Frequently Asked Questions

Notarization is the process whereby a Notary certifies a document. Usually this is done by attaching a notarial certificate to the document. The notarial certificate contains statements of fact or law in relation to the document being certified. Our Notaries often issue certificates in the language of the country where the document being certified is to be used. 

A notary public acts as a third-party witness to the signing of documents and can attest that all parties did so willingly. A notary public deals with a wide variety of documents, including wills, trusts, deeds, and affidavits. 

In comparison, a notary signing agent specializes in home loan documents. They also have a traditional notary commission and are required to pass a background check each year. 

And some states may have additional restrictions that notary signing agents must follow. For instance, some states require that a licensed attorney must also be present. And some states limit the maximum fees a notary signing agent can charge. 

A notary signing agent (NSA) reviews and finalizes a borrower’s documents for their mortgage loan. The certified signing agent is a third party involved in the closing process and plays a crucial part in preventing real estate fraud.  

Notary signing agents inspect loan documents to verify the identity of a signer by closely reviewing the documentation the signer presents. They also verify that borrowers are acting of their own free will and understand the nature of the documents they’re signing. NSAs are responsible for printing the loan documents, witnessing and verifying the loan signing, and then sending the signed documents to the lender, title company, or proper organization. 

There are many benefits of becoming a notary signing agent. You can charge more for handling loan document packages, and you’ll have complete control over your schedule and assignments. 

Here are the steps notaries can take to become a notary signing agent: 

  • Become a commissioned notary public in your state – this is a requirement. 
  • Take a loan-signing training course. 
  • Pass an exam and background check compliant with Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW). 
  • Buy your signing agent supplies. 
  • Purchase a minimum $250,000 errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. 
  • Start working as a notary signing agent – you can promote your services by networking and joining national directories. 

Each listed signing agent has their own unique qualifications and skills to offer, which are displayed in their profile. The NNA separates them into three distinct groups or levels, based on professional certification obtained. Names are listed randomly within each level: 

  1. NNA Trained, Certified and Background Screened: These top-level Notary Signing Agents have successfully completed the National Notary Association’s Certification program, which includes training, a certification exam and background screening, within the past 12 months. They can be easily identified by the “NNA Certified and Trained” badge displayed in their profile. 
  1. NNA Certified and Background Screened: This next level of Notary Signing Agents have passed our NSA Certification exam and background screening within the last 12 months. They can be identified by the “NNA Certified and Background Screened” badge displayed in their profile. 
  1. NNA Background Screened: This final level contains Notary Signing Agents who passed our background screening within the last 12 months but have not yet completed the NNA certification exam. Those included in this group of NSAs do not have a badge displayed in their profile. 

Documents within many industries such as Real Estate, Financial, Legal and Healthcare are requiring more and more notarizations to help deter fraudulent activity.  Today, with the increasing amount of identity theft and corporate corruption, these industries use notarization as a checks and balancing tool.  This serves to help protect the public as well as the businesses themselves from illegal activity. 

Yes,  it is preferable to book an appointment in advance in order to ensure a Notary will be available to see you, and able to meet your every need. This also allows us to ensure we have all necessary documents in advance and that the appointment is as brief as possible for you. 

This will depend on the document being certified and exactly what the notary is required to do. Our notaries will be happy to discuss this with you prior to your appointment (please note it will often be necessary to see the document in advance in order to provide an accurate fee estimate). 

One of the Notary’s fundamental duties is to properly identify their client. This requirement is laid down by our practice rules and legislation. 

Notary signing agent is an integral part of the home buying process – they are responsible for ensuring the closing is carried out correctly. They also ensure that all of the documents are in order. 

Here are some of the responsibilities of a real estate notary: 

  • Verify the identity of the homeowners signing the closing documents. 
  • Ensure that all documents can be read and understood by the signer or sufficiently translated by a third party. 
  • Ensure that all documents are signed, initialed, and dated correctly. 
  • Notarize the documents correctly. 
  • Ensure the documents are returned to the title company. 

Notaries will also sometimes travel to a borrower’s home to facilitate remote closings. However, they do not offer advice about the loan or share their opinion about the information contained in the closing document

Each signer must present at least one of the forms of ID listed below. The ID must be current or, if expired, have been issued within the last 5 years; contain the signer’s photograph, physical description, and signature; and bear a serial or other identifying number (Civil Code, Section 1185). 

Acceptable forms of Identification include: 

  • Driver’s License of nondriver’s ID card issued by a U.S. state. 
  • U.S. passport (physical description not required). 
  • U.S. Military Identification Card that contains all required elements stated above, (The Common Access Card, CAC is not acceptable) 
  • Driver’s License issued in Mexico or Canada. 
  • Foreign passport that has been stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
  • Inmate ID Issued by the California Department of Corrections. 

Unacceptable forms of Identification include: 

  • Matricula Consular Card 
  • Social Security Cards 
  • Temporary Driver’s Licenses 
  • Driver’s Licenses without photographs 
  • Student identification cards