Understanding the Roles of Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent

Congratulations on becoming a notary! As you embark on this rewarding journey, it's crucial to understand the different paths you can take within the notary profession. Specifically, let's dive into the distinctions and commonalities between a Notary Public and a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). 

Differences

1. Scope of Work:

- Notary Public: As a Notary Public, your primary role is to verify the identity of signers, ensure they are signing willingly, and witness the signing of various documents such as deeds, powers-of-attorney, and other non-contentious matters. Your work is essential in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of important documents.

- Notary Signing Agent (NSA): If you choose to become an NSA, you'll specialize in handling and notarizing loan documents. Your clients will often be mortgage companies, escrow companies, title companies, and signing services. Your job will be to ensure that real estate loan documents are signed by the borrower, notarized, and returned for processing promptly.

2. Training and Certification:

- Notary Public: The training requirements for a Notary Public vary by state. Some states require you to complete an educational course and pass an exam, while others do not. The focus is on understanding the basics of notarization laws and procedures.

- Notary Signing Agent: Becoming an NSA requires additional training specific to handling loan documents and real estate closings. Many NSAs pursue certification through organizations such as the National Notary Association (NNA), which provides specialized education and resources.

3. Clientele:

- Notary Public: Your clients will be diverse, ranging from individuals to businesses and government entities. You'll handle a variety of documents for different purposes.

- Notary Signing Agent: As an NSA, your clientele will focus more on the real estate industry. You'll work closely with real estate professionals, title companies, escrow companies, and lenders.

4. Legal and Financial Knowledge:

- Notary Public: You need a basic understanding of notarization laws and procedures.

- Notary Signing Agent: You'll need a deeper understanding of mortgage and real estate documents, processes, and regulations. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that all documents are accurately signed and notarized.

5. Frequency of Services:

- Notary Public: You may perform notarizations on an as-needed basis, which can vary in frequency.

-Notary Signing Agent: Your work will likely be more frequent and scheduled due to the steady flow of real estate transactions. Of course, that depends on the real estate market at any given time.

Similarities

1. Commissioned by the State:

Both Notary Publics and Notary Signing Agents are commissioned by the state government. This commission authorizes you to perform notarizations within your jurisdiction.

2. Identity Verification:

In both roles, verifying the signer's identity is a crucial step to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the notarization process.

3. Impartiality and Ethics:

Both positions require strict adherence to ethical guidelines, including impartiality and confidentiality. You must avoid any situations where you have a personal interest.

4. Record-Keeping:

Accurate record-keeping of your notarizations is essential for both Notary Publics and NSAs. These records provide an audit trail and ensure accountability.

5. Liability Insurance:

It's common for both types of notaries to carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect against claims of negligence or mistakes made during the notarization process.

By understanding these roles' distinct and overlapping responsibilities, you can make informed decisions about your career path. Whether you decide to remain a Notary Public or specialize as a Notary Signing Agent, your role is crucial in ensuring the authenticity and integrity of important documents.

Of course, being a notary and notary loan signing agent aren’t the only two options when embarking on a notary career. You can work as a notary with many different specialties and focuses.

I highly encourage you to get your hands on Beyond Loan Signings, a book co-authored by Laura Biewer of Coachmelaura and Bill Soroka of NotaryCoach. It offers over ten other specialties to choose from or do them all. Grab it today!

Welcome to the world of notaries! Your journey is just beginning, and a world of opportunities is waiting for you.

Until Next Week- Keep Stamping

Jennifer K. Cooper, JKC Mobile Notary