A notary public is required for various legal and financial transactions.

A notary public and a signing agent are both involved in verifying the authenticity of documents, but they have different scopes of work and responsibilities.

While these two roles share some similarities, it is important to understand their distinctions.

At Elite Notary Agency, our team of highly-experienced notaries is available to help our clients with a variety of notarization needs. We've created this blog to help you understand more about the characteristics and unique functions of a notary and signing agents so you can have a better idea of how they can support you.

Notary Public

A notary public is a public official appointed by the state who can act as an impartial witness for the signing of important documents.

The key functions of a notary public include:

Verifying identities: Notaries public must confirm the identities of the individuals signing the document. This may involve checking identification documents such as passports, driver's licenses, or government-issued identification cards.

Witnessing signatures: Notaries public are present for the signing of the document and witness the signatories affixing their signatures. They ensure that the signing is voluntary and that the individuals are of sound mind.

Administering oaths and affirmations: Notaries public have the authority to administer oaths or affirmations, which are solemn declarations made by individuals regarding the truthfulness of the statements made in a document.

Taking acknowledgments: When a document requires an acknowledgment, the notary public verifies that the signatory understands the document's contents and signs it willingly and without coercion.

Certifying copies: Notaries public can make certified copies of original documents. These certified copies carry the same legal weight as the original documents.

Signing Agent

A signing agent is a specialized professional who is primarily involved in facilitating the execution of loan documents, particularly in real estate transactions. Their role is more specific and focused compared to a notary public.

The key functions of a signing agent includes:

Loan document preparation: Signing agents often work closely with lenders, title companies, and escrow agents to ensure that loan documents are accurately prepared for the borrower's signature.

Traveling to the signing location: Signing agents travel to the location where the signing will occur, which can be the borrower's home, workplace, or a designated meeting place.

Guiding borrowers through the signing process: Signing agents are knowledgeable about the loan documents and can explain the purpose and significance of each document they are signing.

Notarizing documents: While not all documents require notarization, signing agents are often notaries public as well, allowing them to notarize any necessary documents during the signing process.

Ensuring document accuracy and completeness: The signing agent's responsible for verifying that all documents are signed and completed accurately, and returning them promptly to the appropriate parties for further processing.

In summary, a notary public and a signing agent are distinct roles, each with their own set of responsibilities. A notary public is a state-appointed official responsible for verifying identities, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, and certifying copies.

On the other hand, a signing agent specializes in facilitating the signing of loan documents, guiding borrowers through the process, and ensuring document accuracy and completeness. While a notary public can also act as a signing agent, not all signing agents are notaries public.

Elite Notary Agency can provide you with an array of notary services, ensuring you have the support you need for signing legal documents correctly. Contact us today to learn more about our work!