Have you ever wondered what makes a notary public different from a notary signing agent? While they share some similarities, these two roles are distinct and serve unique purposes. If you’re dealing with important documents—especially in industries like real estate or finance—understanding these differences can help you choose the right professional for your needs.
Notary Public: The Foundation of Verification
A notary public is a state-commissioned official whose primary job is to verify the identity of signers and ensure that agreements are willingly and legally executed. They act as impartial witnesses, preventing fraud and adding a layer of credibility to various transactions.
Some common services provided by notary publics include:
- Verifying signatures on legal documents like wills, custody agreements, and powers of attorney
- Certifying property deeds or vendor contracts in business transactions
- Administering oaths and affirmations for affidavits and other legal proceedings
While their role is vital, a notary public’s responsibilities often stop at authenticating and witnessing signatures.
A standard notary public is authorized to notarize a wide range of documents. Here are some of the most common types of documents they handle:
Legal Documents
- Wills – Ensuring the testator’s signature is valid and witnessed.
- Trusts – Certifying trust agreements to establish legal ownership of assets.
- Powers of Attorney – Verifying signatures on documents granting authority to another person.
- Affidavits – Notarizing sworn written statements for legal proceedings.
- Custody Agreements – Authenticating agreements between parties regarding child custody.
Financial Documents
- Property Deeds – Verifying ownership transfers for real estate.
- Debt Settlements – Witnessing agreements to resolve outstanding debts.
- Tax Forms – Authenticating IRS forms, such as Form 4506-T for tax return requests.
Business Documents
- Vendor Contracts – Witnessing and certifying agreements between businesses and suppliers.
- Employment Agreements – Ensuring proper signatures on employment or non-compete contracts.
- Partnership Agreements – Certifying documents that establish business partnerships.
- Incorporation Documents – Verifying signatures for articles of incorporation or business filings.
Government and Court Documents
- Subpoenas – Certifying the delivery or receipt of legal orders.
- Court Affidavits – Verifying statements or testimony for use in court.
- Licensing Applications – Authenticating applications for professional or business licenses.
Medical and Healthcare Documents
- Healthcare Proxies – Certifying documents that designate medical decision-makers.
- Living Wills – Verifying signatures on documents outlining healthcare preferences.
Miscellaneous Documents
- Travel Consent Letters – Certifying parental consent for minors traveling internationally.
- Bill of Sale – Authenticating transfers of ownership for personal property, such as vehicles or boats.
- Permission Slips – Certifying authorization for children to participate in specific activities.
- Copies of Official Documents – Certifying copies of documents like passports or diplomas as true and accurate.
Notary Signing Agent: A Specialist for Loan Closings
Notary signing agents (NSAs), on the other hand, build on the foundation of notarial services by specializing in loan document execution. These professionals are trained to guide borrowers through the signing process, ensuring they understand each document they’re signing.
This role is particularly critical in transactions involving:
- Home loans, including mortgages, refinancing, and reverse mortgages
- Auto loans, where financing documents can often be complex
- Business loans and commercial property transactions
The additional expertise of a notary signing agent makes them invaluable during loan closings, as they bridge the gap between lenders and borrowers, providing clarity and confidence throughout the process.
Key Differences Between Notary Publics and Notary Signing Agents
While notary publics and notary signing agents share the ability to notarize documents, their responsibilities differ in several key ways:
- Training and Certification: Notary publics meet state-specific requirements, while notary signing agents undergo additional training focused on loan documentation.
- Scope of Work: Notary publics focus on identity verification and document authentication. Notary signing agents take it further by explaining loan documents and facilitating the signing process.
- Industry Focus: Notary publics serve a wide range of needs, from legal agreements to business contracts. Notary signing agents are primarily involved in real estate and financial transactions.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Needs
When deciding between a notary public and a notary signing agent, consider the nature of your transaction. For basic notarizations, such as verifying a signature on a will or lease, a notary public is typically sufficient. However, for more complex processes like loan closings, a notary signing agent’s specialized expertise is essential.
Simplifying the Process with ZigSig
Finding the right professional doesn’t have to be a hassle. ZigSig connects you with a network of over 75000 experienced notary publics and notary signing agents who are ready to assist, whether you’re notarizing a simple agreement or closing on your dream home.
With ZigSig, you’ll enjoy:
- Access to a nationwide network of certified professionals
- Streamlined scheduling for in-person or remote notarizations
- Peace of mind knowing your documents are handled by experts
While both roles are crucial, understanding the unique responsibilities of notary publics and notary signing agents ensures you get the right support for your transaction. With ZigSig, navigating these options is easy—let us help you take the stress out of your next notarization.