What Is a Notary Public?
A state-commissioned official authorised to witness signatures, verify signer identity, and deter document fraud. General notaries handle a wide variety of documents — wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts — and typically earn $10-$50 per notarization depending on the state.
What Is a Loan Signing Agent?
A notary specialising in real estate and mortgage loan packages. When a homeowner closes on a mortgage, a signing agent travels to the borrower, facilitates signing of 100-200 pages of loan documents, and returns the completed package to the title company. Pay ranges from $75-$200 per appointment — significantly higher than general notary rates.
Key Differences
Training: general notary requires a state commission; signing agent requires additional NSA training and NNA certification. Documents: general notary handles varied documents; signing agent handles loan packages specifically. Income per appointment: $10-$50 vs $75-$200. Clients: individuals and businesses vs title companies and lenders.
Which Is Right for You?
If you want higher income per appointment and are comfortable working with real estate documents, loan signing agent work is significantly more lucrative. Most successful notary professionals do both — general notary work for variety and income supplementation, loan signing agent work for premium per-appointment income.