For Notaries · Career Basics
Types of Notaries: Notary Public vs. Signing Agent vs. Remote Online Notary
The three main types of notaries are the notary public, the notary signing agent (NSA), and the remote online notary (RON). Every one starts from a state notary commission: a signing agent adds loan-document training and a background check, while a remote online notary adds state authorization to notarize for signers over live video. They are stackable roles, not separate professions.
Published: July 10, 2026 · Last updated: July 10, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
"Types" vs. "roles." This page covers the industry types of notary — a public classification that applies no matter which platform you use. If you're instead asking how you engage with USA Notary (bringing your own clients versus receiving assigned work), that's a different question answered on Subscriber vs. Contractor notary roles.
Notary Public vs. Signing Agent vs. Remote Online Notary
All three are notaries. They differ in what they're trained and authorized to do, the documents they handle, where the signing happens, and how they get paid.
| Notary Public | Notary Signing Agent (NSA) | Remote Online Notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to signings | A notary trained to handle loan documents in real estate closings | A notary authorized to notarize for signers who appear over live video |
| Core credential | State notary commission | Notary commission + background check | Notary commission + state RON authorization |
| Typical documents | Acknowledgments, oaths, affidavits and other general documents | Full mortgage / refinance loan document packages | Electronic documents signed in a secure online session |
| Where the signing happens | In person | In person, at the signing table | Remotely, over a recorded audio-video call |
| How they're paid | Per-act fees, often capped at a state maximum, plus travel | Negotiated per loan package (no set maximum) — NNA cites $50–$200 per package | Per session under state law, plus platform / assignment pay |
Sources: NNA — What is a Notary Public and NNA — What is a Notary Signing Agent.
Notary Public: the base commission every other type builds on
A notary public is an official appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness when important documents are signed. The duties are set by state law, and the notary's core job is to help deter fraud — confirming that each signer is who they claim to be, understands what they're signing, and is signing willingly.
According to the National Notary Association, a notary public's primary responsibilities are to verify a signer's identity, confirm their competence and willingness, administer oaths and affirmations, and oversee the signing of documents. This is the credential you earn first; both of the specializations below start here.
How a notary public earns
Most states set a maximum fee a notary may charge per notarial act, though notaries may also charge for travel or extra services. Getting your commission is the first step — see our state-by-state guide to becoming a notary.
Notary Signing Agent (NSA): the loan-closing specialist
A notary signing agent is a notary who has been trained to handle loan documents in real estate transactions. Lenders and title companies hire signing agents as independent contractors to assist in the last step of the loan process — the step that lets the loan fund. The NSA prints the loan package, meets the signer, notarizes their signature, and returns the documents for processing.
The National Notary Association is explicit that all signing agents are commissioned notaries, but not all notaries are signing agents. What separates the two is a background check and loan-document training — a signing agent is not a loan officer and never explains loan terms to the borrower.
How a signing agent earns
There is no maximum fee a signing agent may charge per assignment. The NNA states that signing agents generally make between $50 and $200 to present, notarize, and return a loan document package, with fees negotiated based on travel, time, and local demand.
Want the full path, requirements, and state restrictions? Read our dedicated guide to becoming a loan signing agent.
Remote Online Notary (RON): notarizing over live video
A remote online notary is a notary who has met their state's additional requirements to be authorized to perform remote notarizations. Instead of meeting in person, the signer appears over a live, recorded audio-video call, and the documents are electronic. This is remote online notarization.
RON authority is granted state by state, so what's permitted — and how you become authorized — depends on where you're commissioned. We track this state by state: see where remote online notarization is legal.
How a remote online notary earns
RON pay follows your state's rules for the notarial act, but the model is what makes it different: because signers appear online, a remote online notary isn't limited to local, walk-in work. USA Notary connects authorized online notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — see how notaries earn on the platform.
How the Three Types Stack: From Notary Public to NSA and RON
You don't choose one type for life. Most working notaries start with the base commission and add specializations. Here's the order it generally happens.
- 1
Become a commissioned notary public
Meet your state's eligibility rules — generally at least 18, a legal resident, with no felony convictions — then submit an application and fee, complete any required training or exam, file your bond and oath, and get your notary supplies.
- 2
Add loan signings — become a signing agent
Check whether your state restricts signing agents, pass a background screening, and take a loan-signing training course and exam. The NNA notes signing agents are also expected to carry errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance — the Signing Professionals Workgroup recommends a minimum $25,000 policy.
- 3
Add remote online notarization — become a RON
Meet your state's additional authorization requirements for remote notarization, then work through an approved RON platform. Because authority varies by state, confirm your state's rules on our RON legality guide before you apply.
Signing-agent and commissioning steps summarized from the NNA — How to Become a Notary Signing Agent.
Which Type Fits Your Notary Business?
If you want work that isn't tied to your local area, the remote online notary path is where the growth is. USA Notary gives authorized online notaries the platform and assigned, paid signings to turn a commission into income. See how notaries earn, or learn how you'll engage with the platform as a subscriber or contractor.
Become a Remote Online NotaryFrequently Asked Questions
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInSources
- National Notary Association — What is a Notary Public? (notary definition, responsibilities, fees, notary types)
- National Notary Association — What is a Notary Signing Agent? (NSA definition, responsibilities, per-package earnings)
- National Notary Association — How to Become a Notary Signing Agent (background check, certification, E&O, state restrictions)
This guide is for general information, not legal advice. Notary requirements — including signing-agent rules and remote online notarization authority — are set by each state and can change. Always confirm current requirements with your state's commissioning authority before applying.