certified Notary signing agent
What Working with an NSA Means to You
While every Certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a Notary, not every Notary is an NSA.
This is extremely important in understanding why Lenders usually do not recruit non-NSA notaries to have their loan documents signed and notarized. Many Notaries simply do General Notary Work (GNW) and never progress beyond that level.
Think back and remember when the last time a bank notary offered to notarize a complex trust document. While there is nothing wrong with providing that level of service, it should be noted that complex documents require advanced training.
Only a Certified Notary Signing Agent has undergone intense training, passed an intensive examination as well as a background screening. Further, every NSA is required to pass an annual exam to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to remain current in understanding new laws and regulations. They also must pass an annual background screening each year.
A Notary Signing Agent has been trained to notarize Loan Documents for lenders, who usually hire them the job. This represents an important step for the home buyers in the loan process and includes the printing out of hundreds of pages of documents, traveling to meet with the signers, having the documents notarized and returning them to the lender within a specified period which is usually less than 24 hours.
The advantage of working with an NSA, even if there is no need to complete loan documents, is that they have demonstrated a desire to invest time to complete supplemental training that adds additional knowledge and professionalism to their practice.