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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
Reno, Nevada
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
Reno, Nevada
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
Reno, Nevada
How to Become a Notary Public in Nevada
To become a Notary Public in Nevada, you must complete the commissioning steps below:
Make sure you meet all of your state's requirements (see below).
Take the three-hour online Notary training course through the Secretary of State's Notary Division and pass the exam.
Get a $10,000 surety bond and file it with the county clerk, so they can issue your "Filing Notice."
Submit your application, filing notice, training certificate and filing fee, to the Secretary of State via the SilverFlume online portal.
Buy your official Notary stamp. You must provide the original or a certified copy of your Certificate of Appointment to an approved Notary seal vendor to complete your purchase.
Buy your Notary journal and fee schedule.
Get E&O insurance (optional, but strongly recommended).
Take a continuing education course for additional Notary training (optional, but strongly recommended).
Here Are More Details About Becoming a Notary Public in
Reno, Nevada
How to Become a Notary Public in Nevada
To become a Notary Public in Nevada, you must complete the commissioning steps below:
Make sure you meet all of your state's requirements (see below).
Take the three-hour online Notary training course through the Secretary of State's Notary Division and pass the exam.
Get a $10,000 surety bond and file it with the county clerk, so they can issue your "Filing Notice."
Submit your application, filing notice, training certificate and filing fee, to the Secretary of State via the SilverFlume online portal.
Buy your official Notary stamp. You must provide the original or a certified copy of your Certificate of Appointment to an approved Notary seal vendor to complete your purchase.
Buy your Notary journal and fee schedule.
Get E&O insurance (optional, but strongly recommended).
Take a continuing education course for additional Notary training (optional, but strongly recommended).
If you are seeking to become a Notary Loan Signing Agent in Nevada 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.
More Details About the Nevada Notary Process
How much does it cost?
The application fee is $35 for a Notary Public commission in Nevada. The Secretary of State's online Notary class and exam cost $45. There may be additional county fees for filing your bond, signature and commission. Additional costs for bonds, Notary tools and education courses vary depending on vendors.
The total cost of commissioning can differ depending on whether you are a new or renewing Notary. Keep in mind that supply package prices vary among vendors. New Notaries may need more how-to assistance than experienced Notaries. Books, training and live expert assistance are often must-haves for most new Notaries.
Before making your purchase, be sure to ask your vendor about any hidden fees — like processing fees – and research the quality of continuing education they provide.
How long does it take to become a Notary in Nevada?
The Nevada Secretary of State's office estimates three to four weeks for the processing of a Notary Public commission application.
How long does a Nevada Notary commission last?
The term of a Nevada Notary commission is four years.
Requirements to be a Notary in Nevada
Who can become a Notary?
A Notary Public applicant in Nevada must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Nevada, or a resident of a bordering state and employed in Nevada
Submit a complete set of fingerprints to the FBI for analysis if required by the Secretary of State
Possess civil rights (convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored cannot become a Notary)
Cannot hold a public office in the U.S. federal government at the time of application
What kind of training will I need?
Anyone applying for a Notary commission must take an approved three-hour course of instruction. The online class costs $45 and is provided by the Secretary of State's Notary Division. The Training & Class Information section of their website includes details about the topics covered as well as how to register and pay for the training.
The NNA also offers an interactive online course that provides new Notaries with the how-to knowledge needed to perform common notarial acts.
Do I need to take an exam?
Yes, you must pass an online exam to become a Notary in Nevada.
What kind of supplies will I need?
Nevada Notaries are required to use a rubber stamp ink seal and journal for all notarial acts for paper documents. In order to get a Notary stamp, you'll need to get a certified copy of your Certificate of Appointment. The stamp must be in a rectangular shape no larger than 1" x 2.5" with an optional border. The following information must be on the stamp:
Your name as it appears on your commission
The words "Notary Public, State of Nevada"
Your commission expiration date
Your commission number
The Great Seal of the State of Nevada (optional)
The word "non-resident," if you're a resident of an adjoining state
When shopping for seal stamps, quality and durability can vary greatly among vendors. Stamps should not bleed during or after use, as this can cause county officials to reject documents due to smudging.
Your journal is a record of all your official notarial acts. It is your exclusive property and may not be used by any other person or surrendered to an employer upon termination of employment.
When you're deciding which journal to buy, look for security features like tamper-proof sewn binding so it's easy to see if any pages are missing. This is extremely helpful if you're ever named in a lawsuit and simple notebooks or glue-bound journals do not offer the same level of security.
In addition to a stamp and journal, Nevada requires Notaries to post a fee schedule.
What is a surety bond and why do I need one?
Nevada Notaries are required to get a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized provider and file it with the county clerk of your residence or employment. The bond is a financial guarantee from a bonding company for signers and parties relying on a notarization who experience financial damages because a Notary intentionally or unintentionally violated a Notary law. If damages are paid out from the bond, you will need to repay your surety company.
Since a surety bond does not protect the Notary, many Notaries choose to purchase errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in Nevada.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Nevada Office of Secretary of State, Notary Division, located in Carson City, NV, issues Notary Public commissions.
What additional steps do I need to take if I reside in a state that borders Nevada?
If you live in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon or Utah and you work in Nevada, you may qualify to become a non-resident Nevada Notary. You must meet all of the requirements and follow all of the steps resident Notaries must complete.
You'll need to submit a Non-resident Notary Public Affidavit and provide a copy of your employer's Nevada State Business license. Additionally, you'll need your employer to fill out an Affidavit of Applicant's Employer form. If you're self-employed, you'll need to submit an Affidavit of Self-Employer Applicant form. Non-resident Notary affidavit forms are available online from the Nevada Secretary of State.
Every year, within 30 days before the anniversary of your appointment, you must submit a copy of the state business license of employment, a copy of any license required by the local government where the business is located and resubmit the affidavits.
May I become a Nevada Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Nevada Notary Public.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Nevada Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You may not notarize your own signature nor for your spouse or anyone to whom you're related by blood. In addition, you're prohibited from notarizing for a domestic partner, your domestic partner's family, stepfamily members and adopted children.
How much can NV Notaries charge per notarization?
The Nevada Secretary of State sets the maximum fees Notaries can charge, which ranges from $7.50 for administering an oath or affirmation to $75 for performing a marriage ceremony. Notaries may charge an additional traveling fee, but the signer must agree to the hourly rate in advance.
What if I move or change my signature?
If you have a change related to your address, county, signature or employment, you must notify the Notary Division within 30 days. You must submit a completed Request for Amended Certificate form and a $10 filing fee. Failure to submit a certificate within 30 days may result in the suspension of your commission.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Nevada Notary?
The process to renew your Notary commission is the same as when you first applied. You must meet the requirements, take the three-hour training class, pass the exam and follow all of the initial application steps.
What do I need to know about remote electronic notarization in Nevada?
As of December 14, 2018, Nevada allows remote online notarizations. You must have an active Notary Public commission to apply for remote registration. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to become a remote Notary in Nevada.
If you're not quite ready yet, we have additional resources where you can learn what a Notary is, what they do and why you should become a commissioned Notary.
Loan Signing Agent Training That Will Help You Start and Flourish in Your Career in
Reno, Nevada
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
Reno, Nevada
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
Reno, Nevada
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
Reno, Nevada
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