What Is Certified Notary Signing Agent?
A certified notary signing agent is a commissioned notary with specialized training in real estate transactions. Specifically, a signing agent acquires and notarizes signatures on loan documents to help facilitate closings on real estate transactions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Notary
-
A notary is certified by state governments for official duties, such as witnessing signatures, authenticating sworn statements and administering oaths. A notary must be bonded.
Application
-
The notary application varies by state. Generally, an individual must submit an application, provide fingerprints showing absence of criminal history and pay a fee to the secretary of state. Some states require a written exam. To become a certified notary signing agent, an individual also must pass additional background screening.
-
Background Screening
-
Mortgage paperwork includes sensitive information about individuals, and federal law requires that anyone privy to such information be screened. The background screening includes identity and residence verification, federal and state criminal background checks, and known-terrorist list check.
Certification
-
Organizations such as the National Notary Association offer certification programs and will help with the application process. Certification is not necessary, but may be valuable when applying for jobs.
State Restrictions
-
Each state specifies under what circumstances a signing agent is authorized to participate in the mortgage closing process. For instance, certain states require the involvement of a licensed attorney.
-
