Affiliate links to products I use & recommend

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DISCLAIMER: I am an affiliate for some of these links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. However, it doesn’t cost you anything extra!

If you're a Notary Public looking to get into the Loan Signing Agent business, here are some essential tools I recommend:

Your notary commission comes through your County Clerk's office. Depending on when you submit your application, approval can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Before your commission can be issued, you'll need a notary bond, which you can purchase from the NNA or most insurance companies. Tennessee requires a $10,000 bond, which typically runs about $50 for the four-year term.

Protect Yourself with E&O Insurance

I also recommend carrying at least $25,000 in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Tennessee doesn't require it, but signing services and title companies often expect it — and if you plan to do loan signings, many require $100,000 in coverage, so it's worth buying the right policy the first time.

Here are a few providers I recommend:

• NNA
• biBERK
• Hiscox
• E.R. Munro

When you're shopping for E&O insurance, ask the right questions before you buy. Does the policy cover past notarizations? For example, if you notarized a will six years ago and a problem surfaces today, will you still be covered? And if you handle real estate closings, does the policy cover signing agent errors — not just notarial errors? These details matter more than the price.

Essential Supplies

•  Notary Seal – I prefer the slim round stamp for convenience. Want a smaller seal? If you're in the Knoxville area, Clancy's Service Stamp Co. will make you a custom one. They're a family-owned local business that's been around for nearly a century — call them at 865-522-8928 or stop by 533 N. Gay St. #5, Knoxville, TN 37917. 
• Notary Journal – I highly recommend the electronic notary journal from NotaryAct. Before switching to an e-journal, I used the Modern Journal of Notarial Events (about $30). If you prefer paper, a hardcover journal is worth the upgrade — it's sturdy enough to double as a writing surface when you're signing documents outdoors, so you can skip the clipboard.
• Fingerprint Pad & Wipes – A fingerprint pad is useful for recording thumbprints in your journal. Keep wipes on hand so clients can clean their fingers afterward.

Loan Signing Essentials

Once you're ready to start handling loan signings, you'll need reliable office equipment:

• Dual Tray Laser Printer – My go-to is the Brother HL-6210DWT for printing loan documents efficiently. Dual trays let you load letter and legal paper at the same time — a must for loan packages.
• Portable Scanner – Look for a scanner with direct-connect capability so you can scan even without Wi-Fi. I used the Epson ES-300W for years, but it's been discontinued and secondhand units are pricey now. In my office, I use the Epson ES-580W.
• Business Tracking Software – I use NotaryAssist to track signings, payments, and customers. It makes everything so much easier at tax time!

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