follow Online
Not everyone on social media gives the full story. To put things in perspective, here’s the truth:
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Only about 1% of notaries and loan signing agents reach “six-figure” or top-tier incomes.
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The majority earn supplemental income, with a smaller portion building part-time or moderate full-time careers.
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This breakdown is best seen in the income distribution chart: most fall into the “supplemental income” group, with very few reaching the top slice.
Meanwhile, the fee comparison bar chart makes it clear: loan signings simply offer more per assignment. That’s why many notaries branch into loan signings if they want to grow their earnings.
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A Notary Public earns state-regulated fees, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per notarization depending on state law
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A Loan Signing Agent, by contrast, negotiates per-assignment fees, often $50 to $200+ per signing, since real estate closings involve larger document packages and tighter deadlines
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The good news? There are many ways to expand your income as a notary beyond standard notarizations and loan signings.
Successful notaries often diversify into niche services such as:
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Jail and detention notarizations
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Hospital and healthcare facility notarizations
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Apostille facilitation
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I-9 verifications
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Permit running
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Translation coordination
Each of these creates new revenue streams and sets you apart from other notaries in your area.
Where Real Opportunity Lies
Learn more from the National Notary Association: Notary Business Basics
Learn more from the National Notary Association: Notary Signing Agent Overview
Learn more from the National Notary Association: How Much Can Notaries Charge?
Learn more from Notary Stars:
How Notaries Can Market to Hospitals & Jails
Learn more from Notary Stars:
Additional Income for Notaries
Here Are the Basic Steps You Should Take to Become a Notary Public in
Jacksonville, Florida
How to Become a Notary Public in Florida
Florida residents who are interested in becoming a Notary Public must complete the following steps:
Meet the requirements.
Get a $7,500 surety bond.
Take an approved education course.
Complete the application and pay the $39 fee.
Sign the surety bond form.
Submit your application documents and fee.
Order your Notary seal.
Here Are More Details About Becoming a Notary Public in
Jacksonville, Florida
How to Become a Notary Public in Florida
Florida residents who are interested in becoming a Notary Public must complete the following steps:
Meet the requirements.
Get a $7,500 surety bond.
Take an approved education course.
Complete the application and pay the $39 fee.
Sign the surety bond form.
Submit your application documents and fee.
Order your Notary seal.
If you are seeking to become a Notary Loan Signing Agent in Florida it is strongly advised that you take additional training beyond the National Notary Association.
The National Notary Association helps to prepare Notaries on a very basic level. However, companies like Notary2Pro, NotaryStars, and NotaryAcademy are all very well poised to help Notary Loan Signing Agents learn the meaning of Loan Documents, How to Present Loan Documents, What You as a Notary Can Say About Loan Documents, and How to Execute Loan Documents. Ideally, the highest paid Loan Signing Agents will have taken all three of these courses and more.
Companies like Notary Stars can also help point you in the direction of additional reputable trainers within the industry who can also show you how to perform additional services like Permit Running, Apostille, Document Translations, Estate Planning, and more! These are additional sources of revenue that the National Notary Association does not cover.
About the Florida Notary Process
Florida Notaries have a four-year commission term. To continue notarizing documents, renewing Notaries are required to follow the steps with the exception of the training course.
Cost of Becoming an FL Notary
The cost to become a Florida Notary ranges between $99 - $164. This is dependent on where you complete your Notary training course and purchase your seal.
Commission Processing Time
It can take two to four weeks to become commissioned as a Notary Public depending on your availability and the time the Department of State needs to process your application.
To ensure there’s no delay with the review of your application, use our free application wizard to avoid errors.
Florida Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you qualify to become a Notary in the Sunshine State? Check out the requirements below.
Eligibility
You may become a Notary in Florida if you meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a legal resident of Florida
Not be a convicted felon unless you have had your civil rights restored
Notary Training
All first-time applicants for a Florida Notary Public commission must complete a three-hour course offered by the state or by an education provider approved by the Executive Office of the Governor.
At the end of the course, you will receive a completion certificate that must be submitted with your application form.
Please note: You must complete the Notary class within one year prior to applying for a Notary commission.
Application
Complete and submit the application along with your training completion certificate and fee.
Below are a few tips when filling out the application:
Affidavit of Character: A person who has known you for more than a year must complete this section.
Oath of Office: Make sure you are able and willing to swear or affirm the oath of office.
Submit your application error-free with the NNA’s application wizard.
Notary Supplies
Florida Notaries are required to use an inked rubber stamp seal as the official Notary seal for all notarial acts. The seal must include the following information:
Your name as it appears on your commission
The words "Notary Public - State of Florida"
Your commission number
Your commission expiration date
Surety Bond
Florida law requires you to get a $7,500 bond from a surety company authorized to do business in Florida.
Once your application is approved by the Department of State, you will receive your commission certificate from your bonding agency.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Department of State, located in Tallahassee, FL, receives Notary applications from bonding agencies, issues commissions and keeps records on Notaries.
However, Notaries are appointed by the Governor. The Executive Office of the Governor also provides instructional information and has the authority to suspend a Notary for misconduct.
If I live in another state but work in Florida, may I become a Florida Notary?
No, you must be a legal resident of Florida to become a Florida Notary.
May I become a Florida Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you may become a Notary if you submit a recorded Affidavit of Domicile from the county clerk of the county in which you reside.
Do I need to take a Notary exam in Florida?
No, you are not required to pass an exam to qualify for a Florida Notary commission.
Does Florida require Notaries to use a journal?
Although not required by law, the Florida Governor's Office strongly recommends using a journal of notarial acts to record every paper notarization you perform.
Where will I be able to notarize?
Florida Notaries may perform notarizations anywhere within the state.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You're prohibited from notarizing your own signature or that of your spouse, son, daughter, mother or father.
With that said, it is acceptable to solemnize a marriage for your mother, father, son or daughter since you're not notarizing their signature.
How much can FL Notaries charge per notarial act?
In Florida, Notaries may not charge more than $10 per notarization except as provided in F.S. 117.045 (marriages) or 117.275 (online notarizations).
What should I do if I get married or legally change my name?
Within 60 days, you must contact the bonding agency that handled your application to get a rider for your bond and to request an amended commission from the Department of State.
A $25 fee payable by check or money order to the Department of State is also required. You may continue to notarize documents using your old name for 60 days or until you receive your amended commission.
What should I do if I move or take a new job or my personal information changes?
You must notify the Department of State in writing of any change in your business address, home telephone number, home address, business telephone number or criminal record within 60 days of the change.
What are common reasons the state of Florida rejects or delays Notary applications?
Signature and printed name do not match
The "race" field is not completed
Driver's license information must contain 12 digits
If a business address is referenced, it must include the company name
The bond form or the signature on the form is missing
Date of birth does not match state records
Previous commission number does not match (renewing Notaries only)
How can I protect myself as a Notary?
To protect you as a Notary, you may want to get an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. This policy is optional for traditional Notaries and can limit your financial exposure if you make a mistake on a notarized document resulting in financial damage to the signer.
How do I renew my Florida Notary commission?
You must meet the requirements to become a Florida Notary and reapply. The only difference is that you aren't required to take an educational course if you are renewing your commission.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Florida?
You may apply to become a remote online Notary in Florida once you have your traditional Notary Public commission. Follow the steps in this guide to become an FL remote Notary.
Traditional Notaries are authorized to administer an oath remotely using any audio-video communication technology. This only applies to signers testifying at a court proceeding, deposition, arbitration or public hearing or swearing an oath of admission to the Florida Bar.
Loan Signing Agent Training That Will Help You Start and Flourish in Your Career in
Jacksonville, Florida
Once you are commissioned as a Notary Public, the next step for many professionals is pursuing additional training to become a Loan Signing Agent (LSA). Specialized education is what sets apart those who simply hold a commission from those who build a thriving notarial business.
Unlimited Ink Notary is proud to be a sister company to Notary Stars, a nationally recognized training platform that equips notaries with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Alongside other trusted educators like Notary2Pro and My Notary Academy, these organizations provide structured, reputable paths into the loan signing industry.
Why Training Matters
While the fundamentals of being a Notary Public are state-specific, loan signing work requires an additional layer of expertise. Lenders, escrow officers, and title companies want to work with notaries who understand their documents, avoid costly mistakes, and represent their brand professionally. That’s where quality training becomes invaluable.
Here’s a glimpse at what these programs offer:
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Notary Stars – Known for its comprehensive library of over 150+ hours of video training, live classes, and community support, Notary Stars teaches every major loan product, best practices for notarial work, and provides marketing strategies to help notaries grow. It’s not just a course—it’s an ongoing resource hub with mentorship opportunities.
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Notary2Pro – Founded by industry veteran Carol Ray, Notary2Pro is respected for its hands-on, personalized training. Its “Elite” program bundles essential and advanced courses, plus reverse mortgage specialization, giving students a strong foundation and continuing edge in the market.
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My Notary Academy – This training company offers structured, easy-to-follow modules designed to help new notaries understand the loan signing process step by step. Its focus on practical exercises and real-world application helps build confidence quickly for those new to the industry.
Meet the Instructors of Notary Stars & Connect with Them on Your Journey in
Jacksonville, Florida
Unlimited Ink Notary is proud to be a sister company to Notary Stars, where experienced professionals don’t just teach—they mentor, share real-world insight, and guide you through the complexities of building a notary signing career.
RON Trainer & RON Expert
Amy is a multi-state commissioned notary and RON (Remote Online Notarization) expert.
At Notary Stars, she trains notaries in digital notarization, apostilles, and international document work—helping them expand their services and adapt to the evolving notarial landscape.
New Notary Liaison
Kirsten is a New Notary Liaison and instructor at Notary Stars, guiding notaries as they take their first steps in the profession.
Drawing from years of notarial, customer service, and teaching experience, she focuses on helping notaries master the basics while building confidence and long-term business strategies.
Lead Instructor
Beth brings more than 20 years of experience in Title, Escrow, and as a Notary Signing Agent.
At Notary Stars, she develops and teaches courses ranging from foundational signing practices to specialized topics like reverse mortgages, equipping notaries with advanced knowledge to excel in the field.
Founder of Notary Stars
Ronnie is the founder of Unlimited Ink Notary, Notary Stars, and Remote Online Notary Network, and has over 15 years of experience as a Notary Signing Agent.
He specializes in Notary Business Marketing, helping notaries build strong local reputations and professional online presence.
Through resources like his Notary Business Wix Template, he equips notaries to secure valuable digital real estate and stand out in competitive markets.
Bilingual (Spanish) Instructor
Manuel is a bilingual instructor who brings both expertise and inclusivity to Notary Stars training.
By teaching in English and Spanish, he ensures notaries serving diverse communities are equipped to handle signings with professionalism and cultural awareness.
Why This Matters
These aren’t anonymous voices behind a course—they’re your mentors. With decades of combined real-world experience, they equip you with not just the “what,” but also the “how”:
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Learn how to avoid common signing mistakes.
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Leverage niching strategies like reverse mortgages or online notarizations.
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Get ongoing support, real examples, and up-to-date industry know-how.
Here Are Some Solid Suggestions of Supplies You'll Need as a Loan Signing Agent in
Jacksonville, Florida
These are more than “nice-to-haves”—they are the backbone of efficiency and professionalism. Clients notice when documents are cleanly printed, neatly scanned, and properly documented. On the flip side, being unprepared with the wrong tools can cause errors, delays, and even loss of assignments. But supplies don’t end here. As you grow, you’ll discover specialized tools that can save you time, protect your liability, and enhance your notarial practice.
Visit the Notary Stars Notary Supplies page to explore the full toolkit we recommend for Loan Signing Agents and how the right supplies can set you apart from the competition.
Many loan packages must be printed on both letter and legal-sized paper. A dual-tray laser printer helps you produce professional, accurate documents without wasted time.
A portable, high-speed scanner is critical for returning scanbacks to title companies quickly. Delays or poor-quality scans can cost you repeat business.
Even in states where a journal is optional, maintaining one protects you legally and demonstrates professionalism.
Always carry plenty of legal- and letter-sized paper, along with black and blue pens to meet client and lender requirements.
Extra acknowledgment and jurat forms ensure you can correct errors on the spot without delaying a signing.
Once you are commissioned as a Notary Public, the next step for many professionals is pursuing additional training to become a Loan Signing Agent (LSA). Specialized education is what sets apart those who simply hold a commission from those who build a thriving notarial business.
Unlimited Ink Notary is proud to be a sister company to Notary Stars, a nationally recognized training platform that equips notaries with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Alongside other trusted educators like Notary2Pro and My Notary Academy, these organizations provide structured, reputable paths into the loan signing industry.
As Us a Question About Becoming a Notary Public & Loan Signing Agent in
Jacksonville, Florida
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