← NSA Notary Signing Agent Exam — State Signing Requirements & Attorney States

Free NSA Notary Signing Agent Exam Practice Test (2026)

25 questions · 20 min · 80% to pass

25 Questions · 20 Minutes · 80% to Pass

Question 1 of 5

Sample Questions

Question 1

What is 'unauthorized practice of law' (UPL) in the context of NSA signings, and what are two common examples?

Answer: UPL occurs when a non-attorney performs services that constitute the practice of law, which is prohibited in all states. For NSAs, common examples include explaining the legal consequences of a document to a signer and advising a borrower on whether specific loan terms are favorable or appropriate.

Question 2

What is the key difference between a 'Deed of Trust' state and a 'mortgage' state, and how does it affect an NSA's document package?

Answer: In Deed of Trust states, three parties are involved — borrower, lender, and a trustee — and the security instrument is a Deed of Trust rather than a mortgage. In mortgage states, only the borrower and lender are involved, and the NSA will see a mortgage document instead of a Deed of Trust in the closing package.

Question 3

When an NSA performs a loan signing in California for a loan originated by a Texas lender, which state's notarial certificate wording must be used?

Answer: The NSA must use California's notarial certificate wording because notarial acts are governed by the law of the state where the signing physically takes place, not where the lender is located. The state of the lender is irrelevant to which notarial certificate language is legally required.

Question 4

Which states are commonly identified as 'attorney-only closing' states where an attorney must be present or supervise the closing?

Answer: Attorney-only closing states include CT, GA, MA, ME, NY, SC, and WV, among others. In these states, a licensed attorney must either conduct or directly supervise the closing process, and an NSA cannot independently run the closing.

Question 5

Beyond a standard notary commission, what additional authorization do some states require before a notary may perform loan signings as an NSA?

Answer: Some states require notaries to obtain a separate signing agent designation, additional licensing, or registration specifically to perform loan signings. This may include completing a background check, a specific training course, or registering with a state agency before accepting NSA assignments in that state.