The terms "notary public" and "signing agent" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different roles with distinct responsibilities. If you are involved in a real estate transaction, loan closing, or other document signing, understanding the distinction will help you hire the right professional for the job.
What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to perform notarial acts such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and taking acknowledgments. In California, notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State and must pass an exam, undergo a background check, and complete approved education courses.
Notaries can notarize virtually any type of document, including affidavits, powers of attorney, business documents, and immigration paperwork. Their primary duty is to verify the identity of the signer and confirm that the signer is acting voluntarily.
What Is a Loan Signing Agent?
A loan signing agent (also called a notary signing agent) is a notary public who has received additional training specifically for handling mortgage and loan document packages. They specialize in guiding borrowers through the complex paperwork involved in real estate closings, refinances, and other loan transactions.
Every loan signing agent is a notary public, but not every notary public is a loan signing agent. The additional training covers topics like understanding loan documents, proper execution of closing packages, and return shipping procedures.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Scope of work: A notary public handles all types of documents. A signing agent focuses specifically on loan and mortgage documents.
- Training: While both must hold a notary commission, signing agents complete additional certification courses through organizations like the National Notary Association (NNA) or Notary2Pro.
- Who hires them: Notaries are hired directly by the public. Signing agents are typically contracted by title companies, escrow officers, or signing services.
- Fee structure: Notaries charge per signature ($15 maximum in California). Signing agents charge a flat fee for the entire signing appointment, usually $125 to $250.
- Document knowledge: A standard notary is not expected to explain document contents. A signing agent understands loan documents and can walk borrowers through each page, though they still cannot provide legal advice.
- Insurance: Signing agents typically carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to protect against mistakes in the signing process. This is not required for general notaries.
When Do You Need a Signing Agent?
You need a signing agent when you are:
- Closing on a home purchase
- Refinancing your mortgage
- Taking out a home equity loan or line of credit
- Closing a reverse mortgage
- Completing any loan transaction that involves a package of documents from a title company
In these situations, the title company or lender will typically arrange for a signing agent to meet with you. You can also request a specific signing agent if you have a preference.
When Do You Need a General Notary?
For anything outside of loan signings, a general notary public is the right choice. Common situations include:
- Notarizing a power of attorney
- Getting trust documents notarized
- Notarizing contracts or affidavits
- Handling translated documents for immigration
- Notarizing vehicle title transfers
- Any single-document notarization
Can a Signing Agent Do Regular Notary Work?
Yes. Since every signing agent holds a notary commission, they can perform any standard notarial act. However, you may pay more for a signing agent's time if you only need a simple notarization. For cost-effective service on non-loan documents, a general notary or mobile notary is usually the better choice.
Finding the Right Professional in Los Angeles
Whether you need a general notary or a specialized signing agent, Los Angeles has thousands of qualified professionals available. Many notaries in our directory offer both general notary services and loan signing capabilities, giving you flexibility. Browse our free Los Angeles notary directory to compare services, read reviews, and find the right match for your needs.
For more information on notary costs, check out our guide on how much a notary costs in California.
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