What is a notary signing agent?
For many businesses and individuals, getting loan documents notarized can feel like an intimidating and time consuming process. But did you know that a notary signing agent can help you expedite the process while ensuring your documents are filed accurately and within compliance of state law? But what is a notary signing agent, and how do they differ from a notary public? We break down everything you need to know in this article.
What is a notary signing agent?
A notary signing agent, or NSA, is an individual that deals with loan documents on behalf of an individual or company. Notary signing agents general duties include printing the loan documents, arranging and executing the notarization of the documents, and sending them off for processing.
NSAs are also tasked with carrying out specific instructions from the title company, lender, or signing service that has hired them in order to remain consistent with their operating procedures. This could include, for instance, returning the notarized documents by fax right away, or mailing them with a specific shipping service in order to safeguard their delivery.
While NSAs have previously been required to notarize documents via old-school methods, such as in-person or mobile notarization, Remote Online Notarization (RON) has made it easier than ever for SMB’s to process loans.
By allowing you to meet with a signing agent virtually and at your own convenience, Remote Online Notarization can help save you both time and money.
Why do you need a notary signing agent?
Notary signing agents (NSAs) deter fraud and attest to the reliability of documents and the data they contain.
Because NSAs record changes in real estate titles and verify the ID of home buyers, they are necessary during the home loan closing process, for example.
The NSA is responsible for administering oaths that warn the parties that their statements were made under penalty of perjury. NSAs also ensure that there is no fraud or undue influence during the proceedings.
If a property is purchased and sold again, NSAs help to ensure there are no title issues or ambiguities.
How is a notary signing agent different from a notary public?
The difference between a notary signing agent and a notary public is that an NSA is trained and certified to notarize and file loan documents, in addition to holding a traditional notary commission. Because a signing agent must know how the full loan process works in the state that they practice, they are required to undergo more training than a traditional notary public.
Notary signing agents are usually involved with helping their client to assemble, notarize, and file their loan documents on an intimate level. This means that they have access to private financial information about their clients. For this reason, NSAs are required to undergo annual background checks.
By comparison, a notary public is only required to verify the identities of the signers and apply their notarial seal for verification. They are not required to review the documents being notarized in order to determine its legality.
A commissioned notary public can undergo the training and certification process in order to provide NSA services. Requirements for this vary by state.
When do you need a notary signing agent?
A notary signing agent is specifically hired to help businesses and individuals notarize loan documents. Signing agents are deeply knowledgeable about the details of the documents they are notarizing, as well as the legal processing requirements of the state they practice in.
NSAs ultimately help save time and money by guiding clients through the loan process.
Though the loan process can feel lengthy and complicated, Remote Online Notarization allows you to expedite the process by connecting you with an expert notary signing agent at your own convenience.
As more states continue to embrace RON, it has never been easier to process and notarize loan documents without any of the headache.
How to find a notary signing agent with PandaDoc Notary
Though notarizing and processing loan documents can seem like a daunting task, utilizing the expert knowledge of a notary signing agent can help ensure everything goes as smooth and easy as possible.
PandaDoc Notary has helped provide reliable, easy-to-use Remote Online Notarization services to thousands of businesses. PandaDoc Notary offers an all-in-one platform that allows you to create, sign, and notarize documents online without having to leave the comfort of your home. To learn more about how PandaDoc Notary can help you, request a demo.
FAQs
Who needs a notary signing agent?
An individual would need to use a notary signing agent when they are preparing, signing, notarizing, and sending out loan documents for processing. Notary signing agents are specifically trained in preparing and dealing with loan documents and utilized to ensure that the documents have been prepared correctly, in accordance with local state law.
A notary signing agent may operate on behalf of an individual or a business.
How much does it cost to hire a notary?
The cost to hire a notary depends on the state in which you need to notarize your documents, as well as the fees required by the notary, per their method of notarization. In other words, each state is able to set it’s own maximum fees for notarization services, though some states do not impose a maximum fee. Some states also allow notaries to charge their own additional fees, while others do not.
Remote online notarization (RON) has made it faster and cheaper than ever to notarize your documents at your convenience. Most notary fees with RON range from $5-20 depending on the state and notarization service.