Exploring the Differences: Notary Public vs. Notary Signing Agent

Understanding the Roles

When dealing with legal documents, it's crucial to understand the roles of a Notary Public and a Notary Signing Agent. Though they might sound similar, their functions and responsibilities differ significantly. Both play essential roles in ensuring the authenticity of documents, but they serve in different capacities.

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an official appointed by the state government to witness the signing of important documents, administer oaths, and deter fraud. Their primary role is to verify the identity of signatories and ensure that all parties involved are doing so willingly and under no duress. They are also responsible for maintaining an official record of the notarization.

Notaries are often found in places like banks, law offices, and government buildings. They can notarize a wide range of documents, including wills, affidavits, and powers of attorney. Their main goal is to ensure that the person signing a document is who they claim to be.

The Function of a Notary Signing Agent

A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a specialized notary who has additional training to handle and notarize loan documents. They play a vital role in real estate transactions by ensuring that mortgage documents are executed properly. The NSA guides borrowers through the signing process, ensuring they understand what they are signing without offering any advice or opinions about the terms.

Unlike general notaries, NSAs often work independently and coordinate with lenders, title companies, and signing services. This specialized role requires expertise in handling complex loan documents and a thorough understanding of the real estate industry.

Key Differences Between Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent

While both positions require a notarial commission, there are several differences between a Notary Public and a Notary Signing Agent:

• Scope of Work: Notaries handle various document types, while NSAs focus on loan and mortgage documents.
• Training: NSAs undergo additional training specific to loan document signing procedures.
• Interaction: NSAs interact more with borrowers and lenders, whereas notaries typically engage with the general public.

Training and Certification

Becoming a Notary Public generally requires completing state-specific requirements, which may include passing an exam and undergoing a background check. The process varies by state but is typically straightforward.

On the other hand, becoming an NSA requires more extensive training. Many NSAs pursue certification courses that cover loan document signing processes and industry practices. Certification can enhance credibility and increase opportunities within the mortgage industry.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Needs

If you need a document notarized for general purposes, such as an affidavit or power of attorney, a Notary Public will suffice. However, for real estate transactions involving loan documents, an NSA is more appropriate due to their specialized training.

Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right professional for your needs and ensure that your documents are handled correctly. Both roles are vital in maintaining the integrity and legality of document transactions.