Best Dual Tray Laser Printers for Notary & Loan Signing Agents

A dual-tray laser printer is a must-have piece of equipment for notary public offices and loan signing agents. Due to the functionality, both the notary public officials and the loan signing agents need to print a lot of pages in both letter and legal sizes. This is why the dual drawer printer comes into assistance to boost their productivity.

Similarly, a laser printer allows faster printing with the cheapest cost per page which helps the notary public ensure profitability and faster return on investment.

This article will demonstrate the best dual tray laser printers that are suitable for notary and loan signing agents.

What do notary signing agents expect from a printer?

Notary signing agents are primarily responsible for printing & signing legal documents that include mortgage and loan documents and other important personal documents for official records.

So, What do they expect from their printer?

• A printer with a fast printing speed
• Print at minimum cost per page
• Capacity to hold different sizes of papers
• The printer should be able to scan, copy, and fax
• Offers quickest ROI

Examples of prints of notary signing agents

• Faster & clear printing of vital records, such as birth and death certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal documents.
• Printing cost-effective copies of documents such as notarized affidavits, acknowledgments, and statements.
• Preparing & printing copies of loan documents, such as promissory notes, mortgages, and other related documents.
• Making prints as per the prescribed size for legal proceedings, such as discovery documents, court orders, and other legal documents.
• Notary signing agents also print contracts, wills, and other legal documents that require printing on legal paper.

Why do Loan signing agents need a dual-tray laser printer?

The biggest advantage of laser printers is their speed. Laser printers are capable of printing at speeds much faster than inkjet printers, which makes them ideal for large–scale printing jobs.

In addition, notary signing agents need to print both legal & letter-sized papers simultaneously and a laser printer with two paper trays makes the automatic switch between the papers. This means if you have 290 pages of prints and among them, 137 pages are in legal size, The laser printer will automatically detect the print size and feed the paper from that tray which contains the legal paper.

Financial Perspective

On average, a notary signing agent prints 250 to 290 pages for each client. If there are at least 15 cases per month, then the total print would be 4,350 pages per month or 52,200 pages per year.

Let us have a look at the financial impact.

An Inkjet printer like the HP Officejet would cost 29 cents per print and a laser printer would cost 7 to 9 cents per page. This means, that there will be net savings of 22 cents per page or, USD $957 per month or, roughly USD 11,000 per year.

This calculation is based on rough figures; however, this is proven that a laser printer saves 40% of printing costs compared to inkjet printers.

Operational Aspect

A dual–tray laser printer is an important tool for loan signing agents because it allows them to print multiple copies of documents in a single job easily. For example, when a loan signing agent is working on a loan document package, they will need to print out multiple copies of the documents for the borrower, the lender, and other parties involved.

With a dual–tray laser printer, the loan signing agent can quickly and easily print out all of the necessary copies of the documents. This saves time and makes the loan signing process more efficient. Additionally, since loan documents often require precise formatting, a dual–tray laser printer can ensure that each copy of the document is printed out with the same high–quality resolution.

A laser printer will assist the notary signing agents in the following ways:

• Produce higher–quality prints
• Create sharper text and more vibrant colors
• Lower running costs per page than inkjet printers
• Laser printers are more reliable and require less maintenance than inkjet printers

Best Dual Tray Laser Printers

These are the best Dual tray laser printers suitable for notary and loan signing agents. All of these printers are proven for maximum efficiency with a lower cost per page.

1. Brother color laser printer (Best Overall)
2. HP M507x Monochrome laser printer
3. Brother HL–L5200DWT Monochrome Printer

The brother color laser printer is an all-in-one solution for notary signing agents and small offices since it offers double paper trays along with other updated features such as scan, color print, fax etc. However, if the notary public offices need to reduce the initial investment amounts, then the other two printers (HP & Brother monochromic) would also be suitable. It should be kept in mind that monochrome printers cannot print in color but serves the daily needs of loan signing agents. 

Overall, the printing speed is pretty similar for all three printers. The Brother color laser printer’s speed is 33 pages per minute which is slightly lower than the other two but the print quality is superior here. We have analyzed that a notary signing agent needs a printing speed of 25 pages to 45 pages per minute to make the work effective.

Considering the noise level, all of these three printers are not expected to make noise of more than 45 decibels which is significantly below the human tolerance level.

Or, you may choose one of these 5 printers and attach an extra paper drawer.

Important tip: ASNNOTARY does not impose a dual tray laser printer for the notary signing agents. A dual-tray laser printer makes the job faster. NSAs can also buy a single-tray laser printer and add an additional paper tray as well.

Brother dual-tray color laser printer with scanner

The Brother MFC–L8900CDW color laser printer is an all–in–one workhorse designed to meet the needs of Notary signing agents. It has a print speed of up to 33 pages per minute, so loan signing agents can print large sets of documents quickly. Besides the dual-tray paper feeding system, the printer also features automatic two–sided printing that helps saving both time and money. Each of its paper tray holds up to 250 sheets which makes it 500 in total.

Furthermore, The printer has high–yield toner cartridges that can print up to 3,000 pages which directly affects the operational print print overhead monthly. It also has a built–in wireless and Ethernet connection, so you can easily connect to your network. Overall, the Brother MFC–L8900CDW dual tray laser printer is a reliable and powerful machine that meets the needs of any notary signing agent.

What’s the cost per page?

The cost of printing with a Brother MFC–L8900CDW is approximately 1.4 cents per page for black and white and about 5.4 cents per page for color.

This is a very economical cost per page, compared to other similar printers in the same class, such as the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw, which has a print cost per page of approximately 2.5 cents for black and white and approximately 14.5 cents for color. Investing in the Brother MFC–L8900CDW is a wise decision because of its lower cost per page for both black and white and color prints.

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Positive Sides of Brother dual-tray Color laser

These are the positive sides that helped Brother MFC–L8900CDW to stay ahead of other laser printers:

• This color laser printer has a double paper feeding tray which helps the notary signing agents print both legal and letter-size papers simultaneously without changing the print format manually.
• There are advanced duplexing capabilities allow for fast and efficient two–sided printing, copying, scanning, and faxing that position this printer as an all-in-one solution for notary offices.
• High–yield cartridges provide up to 6,000 pages of black and up to 5,000 pages of color prints which means that the machine is ready to take loads of busy loan signing agents.
• The large 11–inch touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through the various functions.
• Automatic document feeder allows for fast and efficient scanning, copying, and faxing of multiple documents.
• Wireless connectivity lets you print from virtually anywhere.
• High print speeds of up to 33 pages per minute for both black and color prints.
• Refillable toner cartridges allow for more cost–effective printing solutions.
• AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Brother iPrint&Scan compatibility provide mobile printing options.
• Security features to protect your documents and data.
• The low total cost of ownership makes it a great investment for small businesses such as notary signing agents.

Negative Sides

Besides a lot of positive sides, this laser printer does have some drawbacks as well.

• The printer is expensive. It will cost you more than $800 initially. However, it does offer a quicker payback.
• Since this printer is designed for small offices, printing high-definition images would not be pleasant due to print mechanism differences.
• You can sometimes experience paper jams, which can delay printing and cause frustration. However, following our printing maintenance tips would save you from unexpected frustrations.

Why this is suitable for loan signing agents?

The Brother MFC–L8900CDW is an ideal printer for loan signing agents due to its ability to scan, copy, fax, and print in high–quality color. It features a 50–page duplex auto document feeder along with additional paper trays, which allows agents to quickly and easily process and store documents digitally. The printer also offers wireless connectivity, so the notary can easily print documents from their laptops or mobile devices. Additionally, this  Brother laser printer can print up to 33 pages per minute, allowing loan signing agents to quickly and efficiently complete loan signing procedures.

How Brother MFC–L8900CDW differ from other Brother printers?

One key difference between the Brother MFC–L8900CDW and other Brother printers is that it features a larger paper capacity. While other Brother printers typically have a paper capacity of around 250 sheets, the MFC–L8900CDW can hold up to 500 sheets. This allows you to print more documents without having to constantly reload the paper tray.

Another difference is that the MFC–L8900CDW has faster printing speeds than most other Brother printers. It can print up to 33 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white documents, which is faster than most other Brother printers.

Similarly, this laser printer features a 5 inches of touch screen display for easy navigation but the other printers such L8610 CDW and 8360 CDW features a touchscreen display of 3.7 inches and 2.7 inches of color display.

HP Laserjet M507X

The HP M507x laser printer is a great choice for notary signing agents and small offices. This printer delivers professional–quality results with quick printing speeds, high–resolution prints, and reliable performance. The M507x is equipped with a powerful 500 MHz processor and a generous 256MB of memory, allowing you to handle large projects without any slowdown. It also offers a wide range of printing options, including automatic duplex printing, borderless printing, and up to 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution.

Its quick printing speeds and high–resolution prints ensure that documents look professional and are legible. Additionally, its reliable performance makes it a great choice for those who need to produce documents in a timely manner.

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Positive Sides

These are positive sides of HP laserjet M507X

• The HP LaserJet Enterprise M507x has a print speed of up to 55 pages per minute, making it one of the fastest printers available. This makes it ideal for notary public offices and workplaces that need to produce a large volume of documents quickly.
• It has a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, making it capable of producing highly detailed and professional–looking prints especially for loan signing agents.
• The HP LaserJet Enterprise M507x is ENERGY STAR qualified, meaning it uses less energy than other standard printers to produce the same amount of work. This makes it more cost–effective to operate.
• Also, It has a large input capacity of up to 650 sheets, making it suitable for large–volume printing jobs. Besides, the additional paper tray allows keeping legal-size papers so that the notary signing agents can simultaneously print both letter & legal papers at the same time.
• It is equipped with an Ethernet port, allowing it to be connected to a network and shared among multiple users. This makes it ideal for notary agents where multiple people need to have access to the same printer.

Operating cost analysis

The operating cost of the HP LaserJet Enterprise M507x is relatively average when compared to other similar printers. It uses HP Original High Yield cartridges, which can print up to 10,000 pages per cartridge, providing a cost per page of approximately 0.8 cents.

This is in line with other laser printers that use similar cartridges and toner. Additionally, the printer has an energy–saving mode that helps to reduce the cost of electricity by up to 50%. Overall, the operating cost of the HP LaserJet Enterprise M507x is comparable to other printers in its class.

Drawbacks

The drawbacks are as follows:

• This printer is a monochromic version which means that will be no color prints option.
• It cannot scan or fax like the Brother’s color laser printer that we have shortlisted. However, some agents use their smartphones to scan papers but some may consider it complex.
  As per the Mark Hill, a notary signing agent, scanning 150 plus pages a day with mobilephones is really challenging if the printer cannot do that.

How HP M507x is ahead of other HP printers?

When compared to other similar printers for HP, the M507x stands out as an ideal solution for small offices. For instance, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a slightly cheaper option, but it does not offer the same print speed or capacity as the M507x. The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn is another popular option, but it is much more expensive and is not as secure as the M507x.

Overall, the HP LaserJet Enterprise M507x is an ideal solution for small offices such as notary public and loan signing agents, offering a fast print speed, high capacity, energy efficiency, and robust security. It is also competitively priced and provides an easy setup and management experience.

Brother Monochrome dual tray printer

The Brother HL–L5200DWT Monochrome Printer is a robust and reliable laser printer perfect for notary agents and small offices. It offers fast print speeds of up to 42ppm and a generous 500–sheet paper capacity. The printer has a built–in duplexer for two–sided printing, reducing paper costs and helping to save the environment. The printer also has a 5–line LCD screen for easy navigation and setup.

The printer offers a range of connectivity options, including both wired and wireless networking, allowing users to easily share documents and print from all their devices. The compatible mobile printing app makes it easy to print documents from a smartphone, tablet, or other devices. It also features a secure print function that requires a PIN to access the printed documents, ensuring that confidential documents are not exposed. This is particularly useful for notary agents who must keep their documents secure.

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Pros of Brother Monochrome Dual Tray laser printer

• This Monochrome Printer can print up to 40 pages per minute which makes it an ideal choice for busy notary public offices that need to get documents printed quickly.
• It also offers automatic duplex printing which allows the notary signing agents to easily print on both sides of the page, saving time and money on paper costs.
• There will be two high–capacity toner cartridges that allow you to print up to 8,000 pages before needing to be replaced. This will help to reduce the cost of printing for businesses.
• Also, this is capable of wireless printing, making it easy to print documents from any compatible device without having to connect to a computer.
• This Printer has a low cost per page, making it an affordable option for businesses when it comes to printing documents.
• It is a compact printer, making it a great choice for small notary offices that need to save space.

Operating Cost Analysis

The Brother HL–L5200DWT Monochrome Printer provides a comparable cost per page as other monochrome laser printers in the same price range. The cost per page is slightly higher than some of the cheaper models, but the higher quality and faster printing speed make up for the difference. The yearly maintenance costs are also comparable to other models, with the preventive maintenance kit providing a relatively low cost per page. 

Here’s an example: 

Cost of Printer: $299.99

Printing Volume: Up to 52 pages per minute

Yearly Printing Costs: Black Toner: $119.99 & Drum Unit: $149.99 

Cost per Page: 0.9 cents

Negative Sides

• It does not scan or fax
• There will be no color print options available
• The tray holds 250 pages so, the notary agents may need to refill it after each case is done
• It is not compatible with AirPrint, which means it cannot be used with Apple devices.

What should you notice before buying a laser printer?

There are plenty of things to notice before purchasing a laser printer. Our detailed buying guide will help you to understand other factors as well so that you are guided well in buying a dual-tray laser printer.

• Print speed: Laser printers can print at much higher speeds than inkjet printers, so be sure to check the print speed when shopping for a laser printer.
• Cost per page: Laser printers are more expensive than inkjet printers, but they usually have a lower cost per page. Consider how much you’ll be printing to make sure you’re getting the most value.
• Duty cycle: The duty cycle of a printer is the maximum number of pages it can print in a month without suffering from wear and tear. Look for a printer with a duty cycle that is suitable for your printing needs.
• Toner: Laser printers use toner instead of ink, and the cost of toner can vary significantly. Check to see how much the toner costs and how often you’ll need to replace it.
• Paper capacity: Laser printers can hold more paper than inkjet printers, so consider how much paper you’ll be printing at once and make sure the printer can accommodate it.
• Connectivity: Most laser printers come with USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity options. Make sure the printer you’re considering has the right connections for your setup.

Problems of buying a refurbished laser printer

I have seen many notary signing agents’ forums & e-commerce are promoting refurbished laser printers for loan signing agents. Here is a list of common concerns you should have before buying a used printer.

• Quality: Refurbished laser printers may have been used for a long period of time and may not have been properly maintained or serviced. This can lead to lower quality prints and a shorter lifespan than a brand new printer.
• Warranty: Refurbished laser printers typically do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty, so if the printer fails, you’ll have to foot the bill for any repairs or replacements.
• Compatibility: Refurbished laser printers may not be compatible with the latest operating systems or software, so you may need to upgrade your system in order to use the printer.
• Cost: Refurbished laser printers may be cheaper than new models, but they may not be the most cost–effective option if they require additional upgrades or replacements.

Common Problems & Solutions

Being a notary agent, you should also know the list of common problems you may experience with your printer. This is our expert guide which will show you the solutions in a detailed format.

Here’s a glimpse:

• Printer Not Printing: This is a very common problem with printers. It can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a paper jam, low ink levels, or a faulty connection. To resolve this issue, first check for any visible paper jams and clear them. Then, check the ink levels and replace the cartridges if necessary. Finally, check the connections between the printer and computer to ensure they are secure.
• Printer Not Responding: This problem can be caused by outdated drivers or a faulty connection. To resolve this issue, make sure you have the correct drivers installed and update them if necessary. Then, check the connections between the printer and computer to ensure they are secure.
• Printer Not Recognizing Paper Size: This can be caused by a misconfigured printer driver or incorrect paper settings. To resolve this issue, first check the paper settings in the printer driver and make sure they are correct. Then, check the printer’s paper tray to ensure it is properly loaded with the correct paper size.
• Printer Making Strange Noises: This can be caused by a loose or faulty part in the printer. To resolve this issue, open the printer and inspect for any loose or broken parts. If necessary, replace these parts or take the printer in for professional repair.

Best Practices while printing legal paper

If you are a loan signing agent, follow these best practices before printing a legal paper:

• Verify all documents have been signed and dated correctly before printing.
• Check the document for accuracy, spelling, and grammar errors.
• Make sure all appropriate notary acknowledgements are included.
• Ensure the document is relevant to the loan process and that all information is correct.
• Ensure there is enough paper in the printer for the document.
• Confirm the document is printed on secure paper, such as watermarked paper or tamper–proof paper.
• Sign and date the document as a witness before printing.
• Scan the document for a digital copy.
• Store the document in a secure location and provide the borrower with a copy.

How the notary agents protect loan signing papers?

Notary agents protect loan signing papers by ensuring that the signers are who they say they are, that they are signing the paperwork of their own free will, and that the documents are legally valid. The notary verifies the signers’ identities by checking government–issued photo IDs and confirming their signatures.

The notary also confirms that the signers fully understand the documents they are signing and that they are entering the agreement without coercion or duress. Furthermore, the notary ensures that the documents are properly completed and executed. The notary’s signature and seal provide evidence that the documents were signed in the presence of a neutral third party and serve as an additional layer of protection for all parties involved.

Notary agents also need to keep a record of the loan case so that the documents are available for future renewals.

Here are some tips for protecting documents:

To store confidential documents securely for future use, the best option is to use cloud storage. Cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive provide secure storage and encryption of documents. It is also possible to password–protect documents, further protecting them from unauthorized access. Additionally, the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help to further protect the data from being accessed by unauthorized users.

Common Questions

Here is a list of common questions you may ask before buying a dual-tray laser printer.

Does a laser printer recognize legal papers automatically?

No, a laser printer does not automatically recognize legal papers. Legal documents require special formatting and fonts that cannot be read by a laser printer. For example, a legal document must include a specific font size and a signature line with a specific font. If a laser printer were to try to print a legal document, the formatting and font would not be recognizable and the document would not be printed correctly.

However, you can always set a specific paper drawer of legal paper so that your printer picks the right paper from that tray. But, you should always refill that drawer with the same paper.

Do laser printer inks dry up?

Yes, laser printer inks can dry up. This occurs when the printer has not been used in a while and the inks have had a chance to evaporate. If a printer is not used regularly and the ink cartridges are left in the printer, the inks can dry up and become clogged in the cartridge. This can result in poor-quality prints and can lead to the need to replace the ink cartridges. In some cases, the printer may need to be serviced or replaced. For example, if a printer is used infrequently, the inks may dry up and become clogged in the cartridge, resulting in poor-quality prints.

How to save laser printer costs?

• Use both sides of the page: By printing on both sides of the page, you can reduce the amount of paper used, allowing you to save on printing costs.
• Use Economy Mode: Economy mode typically reduces the amount of ink used, allowing you to save money while still producing quality prints.
• Choose the Right Printer: Different printers offer different features, so make sure you choose one that is best suited to your needs. Consider factors such as the cost per page, the size of the print and the quality of the output.
• Look Out for Deals: You can often find great deals on printer supplies such as ink and paper, so keep an eye out for these.
• Reuse Old Paper: If you have any old paper lying around, consider reusing it to print documents, rather than buying new paper.

Here is an Expert guide for reducing print ink.

Can you recycle laser printer toner?

Yes, you can recycle laser printer toner. Many retailers and manufacturers provide a recycling program for their toner cartridges. For example, HP offers a program where customers can bring their used toner cartridges to any HP retail store for recycling. The cartridges are then recycled and reused to create new cartridges, reducing the amount of waste produced.

What is DPI and how does it differ?

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, and is a measure of the resolution of a printed or digital image. The higher the DPI, the higher the image quality and the sharper the image will look when printed. DPI is important to consider when printing because it affects the quality of the final printed image. If the DPI is too low, the printed image will appear blurry and pixelated. A higher DPI means that the resolution of the image is higher and the printed image will look sharper and more detailed.

For more, read about 600 DPI & 1200 DPI.

Conclusion

When choosing a printer for Notary Signing Agents, it is important to consider factors such as speed, cost, and convenience. The printer should be able to produce high–quality documents quickly and reliably. Additionally, the cost of the printer should be kept as low as possible while still providing the necessary features. Finally, the printer should be easy to use and have the necessary features to make the signing process easier and faster. By considering these factors, Notary Signing Agents can be sure to choose a printer that is right for their needs.