Overview
What exactly is a Notary Public?
Now that you know the basic steps of becoming a Notary Public, we should probably touch on what it is exactly. In my search, I found many definitions of a Notary Public. Although they all have so many word or have words that are similar to, all definitions come down to mean the same thing. From my research, with these definitions you should be able to understand the duties of a Notary Public! “A notary is a independent witness of the state who verifies your identity and often will watch you sign certain legal documents such as wills, affidavits, or home loans. Basically a notaries job is to make sure you are who you say you are.” www.notaryone.net/become-anotary-public
A notary public witnesses a person's signature on different types of documents, thereby verifying that the individual did indeed sign the paper of his or her own free will. For this service, the notary receives a fee set by the state. A officer whose function is to administer an oath, to attest and certify by his hand and official seal. An officer appointed by the governor with authority to take the acknowledgment of persons executing documents and to sign the certificate and affix a seal. a public figure authorized to attest to the signing of documents, such as deeds or mortgages. The notary public certifies that he or she has witnessed the signing of the document by also signing the document and affixing his or her official seal. A state licensed public officer, who administers oaths, certifies documents and performs other specified functions. A notary public’s signature and seal may be required to authenticate signatures on certain legal documents.
A designation authorized by law and administered by the government, allowing a designated person to verify and certify signatures and copies of documents. A person authorized by the state who attests to the authenticity of signatures.
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
Think of a Notary Signing agent as an advanced Notary Public! A Mortgage Notary Signing Agent is a commissioned Notary Public who specializes in the process of obtaining and notarizing the signatures of the party(ies) involved on real estate loan documents for the purpose of closing a real estate loan transaction. Lenders who offer correspondent loans across the country rely heavily on competent Mortgage Notary Signing Agents to complete the signing and notarizing portions of the real estate loan transaction in a professional, reliable and accurate manner. The job of a Mortgage Signing Agent is vital to the successful closing and funding of the transaction. A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a Notary Public who has been specifically trained with the knowledge in presenting documents used in real estate refinance loan transactions. Notary Signing Agents may take an examination to test and show their knowledge of the correct Loan Document Signing Procedures and the Notary Public Laws of their state. A Notary Public who becomes a Mortgage Signing Agent can begin earning $50 to $125 per transaction for notarizing and presenting Mortgage Loan Documents just after one training class. And although you may find a lot of schools that are willing to train you one of the best that I have found is the National Notary Association. The NNA offers a professional training course that provide
you with the complete package to become an NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent, compliant with industry regulations that require the safeguarding of borrowers' private financial information. We offer you the choice of live, online, or self-study courses to meet your training and lifestyle needs.
All three training options include one year of FREE membership in both the National Notary Association (a $52 value) and the NNA Notary Signing Agent Section (a $39 value). These memberships give you many services; benefits and support that help you advance your career. Notary Signing Agent Section membership helps support and guide your every step as a Notary Signing Agent. Your membership includes:
Free Online Advertising on SigningAgent.com The Web site companies go to when hiring Signing Agents. Access to Thousands of Hiring Companies Seek signing assignments in your state or across the nation. Unlimited Toll-Free Hotline Use Your Notary Signing Agent questions/concerns addressed immediately, right over the phone. NSA Today Newsletter Career building news, information and tips that affect your role as a Notary Signing Agent. 24-Hour Help Online Your own 24-hour Q&A Hotlink in the NNA Notary Signing Agent Section Members-Only Zone.
Notaries should be aware that opportunities to conduct loan signings may be limited or restricted in some states. For more information, see NSA State Restrictions. The NNA has professional training courses that provide you with the complete package to become an NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent, compliant with industry regulations that require the safeguarding of borrowers' private financial information. We offer you the choice of live, online, or self-study courses to meet your training and lifestyle needs. All three training options include one year of FREE membership in both the National Notary Association (a $52 value) and the NNA Notary Signing Agent Section (a $39 value). These memberships give you many services, benefits and support that help you advance your career. Upon successful completion of the certification/compliance training, online certification exam and background screening, you will earn your NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent title. This designation gives you a priority-status, certified/GLBA compliant listing in the NNA SigningAgent.com directory — where lenders, escrow and title companies and signing agencies will seek you out and call you first. You'll get more signings and earn more money!
To become an NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent, simply take one of the three training options below. 1. Live Seminar Training Option (not available in all states) $199 When you elect to take the Live Training Seminar, you'll receive: o Live Training Seminar (select a location, date and time convenient to you) o Professional training by Certified Notary Signing Agent experts o Opportunities for Question & Answer o Demonstrations of loan document signings o Notary Signing Agent Certification Course Book o Certification Exam o Background Screening o Free 1-Year NNA Membership (a $52 value) o Free 1-Year NNA Notary Signing Agent Section Membership (a $39 value)
2. Online Training Option $169 When you elect to take the Online Training, you'll receive: o Online Certified Notary Signing Agent Training Course o Notary Signing Agent Certification Course Book o Online Certification Exam o Background Screening o Free 1-Year NNA Membership (a $52 value) o Free 1-Year NNA Notary Signing Agent Section Membership (a $39 value)
3. Self-Study Option $149 When you elect to take the Self-Study Training, you'll receive: o Notary Signing Agent Certification Course Book o Online Certification Exam o Background Screening o Free 1-Year NNA Membership (a $52 value) o Free 1-Year NNA Notary Signing Agent Section Membership (a $39 value)
Frequent questions and answers Q: Why is there a need for Notary Signing Agents? A: The concept of having a specialized witness visit a borrower's home or business to expedite loan signings was unknown before the 1990s. In the past, able-bodied borrowers would have to travel to a lending, escrow or title office to sign loan papers. However, record low interest rates, a boom in refinancings, a growing corporate preference for "out-sourcing" and demands for faster service have changed signing procedures. In today's competitive loan market, borrowers no longer tolerate the inconvenience of having to leave work or home to sign loan papers. Therefore, closing or signing agencies contract with Notaries who travel to the borrower and ensure that the needed documents are correctly and expeditiously signed, dated, notarized and returned. Q: What functions do Notary Signing Agents perform? A: The Notary Signing Agent meets with the borrower at a designated location, ensures that the borrower signs, initials and dates the loan documents in all appropriate places and then notarizes the borrower's signature where necessary. Once this is completed, it is the Notary Signing Agent's responsibility to see that the signed and notarized loan documents are delivered to the closing agent or other designated office. Q: How does this benefit the borrower? A: By meeting the borrower at home or another convenient location for the signing, the Notary Signing Agent eliminates the need for a time-consuming trip by the borrower to close the loan. This is more convenient for both the closing agent and the borrower. The Notary Signing Agent also provides assurance that the signed and notarized documents will be delivered by the pertinent deadline. Q: Why use Notaries for this service? A: Notaries, in their unique role as public officers employed in private enterprise, are required by law to display a high level of honesty and integrity in their work, which gives lenders confidence in them as trustworthy Signing Agents. In addition, Notaries can be found in every part of the United States, providing a reliable nationwide resource for borrowers that is available even in remote locations.
Q: What are the requirements for a Notary Signing Agent? A: First, the person must be a commissioned Notary Public. Each state has different requirements for Notary applicants. The Notary Signing Agent must be well-versed in correct notarization procedures and familiar with the documents being presented to borrowers. A good Notary Signing Agent is professional, well-organized and, above all, highly responsible. Notary Signing Agents can also distinguish themselves by completing a specialized certification program that recognizes them as competent and knowledgeable in the field. Certified Notary Signing Agents are in great demand by lenders. Q: Who selects the Notary Signing Agent? A: A closing agent, who may be an escrow officer or attorney, may select a Notary Signing Agent directly, or request a Notary's assistance through a third-party document signing service or other intermediary. Many closing firms and signing services keep lists of Notaries on file in order to locate a Notary quickly. Q: What are the costs for Notary Signing Agent services? A: Fees for Notary Signing Agent services can cost the borrower up to $180, with the Notary Signing Agent typically earning $50 to $125 per assignment. The Notary Signing Agent's fee covers tasks beyond notarization that usually include identifying document signature spaces, courier services, and ensuring that the package is returned to the issuing agency in a timely manner. Like attorneys or real estate agents who also are Notaries, Notary Signing Agents wear "two hats," deriving income not only from their notarial services, but also for performing other functions. Most state laws regulate their own fees for each notarization and these fees should have been recorded in a journal of notarial acts. The additional income for services as a Notary Signing Agent may also be noted in the journal or in a separate log kept for that purpose. Q: Does the Notary Signing Agent replace an attorney or closing agent? A: No. The Notary Signing Agent is prohibited by law from preparing documents or answering specific questions about the loan. If the borrower has questions during the signing, the Notary must refer them to the closing agent or the lender. The Notary Signing Agent's duty is to make sure each signer is physically present and is identified appropriately, that all documents are signed and initialed, and that each signature that requires notarization is properly notarized. The Notary Signing Agent is also responsible for ensuring that the documents are returned to the lender.